Getting a bit 'cross
- familyguy
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Getting a bit 'cross
Postby familyguy » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:09 pm
The narrow availability of cross bikes in Australia leaves this as somewhat of a pipedream at the moment (read: not enough cash to experiment with). I know there's a couple of members with cross bikes, but has anyone used a 1x9 (or 1x8) setup at all? Are there major issues with chain drop or cross-chaining? Is the only difference between cross frames and more relaxed 'road frames' rack and fender mount points, canti's and wheel clearance? What would stop anyone from taking a road frame and 1x9'ing it? No worries about taking that short off-road section of a commute with a cross bike either, I guess?
These guys have some deals that would make it interesting, except that they dont ship to Australia. I dont know anything about Bikesdirect, except what I read on BikeForums.net, which seems generally positive.
Get a hold of one, - the STI's + brake only levers + one barcon or DT shifter for the back end + racks + fenders = sweet I can see it now!
Jim
- Jean
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Jean » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:57 pm
Freight/mail forwarder like MyUS (which my wife uses for shoes, handbags and other pieces) might be worth examining given those prices.familyguy wrote: These guys have some deals that would make it interesting, except that they dont ship to Australia. I dont know anything about Bikesdirect, except what I read on BikeForums.net, which seems generally positive.
- jacks1071
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby jacks1071 » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:40 pm
If you want to see her really mad bring a set of Zipp 404's home, that purchase landed me in the cubby house for a week. Thank-god we upsized the cubby to the mega version!familyguy wrote:Call me stupid, but I've been taken with the idea of a 1x9 cyclocross setup for commuting. 53/11 for riding home? Not really a big requirement personally.
The narrow availability of cross bikes in Australia leaves this as somewhat of a pipedream at the moment (read: not enough cash to experiment with). I know there's a couple of members with cross bikes, but has anyone used a 1x9 (or 1x8) setup at all? Are there major issues with chain drop or cross-chaining? Is the only difference between cross frames and more relaxed 'road frames' rack and fender mount points, canti's and wheel clearance? What would stop anyone from taking a road frame and 1x9'ing it? No worries about taking that short off-road section of a commute with a cross bike either, I guess?
These guys have some deals that would make it interesting, except that they dont ship to Australia. I dont know anything about Bikesdirect, except what I read on BikeForums.net, which seems generally positive.
Get a hold of one, - the STI's + brake only levers + one barcon or DT shifter for the back end + racks + fenders = sweet I can see it now!
Jim
- Zynster
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Zynster » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:13 pm
- familyguy
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby familyguy » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:19 pm
The thought did occur to me. Providing it will fit 700c wheels, even on 135mm rear spacing, whack on some drops and give it a bash.Zynster wrote:I'm doing up a cross frame for commuting. However I'm putting an old 3x6 mtb groupy on it. I'm aiming at a sub $100 build.
I'd be interested to see how it pans out.
Jim
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Baalzamon » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:33 pm
Speed wise I have found them to be quite the same for me even tho one is 5kg heavier. Both of them are running 700x23. Mind you I was prepared to fork out the $$$ for the Masi and I was just becoming aware of wiggle by then as well.
- simonn
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby simonn » Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:35 pm
No no no. Buy a cyclocross from bikesdirect.com using myus.com and see how that pans out (and then let me come and have a look at it) .familyguy wrote: I'd be interested to see how it pans out.
- familyguy
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby familyguy » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:14 pm
Even with myUS charging $245 for a 15kg package? Is that a fair rate? I guess thats not bad for a one-off, considering most US suppliers and their stinging postage charges.simonn wrote:No no no. Buy a cyclocross from bikesdirect.com using myus.com and see how that pans out (and then let me come and have a look at it) .
Fantom CX = US$499 (incl. US ground ship)
MyUS.com = US$245 shipping to Aus. for 15kg ($210 for 12kg)
= US$744
= AU$800 odd (current exchange is about US$0.93c/AU$1)
Hmm, Windsor Cyclo...
Now. Who wants to give me $500 to start?
Jim
- munga
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby munga » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:03 pm
http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=114348
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby munga » Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:06 pm
about as cheap as i can figure
- mikedufty
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1x9
Postby mikedufty » Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:45 pm
The gears suited me really well, but I did end up putting the front derailleur back on as a chain guide, other wise the chain would fall off the front ring once every couple of weeks.
- familyguy
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby familyguy » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:26 pm
From what I've read it seems to be you need some form of front chain control, through a redundant FD or a chain watcher/chain ring combo.
Jim
* My kids are far from starving, but you get the idea, so dont call DOCS
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Nobody » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:08 pm
I think one reason you'd be better off with a compact double is you would spend more time using a bigger cog at the back when selecting the 50 tooth chainwheel so reducing your wear and increasing your efficiency slightly.familyguy wrote:Call me stupid, but I've been taken with the idea of a 1x9 cyclocross setup for commuting. 53/11 for riding home? Not really a big requirement personally.
