on 9/2/09 4:33 PM, Lesli at lesli.lar...@gmail.com wrote: > I'm thinking about converting my Riv road (w/centerpulls) for Fall > amateur-hour cyclocross (going to my first clinic tonight). I was > planning to use my old vintage fenderless Trek 420 but I'm not sure if > the weinmann calipers will hold up in muddy conditions (I THINK I > could retrofit the bike with slightly wider cross tires). > > Any suggestions for 650b type cross tires or other possible points of > conversion. Wondering if it would be better to set up bike as a > single speed or maybe switch over to single chainring in front, seven > speed block in back with a more burly derailleur). > > What do other folks who run mountainbike-ish road bikes use in the way > of tires and drivetrain set-ups?? > > Let me know what you think.
You'll probably get a much longer answer than you want, but here are a few thoughts to start - - Cross years are kinda like dog years, as far as gear is concerned. - Clearance is good, especially if you encounter mud. - Larger volume tires are better, because you will find that you can then run them at slightly lower pressure. 35 mm's is a good place to start, if you are thinking 700C/622 - A frame that allows clearance and larger volume tires is best, all other things being equal - Treaded tires with short knobs (what I usually refer to as "knibblies") are helpful. Until the point when they aren't. By then, you are running. Unless it's a downhill, off-camber turn in the mud or soaked grass, at which point you're in slide-for-life mode. - Brakes, unless you are really fast, aren't important. Ok. Maybe they're important. But, they aren't _important_ important. I mean, I've never done a cross race where I was thinking, "gee, I wish I could slow down..." - Kickstand plates are not ideal for muddy, muddy condiions. http://tinyurl.com/cx-hilsen-plate Last year, I decided to use more gears on the course, and so engaged in the C. Xavier Hilsen Project, which is kinda what it sounds like you're considering. Result: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclofiend/3264957936/ The documentation begins here: http://ramblings.cyclofiend.com/?p=281 In terms of 650B, most of the grippy tires I've seen seem to be fairly large volume mtb tires, so that may be a challenge as it sounds like you'll be doing a conversion. Simple is good for gearing. The only problem with singlespeed is a climbing course (like McLaren Park in SF) or extended flat, paved sections. In the former, it's tough to come up with the right gearing setup, in the latter, you tend to be spun out while the multi-geared stomp away. But, cross is best approached with the intent to have fun and enjoy the mishaps. Run what you brung and have a blast! Hope that helps a bit, - Jim -- Jim Edgar cyclofi...@earthlink.net "One Cog - Zero Excuses" L/S T-shirt - Now available http://www.cyclofiend.com/stuff Cyclofiend Bicycle Photo Galleries - http://www.cyclofiend.com Current Classics - Cross Bikes Singlespeed - Working Bikes Send In Your Photos! - Here's how: http://www.cyclofiend.com/guidelines --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
