Describe your rig

[jpembroke]

Right, lets talk about stuff. Thought it'd be good to have a thread where we can describe our 'cross bikes. I'm currently racing on the following:

Planet X Uncle John frame + full carbon forks
Aksium Wheels + Panaracer tyres
105 mechs
Ancient Ultergra 8 speed shifters
Stronglight chainset (34/48) + 11-28 SRAM cassette
Planet X stem, post, saddle
Salsa bars
Tektro CR520 brakes

Overall, not a bad bike: good position, well balanced, and light. Will try to get a photo sorted out.

So, over to you. Watcha riddin'?

 

[palinurus]

My 'cross bike was built up from a Paul Milnes frame bought on this forum. Some sort of Mavic rims on 105 hubs, Tiagra 9 speed kit mostly, with a 105 rear mech. Currently set up with a 12-27 cassette and some sort of compact chainset- can't remember what rings I opted for now (I might put a bigger small ring on one day, but at the moment I need it). Brakes are Avid Shorty 4s.

I took a bit of a chance on the sizing, but it fits really well.

And it looks like this

 

[dan_bo]

inadequate.

not really- kaffenback with not enough Chainstay clearance,
Ultegra/ open pro rear, on-one/velocity deep v front.
full ultegra kit
curve cantis.

Apart from the clearance, it's ace.

 

[papercorn2000]

Changda Ti frame (54cm)
Specialized Carbon fork
Dura Ace 9sp transmission
Richey compact 34/46 chainset
Egg-beater pedals
Avid BB7r disc brakes
Xero XSD 29 wheelset / SRAM 9sp 11-26 cassette / Conti Twister tyres
USD seatpost
Arione saddle
ITM stem and bars

I like the disc brakes but they need a lot of care to keep them running sweet.
I'll try to post a piccy some day.

 

[Miz]

note: I've put what tyres I use.
I'd be intersted to hear what tyres other cross riders use. V important for traction and control when riding 'cross IMHO.

Airbourne Carpe Diem frame (alu not ti) (56cm)
Sintema "Mud" full carbon fork.
1 pair of Open Pro rims on Ultegra
1 pair of MA3 rims on Tiagra
Tektro Oryx brakes
Campagnolo compact 34/48 chainset
Candy pedals
Dura Ace (9 speed) STI levers
12-27 Ultegra cassette
Tiagra mechs
Fizik Dolomite saddle
Titec seat post
ITM Millenium bars (wide - 46 cm)
Planet X stem
1 pair of Michelin Mud tyres
1 pair of Continetal Twister (wire bead) tyres
(also use Schwalbe Land Cruisers and Kenda Kross Supreme tyres for leisure/training on mixed surfaces, but not for racing)

 

[dan_bo]

Houffilaize fron and rear. Seem to be a good all-rounder.

 

[palinurus]

I've got 32mm Specialized Houffalize on mine.

I haven't tried any others yet so can't comment, they seem to work well under the sort of conditions I've encountered so far. I chose them 'cos that's what knobbly CX tyres my LBS had.

As for pedals I'm using SPDs- mostly because I've got other bikes which use them so I don't need extra shoes. I find they get really clogged up with mud but seem to keep working anyway.

 

[jpembroke]

Panaracer Cindercross tyres. Not cheap but way, way better than the Vittorias I was using previously. I also have the Fire XC Pros on my hardtail and they are the best tyres I've ever used.

 

[Dave5N]

Ridley crosswind c/w 4ZA forks,

Ultegra 9 speed except Truvativ chainset 48/39

4ZA cantis - same as frogslegs.

Mavic Ksyriums with the biggest innertubes I can fit into 32mm Conti Twister Pros

Easton carbon post and Easton 50 stem

Time ATacs - don't get muddied like SPDs

 

[jpembroke]

Dave5N - Oooh, nice rig mate. How you finding that Ridley? They have a very traditional 'cross geometry right? i.e. very short top tube.

 

[Dave5N]

It's very tight - very high bottom bracket and very short wheel base - I have about 4 inches of toe overlap

If you look very carefully, it's in my avatar...

 

[jpembroke]

Wow, that's a lot of overlap. My Planet X has a high BB like yours but has a long wheelbase and a fairly average top tube length. At first I considered swapping it for a more 'cross specific frame (i.e short top tube, no rack/bottle mounts) but I quite like it now. I reckon yours must be more nimble in those tight turns though.

 

[Dave5N]

Maybe. Not with me on it.

 

[Dave5N]

BTW, Just noticed your avatar.

Your saddle's too low.

 

[jpembroke]

hey, that's my rig. I got it from Early Learning Centre. Don't knock it.