Cyclocross for commuting and then some

[lloydkayak]

The wheel set... Is it a 29er mtb wheelset I assume? Thinking of going this route but using a cheap 29er mtb wheelset, would this work?

Then your groupset, what did you use? Only really interested in one chain ring with 9 speed rear derailer?

 

flippen cool project

[lloydkayak]

I don't know.There was someone else here who knew them.Try TitusTi

 

Kona make a reasonably priced one.There was a Santa Cruz for sale a while back

 

Any clue as to which shop in Kennilworth?

Who would maybe bring in the Kona ones in cape town... Seem to be very limited!

[Chro Mo]

The wheelset is a MTB 29er - Alex XO Lite on XT Hubs - I insist on 36h hubs - that's just my preference. I got this from an LBS in Hermanus, of all places. You can go much higher in spec with The Arch/Crest/Flow from Stan's - but the cost increases exponentially.

The Giant wheelsets that come stock on XTC 29ers and the like are usually the first to be upgraded, so can be had at good prices on the hub.

The groupset is Deore level cassette (12-36), with an MRP 40t singlespeed chainring up front. The 40t front, 12-36 rear gives me all the range I need.

I have one bar-end shifter now (microshift) and a microshift rear derailleur (9spd). These are fantastic components, easily SLX level in construction, weight and durability, though a fraction of the price.

The cranks came off my 1997 Giant Sedona - they are square taper cranks running off a Shimano UN54 BB.

Most, if not all, CX bikes run a 68mm BB shell, so you will need the correct size BB.

Grant at singlespeed.co.za carries a full line of ss chainrings - I got the MRP from a hubber. I have bought a blackspire chainring from him before and it rocked.

The Paul chainkeeper, i also got from Grant.

Remember the narrow chainring bolts!

 

From time to time Cx bikes appear in the classifieds - if you are serious, place a wanted ad there - you could pick up a great deal!

 

Enjoy!

[lloydkayak]

So a guy has contacted me with a Stevens CX bike. 58cm frame (which by what I see should be right because a cx bike should be a touch smaller than a road bike).

Bike seems very clean... R6500?

 

Ultegra groupset (sti, hubs,derailers etc)

Carbonfibre fork

Mavic CX pp2 rims

10 spd

Edited August 29, 2012 by lloydkayak

[Chro Mo]

Sounds like a great deal to me!

[DR ◣◢]

That is a good deal. Frames alone are R4500 to R6500 depending...

[Bos]

This really is a cool thread. I took up road riding/racing about 5 years ago and the first thing I thought after riding the Karoo to coast (even Knysna 85km) was, I could do these races on roadbike! Im sure one would habve to run a mtb casette on there as you would *** bricks having to ride up some of the climbs in Mtb races.. But really.. I would love to give it a shot.. I have not been using my roadbike so I sold it a month ago.. but this now looks like a worthey new project. (I cnan already hear the wife sigh) I did a comparison up Kloofnek to see how much longer it would take me on my Mtbike the other day. and where It would take me 9-10 minutes in 39-25t It took me 12minutes in 28-26 most of the time. theres about a 4kg difference in weight and there must be a higher road friction..

 

My point... how do these cx bikes fair in offroad and what are they like on the road.. I guess slap bang in the middle?

[droo]

Crosstown Cycles?

 

That would be the one, and Ze German in question is Olaf.

[Kranswurm]

So a guy has contacted me with a Stevens CX bike. 58cm frame (which by what I see should be right because a cx bike should be a touch smaller than a road bike).

Bike seems very clean... R6500?

 

Ultegra groupset (sti, hubs,derailers etc)

Carbonfibre fork

Mavic CX pp2 rims

10 spd

 

Bargain.....that's an XL btw (my size)

[lloydkayak]

Chatting to the dude tonight maybe

But first to check with the bank manager Had only planned on getting a cheapo old racer

[gwhite]

I have no idea what a cyclocross bike even looks like, are there any pictures of what these bikes look like? They sound interesting and good fun.

[lloydkayak]

Like a road bike strong enough to go offroad... Google is your friend

[Stretched@Birth]

Mine, not quite a CX, nor a MTB, or a road bike. Suppose it could be called Frankenbike.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Read this:

 

David Millar ‏@millarmind

I'm going mountain biking in S.Africa in November. I want to build a HT 29er with drops. Haven't mtb'd since the 90's. Need advice please!

[Bos]

just a reference... I cant find the pics of my old fave..

[DR ◣◢]

Mine, not quite a CX, nor a MTB, or a road bike. Suppose it could be called Frankenbike.

 

 

The Gryphon for Singular is a very cool bike and unique bike. Would love one for commuting. Then again the Peregrine is also a very awesome bike. mmm