...What would stop anyone from taking a road frame and 1x9'ing it?
You also end up with a lower ratio for hills than a single compromise chainwheel. Isn't it steep around the Northern Beaches?
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby alchemist » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:42 pm
Yes, I even know of one person running Shimpagnolo (8 speed campy with a 9 speed Shimano derailleur or some similar abomination)
Are there major issues with chain drop or cross-chaining?
There are a number of ways to deal with this:
- a old front deraileur locked in position
- two 'cross guards (like a bash ring on a mtb but lighter)
- one 'cross guard and a chain catcher
- one of the newer chain devices from e-13 xcx or MRP 1.x. You wont get one to cover a 53, but most people that reckon they're spinning out 53:11 are kidding themselves
Is the only difference between cross frames and more relaxed 'road frames' rack and fender mount points, canti's and wheel clearance?
Well for some, but many race cx frames will be more agressive than some roadies and wont have bottle mounts let alone rack and fender mounts.
What would stop anyone from taking a road frame and 1x9'ing it?
Lazyness, peer pressure...
No worries about taking that short off-road section of a commute with a cross bike either, I guess?
Not really.
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby alchemist » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:43 pm
There's nothing out there that cant be climbed on a single speed.Nobody wrote:Isn't it steep around the Northern Beaches?
- drubie
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby drubie » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:51 pm
(ring ring)familyguy wrote:
* My kids are far from starving, but you get the idea, so dont call DOCS
Hello, this is child services, my name is Rita how can I help?
ON TEH INNERNETS IS CYCLING GUY STARVIN HIS KIDDIES
I don't quite understand, just starving?
YES
Starving is fine. Are you sure thats all?
OH...I...WAIT...HE ALSO LETS THEM ON BICYCLING FORUMZ AND THEY HAZ CHATS.
With...men?
ABOUT...CYCLING. ON THE ROAD AND SOMETIMES IN TRAFFIC. HE TELLS THEM TO PUNCH BUS DRIVERS.
(sound of police siren)
OK sir, we're right on it.
*click*
but really, that's rubbish. We get none of it because the choices are illusory.
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Nobody » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:16 pm
Yes, even I could do it. But then you didn't mention anything about what gear ratio...alchemist wrote:There's nothing out there that cant be climbed on a single speed.Nobody wrote:Isn't it steep around the Northern Beaches?
- familyguy
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby familyguy » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:37 am
How does 22/27 sound?Nobody wrote:Yes, even I could do it. But then you didn't mention anything about what gear ratio...alchemist wrote:There's nothing out there that cant be climbed on a single speed.Nobody wrote:Isn't it steep around the Northern Beaches?
It can be, but coming in this morning I did a pseudo-test run. 39 chainring and I was only on the 25 for one brief hill, and the 13 for one brief run. Other than that it was the centre-8 all the way without spinning out or grinding.Nobody wrote: You also end up with a lower ratio for hills than a single compromise chainwheel. Isn't it steep around the Northern Beaches?
If you went say 36 front and 12-25 back on a 9 or 10-speed, that'd cover pretty much anything a commute might chuck my way.
Decisions, decisions.
Jim
*goes to feed children and shepherd them from evil cycling forum brigade*
- Zynster
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby Zynster » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:39 am
I've got 27" wheels with fat tires off an old racer, the groupo is off a Malvern Star MTB (hard rubbish), Shimano Canti brakes off Ebay, a set of alu fenders and north road bars off friends. Just I need a rack and a springy seat.familyguy wrote:The thought did occur to me. Providing it will fit 700c wheels, even on 135mm rear spacing, whack on some drops and give it a bash.Zynster wrote:I'm doing up a cross frame for commuting. However I'm putting an old 3x6 mtb groupy on it. I'm aiming at a sub $100 build.
I'd be interested to see how it pans out.
Jim
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby alchemist » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:45 am
For on road stuff, I'd lean towards something between 42 to 46.familyguy wrote:If you went say 36 front and 12-25 back on a 9 or 10-speed, that'd cover pretty much anything a commute might chuck my way.
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Re: Getting a bit 'cross
Postby kibnedyo » Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:46 am
Currently I use a MTB as a trail bike but like the idea of branching out to tackle longer rides (80+klms instead of 20-40 on the MTB) on rail trails etc where I can have a faster average speed. I don't really use the MTB for hard core downhiill stuff and at times I wonder whether the front suspension is worth the comfort/weight trade off.
Of course the other thing is that the bike needs to be able to take a child seat at times as the MTB currently doulbes up in this role.
Unfortunately financial reality prevents me form persuing the path of a 'crossy.
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