aer
09-14-2008, 12:57 PM
Earlier this year, I got a (used, but barely ridden) Lemond Poprad to set up for this winter. I am a mountain biker; I've never raced 'cross. A friend of mine (a roadie) and I figured we could meet in the middle and do some events. Fun!
So, the problems/questions:
Whoever bought my bike had it set up more like a hybrid/commuter: triple crank, 9 speed rear cog (both tiagra), flat mountain bars (with some cool little cane creek bar ends that will be great on one of my other bikes). I am pretty sure that the wheelset and the brakes were part of the original specs for the Poprad; I will keep the slicks for road riding and get some knobbies for cross.
What else do I need to buy, and what else should I do to set up this bike to perform like it was intended to?
I know I could keep the mountain bars and the drivetrain the same, since apparently a lot of people race 'cross on mountain bikes. Since I have three mountain bikes, but no roadbike, I'd like to put a drop bar on the Poprad and use this bike for 'cross racing this winter and maybe a road ride or two if I get talked into joining the dark side.:D Does that mean that I should also go to a double crank, because that is how most road bikes are set up?
I have a 44cm Salsa bell lap bar that I intend to put on the bike - any opinions on this one? Should I be slightly concerned about the width? Also, I need a recommendation on shifter/levers: I have small hands, and tiny fingers! When I have been on friends' road bikes in the past, I feel that my fingers barely reach the brakes. It can't be correct or safe to have to stretch toward the levers and catch them with my finger tips? Could it be that I'm just used to the riding position and bar/brake setup on my mtb, and I just need to get used to the difference, or are there certain kinds/brands/sizes that work well for those of us with tiny hands?
Finally, pedals. I'm sure there is other info on this forum or elsewhere - I ride with SPD pedals/cleats on a mountain bike. What is typical for 'cross?
Many thanks,
Abbie
So, the problems/questions:
Whoever bought my bike had it set up more like a hybrid/commuter: triple crank, 9 speed rear cog (both tiagra), flat mountain bars (with some cool little cane creek bar ends that will be great on one of my other bikes). I am pretty sure that the wheelset and the brakes were part of the original specs for the Poprad; I will keep the slicks for road riding and get some knobbies for cross.
What else do I need to buy, and what else should I do to set up this bike to perform like it was intended to?
I know I could keep the mountain bars and the drivetrain the same, since apparently a lot of people race 'cross on mountain bikes. Since I have three mountain bikes, but no roadbike, I'd like to put a drop bar on the Poprad and use this bike for 'cross racing this winter and maybe a road ride or two if I get talked into joining the dark side.:D Does that mean that I should also go to a double crank, because that is how most road bikes are set up?
I have a 44cm Salsa bell lap bar that I intend to put on the bike - any opinions on this one? Should I be slightly concerned about the width? Also, I need a recommendation on shifter/levers: I have small hands, and tiny fingers! When I have been on friends' road bikes in the past, I feel that my fingers barely reach the brakes. It can't be correct or safe to have to stretch toward the levers and catch them with my finger tips? Could it be that I'm just used to the riding position and bar/brake setup on my mtb, and I just need to get used to the difference, or are there certain kinds/brands/sizes that work well for those of us with tiny hands?
Finally, pedals. I'm sure there is other info on this forum or elsewhere - I ride with SPD pedals/cleats on a mountain bike. What is typical for 'cross?
Many thanks,
Abbie