First time crosser equipment questions

[fortunemunkey]

I'm putting together a cross bike, and have a few questions:

[list=1][*]8 or 9 spd? Any preferences?[*]Sti or barcons?[*]drops - same width as road bike, or wider. Deeper, shallower or the same[*] brakes. Canti's or V's[*] stem length/ height. Same as road?[*] ratios. I was thinking 39/48 12-26. Sensible or silly. I already have the 39 so it will save a bit of money.[/list=1]

Thanks for any help - I appreciate any advice I can get


Cheers,

Leon

[velocipedio]

Originally posted by fortunemunkey
[list=1][*]8 or 9 spd? Any preferences?[*]Sti or barcons?[*]drops - same width as road bike, or wider. Deeper, shallower or the same[*] brakes. Canti's or V's[*] stem length/ height. Same as road?[*] ratios. I was thinking 39/48 12-26. Sensible or silly. I already have the 39 so it will save a bit of money.[/list=1]

1. 9-speed
2. Ergopower
3. Drops, slightly wider than road bike [42 c-c, rather than 42 o-o]
4. Cantis
5. Same length but slightly higher.
6. 39/48 13-26 . If I need a lower gear than 39x26, then I'm probably better off running.

At least that's how I have it set up. YMMV.

[fortunemunkey]

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking of getting 38/48 and 12/25 cassette, as that is what I can get hold of fairly easily.

I'll go 9spd if you have no problems with it, then at least all my bikes are compatible with each other.

[RacerX]

9-speed (so all your stuff is compatible)
wider bars, shallow drop
sti or barends are personal preference
the frame tt should be shorter than your road bike. I have the same length stem and works fine.
I run 38/46x12-27. I honestly can't see an application for a 48 in any cross race I've been in but maybe for mulit-purpose (like road and commuting).

39/48x12-26 sounds like work... I would at least consider a 12-27 cluster.

[zlj75]

I agree with RacerX, the 38/46x12/27 is the way to go...though if you find yourself in the 38x27 you're going backwards, but it is nice to have. Good luck.

[CrossProvidence]

go with what you have and upgrade as necessary. I run a 42 single and 27 rear. This past weekend in the snow and deep sticky mud was the first time i wanted my 39 back. As for brakes, get cantis because of mud clearance. With v's you have to run cable adapters for pull length. Use a wider handlebar. Top tube length should match your road bike. Seat tube lenghts to top tube ratios vary between manufacturers.

[fortunemunkey]

I've gone with 38/48 with 12-25, mainly because I got a 12-25 cassette 1/2 price!

I'll report on how I get on in a couple of weeks when I get the bike together. Should have a blitz of weekly CX races in Jan and Feb. Looking forward o it even though I haven't been race fit for about 3 years.

Should be ok though - surely nobody is fit in january ;-)

[CrossProvidence]

Besides, its only around 45 minutes. So the pain will stop eventually.

[Alan Perkins]

Originally posted by velocipedio

1. 9-speed
2. Ergopower
3. Drops, slightly wider than road bike [42 c-c, rather than 42 o-o]
4. Cantis
5. Same length but slightly higher.
6. 39/48 13-26 . If I need a lower gear than 39x26, then I'm probably better off running.

At least that's how I have it set up. YMMV.

Totally agree with Velo. I'm running 8 speed since I did a hand me down from another bike, but 9 will work just fine too. Use what you have, first before you spend the coin to upgrade.

Rear cassette for me is a 12-27, with 38-48 in front.