Cross Bikes

jghall · #1 09-13-2007, 12:06 PM

After seeing all the really cool cross bikes here I've been thinking about getting one myself. Actually never owned one, so other than tire clearance, I'm not really sure what to be looking for?

As far as frames go; I'd love another TI bike but since funds are currently a little tight, I'm looking at the other materials. Partial to steel, but am open to suggestions and what is considered the "better" material if there is such a thing?

As far as builders go; will definately take a look at Carl Strong. But are there any others out there I should consider? Budget = $1200-1300 +/-

Thanks in advance for your time.

Regards,
Jeff

shinomaster · #2 09-13-2007, 12:08 PM

Do you mean a frame or a complete bike for $1200?

cpg · #3 09-13-2007, 12:08 PM

Carl Strong does great work. In addition to him I'd add Mike DeSalvo.

Curt

jghall · #4 09-13-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Do you mean a frame or a complete bike for $1200?

Sorry, guess I should have clarified that better. $1200 for the frame.

Quote:

In addition to him I'd add Mike DeSalvo.

Mike just finished my road frame, so while I certainly like his work I am leaning toward using another builder.

Are there builders that sponser cross teams that may have more knowledge of design and what works or doesnt work? I know Mike is one of them.

Regards,
Jeff

coylifut · #5 09-13-2007, 12:30 PM

you definately can't go wrong with a Strong or a DeSalvo. The frames are in the $1,300 range and that's without a fork. With a fork you are looking at $1700 or so. Once you get up to that price range, your universe of potentials opens up quite a bit. There's a handfull of builders who do steel frames with a matching steel fork in this price range.

For coss bikes, I have a strong preference for steel forks. Having an uber light front end often throws a bike of track in the lose stuff at speed. Mike Zanconato makes a beautiful and great performing lugged steel frame/fork in that price range. Consider him as well.

rnhood · #6 09-13-2007, 02:09 PM

Talking about Zanconato, I just saw this thread last night and, there are some pictures of one of his cross bikes. Jaw dropping impressive.

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/ph...ic.php?t=33614

Bruce K · #7 09-13-2007, 03:43 PM

Please don't get William started !!

I really enjoy my single speed Zanc cross bike but I race (or try) on my Serotta Concours (Ti) cross.

Serotta does make some cool crossers these days (this IS the Serotta forum ya know

).

I think a lot would depend on where you are geographically as it is always fun to work with someone fairly local. That way you can get to see the process (sometimes) up closes and personal.

BK

Marcusaurelius · #8 09-13-2007, 06:53 PM

I had a Lemond Propad for about a year and it's very nice production frame. I think they sell the frameset for $769 (disc only). Of course LBS usually don't sell frames for msrp.

Ray · #9 09-14-2007, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcusaurelius

I had a Lemond Propad for about a year and it's very nice production frame. I think they sell the frameset for $699 (disc only).

I like the Poprad too. If you're determined to spend more or if you really want custom, it won't do. But otherwise, great handling off-road, feels reasonably quick and responsive but dead stable going downhill at speed on the rough stuff. Great road manners too - its a great rough-stuff, light touring bike. Of all the bikes I've owned, it would probably be the best as an all-around "one bike". Low BB, which did cause a few pedals strikes off road, but really helps the ride/handling I think.

-Ray

William · #10 09-14-2007, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce K

Please don't get William started !!

I really enjoy my single speed Zanc cross bike but I race (or try) on my Serotta Concours (Ti) cross.

Serotta does make some cool crossers these days (this IS the Serotta forum ya know

).

I think a lot would depend on where you are geographically as it is always fun to work with someone fairly local. That way you can get to see the process (sometimes) up closes and personal.

BK

(inhale).......................................... .............Ah, you know what I was going to say.

William

William · #11 09-14-2007, 07:01 AM

GET A ZANK!!!!!!

William

stevep · #12 09-14-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William

GET A ZANK!!!!!!

William

easy for you to say.

Bruce K · #13 09-14-2007, 07:37 AM

Getting in on the ground floor has it's priviledges (we get to be proud papas).

Hey William, do you think that when we order our second ones, we will jump to the head of the line like Serotta Owners Club members do?

BK

Birddog · #14 09-14-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

I had a Lemond Propad for about a year and it's very nice production frame. I think they sell the frameset for $699 (disc only).

I believe I read that it is back to "disc optional" this year.

Birddog

William · #15 09-14-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevep-pal

easy for you to say.

True, only three syllables.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce K

Getting in on the ground floor has it's priviledges (we get to be proud papas).

Hey William, do you think that when we order our second ones, we will jump to the head of the line like Serotta Owners Club members do?

BK

You know, I was just thinking the same thing.

William

(Flash forward 40 years) Ehhh, whadya say sonny? Yup, I remember when Mike worked out of that clean shop in Woooster.....Had to walk uphill in the snow, barefoot, both way to get to it but I'z gots myself a Zanconato before he were famous.