SS Noob Questions
 

Have been riding cross for about 5 years and thinking of converting a steel frame bike to SS cross.

several questions:

given the off road rigors - any preferences for steel vs. carbon

whats a typical gearing set up?

i'm 6/3 175, 55, and a pretty average rider

Are you building this for racing or just riding around off-road?

What's your plan for chain tension?

Somebody already posted the 'what is your favorite CX SS gear ' thing.. seek it out.

mostly for tooling around my local trails. some hills, some roots and logs, and a few stream crossings.

i have a bianchi steel road bike converted to SS and use the Surly Singleater chain tensioner. it works fine and i'm enjoying it

might race but mostly for fun

I think it just depends on your local terrain. Just start with the traditional 42x17 and go from there. Or just go with what you got to see if it will work.

You're already most of the way there, then! Don't ask a bunch of strangers what gear ratio you should run, just keep riding and bump it up or down if needed.

steel will be the way to go unless a few Kilo$ "need" spending.