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Im contemplating doing the local cyclocross scene this winter/Autumn. However I dont have a cyclocross bike.
I have a Winter Ribble 7005 road bike (the blue one) that Ive just built up for winter training, however Im thinking I should have got cx frame instead. I dont think there will be enough clearances to adapt this into anything CX compatible though.
leaving me with another option of using my Carbon 456, 150mm revs 1x10 36T front. Will this work - if so how best can i make it competitive? Skinny tyres? What size tyres? reduce fork travel?
If i was to make the C456 CX proof what would you recommend?
I dont really want to disasemble the Ribble and go through cost and hastle of finidng a CX frame and fork and brakes if possible but I am quite competitive and want to at least have a go properly.
Rigid fork and 1.5ish tyres for your c456 for a blast round.
Can you get a tapered rigid fork or will i need a new headset too?
rigid forks, flat bars and bar ends and skinny tyres on the 456 might work. would be pretty light.
Not sure if local cx races insist on drop bars, though?
tbh, you'll compromise the 456 for 'normal' riding if you try and make it work and be competitive for a cx race.
[edit] you can get tapered rigid forks. Alternatively - I have a Hope headset that'll allow you to run a 1 1/8" steerer in your 456 - yours for £40 posted email in profile.
Rigid fork, flat bar/low position, 700c disc wheel and cross tyres will make it pretty close to a proper cross bike - certainly close enough that it'll largely be down to your legs/lungs rather than the bike.
I am quite competitive and want to at least have a go properly
you will probably be frustrated by your 456 then
you can make it more competitive by putting skinnier 1.5 tyres on and winding the fork in (buying a rigid fork would be better though) and putting a closer ratio cassette on
worth having a go on your 456 to see if you actually enjoy the concept of CX racing and then working towards getting a proper CX bike if you do
tbh, you'll compromise the 456 for 'normal' riding if you try and make it work and be competitive for a cx race.
I rearely use it anyway. I got it just to have in case i wanted to go back to MTB every now and again, I ride roads 99% of my time now.
I use the 456 more with the WEERide fitted than I do on trails.
EDIT - Can someone recommend me a Fork that would fit with my Avid discs and some tyres please?
do you need maxle??
if not, any 29er fork will do,
black shark tyres from schwalbe
My 26" wheels are maxle lite I think 15mm maybe?
I can probably convert them back to QR they are the on-one wheels that come with the c456 x9
worth having a go on your 456 to see if you actually enjoy the concept of CX racing and then working towards getting a proper CX bike if you do
+1. Assuming you've never raced CX before, have a go before you invest any cash in a specific bike, or even some forks. You might hate it - there's a reason it's called Pure Sweet Hell.
My 26" wheels are maxle lite I think 15mm maybe?
a 29er fork (470mmish a2c) in most cases is the better match for geometry when replacing a 150mm/long 26" fork
I can probably convert them back to QR they are the on-one wheels that come with the c456 x9
would make life easier. but their options from salsa (steel) niner and on-one (carbon) plus the chinese on the bay.
+1. Assuming you've never raced CX before, have a go before you invest any cash in a specific bike, or even some forks. You might hate it - there's a reason it's called Pure Sweet Hell.
There are a lot of guys that turn up to CX events just on pure MTB's even FS ones.
Spoke to OO who sent me some 9mm conversion adapters for free which is nice of them.
next task to get some tyres, give it a try and then see about getting the PX carbon fork. Unless of course anyone has a second hand fork lying around.
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On-One reckon it will be like riding at 120mm so should be better but not to steep. I may use it for some XC races too. Reckon it will come in sub 20lb which will be fun.
Which fork is that? the Monocoque one?
yep they said they arent doing the race one anymore and to use that one ^
AFter spending the afternoon looking at carbon forks for the 456 I thought Im sure I can get a cx frameset and strip the ribble down and move stuff over to a CX bike.
Any recommendations for cheaper Alu frame and carbon fork deals? Dolan, on-one?
I've been very happy with my Dolan especially considering the price.
Self edited.
If you can be bothered to go through my history ,in the " mud its not going away" thread there is a picture of my cyclo cross tyres on 29 wheels in 26 forks.
You might be able to stick some 29er wheels in the frame with CX tyres. Rigid fork will help, you don't need suspension at all.
All that shouldn't be more than £100, especially second hand. Much cheaper than a CX bike and not much slower, maybe even faster on a technical course.