"Jim Edgar" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:BA80DBA1.38D8D%[email protected]...
> Matthew Thomas at
[email protected] wrote on 2/25/03 7:32 AM:
> > I am contemplating dabbling in cyclocross next fall and am shopping around for a frame. I asked
> > a cx-racer buddy of mine about frames and he said Ti was "a no no" because it flexed too much.
> > Is this true? I ride a Habanero road frame, and at 180 lbs. I can't detect a whole lot of flex
> > in it.
>
> It's a sad thing, midseason in Cross... All these discarded noodly
titanium
> cross frames, spread across the landscape, rotting in the landfills, discarded like old apple
> cores. . .
>
> - or -
>
> 1 - Frame fit
>
> 2 - Clearance for Mud and stuff
>
> 3 - Materials
>
> A pertinent question or two for your buddy, "Hunh? Which one was that exactly you're talking
> about? How long did you ride it?"
>
> There's a ton of good cross frames around now. Steel gives clearance, Alu gives slightly lighter
> weight, Ti is probably just beyond most crosser's winter budget, but would tend to have better
> clearance, light weight and
all
> that non-ferrous weather resistance.
>
I don't know about y'all, but my 'cross bike isn't the primary bike in the quiver. As such, it was
pieced together out of various bits and pieces I had laying around, or could find for cheap.
I too dabbled a bit in 'cross this last winter (racing's started in San Diego already). I didn't
know if I'd like it or not, what made a good 'cross frame, and what components were needed. I bought
a used TET 'cross frame/fork for $175, and for another $2-300, built a complete 'cross bike. I found
out that my Prestige steel frame rides like a champ, is reasonably light, but may be a bit short
thru the top tube.
My recommendation: buy something used, fairly inexpensive. That way, if you decide that you don't
really like 'cross, you're not out big bucks.
If you ride a 55cm road frame, I have a Kona 'cross frame/fork for sale that a buddy of mine backed
out on. Email me for details.
Mike
