Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Cross Noob ++

I'm making progress on the cyclocross bike. Currently, I have possession of the frame, fork, headset, wheels, crank & bb, canti-brakes, seat tube, saddle and cables.

Items still needing to get my grubby hands on include: 8 or 9 spd rear shifter & derailleur, handlebars, stem, bartape, tires (Munson?), peddles, chain and a front brake lever.

I have no shame and will gladly accept donations. Otherwise, I can either pay for the items in cold hard cash, or by lampooning the cyclist (Shim wears fairy shoes) of your choice here on WSCG.

Next Step:
I've scheduled a professional bike fitting from a local bike shop. I prefer a LBS that's been trained on the Serotta Size Cycle Fit System (eg High Gear/La Vista).

Basically, the fit system is a stationery bike with swappable parts that allow the best combination of handlebars, stem, peddles, seat tube and saddle positioning for your individual body measurements.

While the Serotta fit cycle is typically used before purchasing a new bicycle, my fitting will be on the actual cyclocross frame with parts swapped out from the fit system.

Originally as a road-noobie, I wondered whether the expense of a professional bike fit was justified. I don't anymore. Not only does it make you more comfortable and efficient on the bicycle, it's an investment that will significantly reduce the risk of repetitive-use injury. A bad fit could lead to a nagging knee injury, requiring rest and a possible visit to the Physical Therapist. Obviously, opportunity costs (downtime + therapy) are a lot more than doing it right the first time.

Consider getting a professional fitting. While it won't make you a better wheel-sucker than Shim, it will make for a greater overall riding experience.

6 comments:

  1. Items you can borrow/buy from my stock: rear brifter (brake/shift lever), front brake lever, handlebars, stem, tires, and chain.

    So that leaves you squandering from someone: rear derailleur, bartape, and pedals (sorry, had to do it ya noob >:P)
    .

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  2. Thanks Munson. I'll arrange a time to check out your spare parts inventory.

    re: peddles - I was using Shim's grammar checker when I made those typos.

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  3. I have cyclocross tires. You can borrow. I'll have to look at what model they are to see if they are light or heavy and what condition they are in. They may be brand new.

    While your digging around in your old parts, keep little ole me in mind.

    I'm converting a older (1984) Raleigh Olympian into a SS. I have most of what I need accept the following:

    - Brake Calipers that handle 53mm back and 62mm front reach
    - A 26.6 seatpost
    - Brake cables and housing
    - A Bell (ding, ding)
    - A six pack of beer
    - Elbow grease
    - Spare Time

    I have a wheelset with XT hubs that I can use (after stretching the rear drops a bit and putting spacers and a ss cog on the freehub) but if you have a wheelset that may work better, let me know. I don't have the funds to buy a purpose built wheelset for this project.

    You can blame this on Scott Redd who got me thinking about SS again.

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  4. Very cool design. Hats off to you!

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  5. You just cost yourself a stem, set of tires and bar tap, you see lampooning a rider works both ways.

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  6. Damn, I guess yule half [ sic ] to by you're own bar tap.

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