Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
You have a tendency for ignoring clearly stated meaning and incorrectly paraphrasing, those rhetorical gimmicks make an intelligent discussion of semantics impossible.
The 40mm width is useful since this size exceeds the size capacity of almost all conventional cyclocross bikes. Most Cyclocross bikes have a chain-stay length of 425mm, a few have 430mm chainstays. This alone limits the tire size to 700x38 if the bike has vertical drop-outs. A bike with horizontal drop-outs has a variable chain-stay length and can fit larger tires.
Several excellent Monstercross frame builders target the 700x47 tire size and don't try to fit larger tires. A framebuilder can build a frame that will accept a cyclocross crankset if the tire is less than 700x50 by using a chain-stay that is longer than 425mm. Once you try to fit a 700x50, a MTB crankset is required for the crankarm to clear the chainstay and for the chain to clear the tire.
Most Monstercross bikes will not use a 700x50 or larger tire. It won't make the bike more useful. If you need a 700x50 tire or larger to float in soft soil or sand, you need to reduce the weight of rider on the front wheel. A flat bar mountain bike is the best tool for those conditions.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 03-12-13 at 12:18 PM.