Wath are the basic comp. needed for cyclo-cross?

zewol said:

Hi guys,

I'm looking forward to build myself a cyclo-cross bike, I can have a frame for a reasonnable price (as I work in a bike shop), but I wondered if:
- I needed a triple or compact crankset...
- it would be better to have bar-end shifters than standard sti levers
- brake levers on the horizontal part of the handlebar (as in mtb)

any other advices would be welcomed.....

thx in advance.

Barends are cheaper. Cross cranks are ofen 38/48. Where you go from there is up to you.

thx boudreaux for such a quick reply! if you were not there that forum would be damn boring!

are there any people who practice cyclo-cross here or wath?

zewol said:

are there any people who practice cyclo-cross here or wath?

There's not much to know, really... gofor beefy stuff, but take into account that you'll be hauling the bike around at times. Find a sturdy pair of cantilever brakes with a good, powerful pull-angle, and tough wheels (a good OpenPro-laced pair with a beefy hub -- Ultegra, King, whatever). You'll likely favor a stem with greater rise than you prefer on your roadie. In-line brake levers, for braking from the tops, make life easier as well, and they're not too expensive.

Most 'cross racers I hang with use STI levers; despite their cost, they seem to hold up. Bar-ends are a worthy substitute for simplicity's sake, or to save cash.

Have fun!

Standard is the double crankset some go single(in europa that is). Only consider triple when hills are very steep where you race, compared to europe. Bar end shifters are old school but if you like the feel... The mtb like extra brakes deliver firmer braking and on steep and or bumpy downhils handling is better with hands on top of the bars and you still can brake.

thanks guys

plz.help me out! 🙁