'Cross bike or 29erSS???

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2007-03-08 9:38 PM

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Centennial, CO
Subject: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

I'm completely torn.  On one hand, I'm diggin' 'cross bikes.  I've been looking mostly at the Redline Conquest Pro, Lemond Poprad, and Bianchi Cross Concept.   On the other hand, I'm diggin the 29er SS's.  Here I've been eyeing the Redline Monocog Flight 29 and the Surly Karate Monkey.  Any thoughts?

 

Kupe

2007-03-08 9:48 PM
in reply to: #716835

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Master
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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

I can see both being fun, but can you really imagine riding a single speed mountain bike that often?  It seems cool, but more like something you (I) would do once or twice and then let it sit in the garage for a year.   A cross bike is very versatile and you could even try Cross racing or at the very least build it into a commuter.  DO you have a MTB already?

 

 

2007-03-09 9:50 AM
in reply to: #716835

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Expert
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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???
I have a Conquest and a signle speed bike that I can run Cross Tires on (Not a 29'er though)

I really like the Conquest and that I can pretty much do anything with it. Its a great road bike too, I've done a ton of long bike rides on it.

My nice Hard Tail Moutain Bike has been collecting dust since I got the Cross bike too.
2007-03-09 11:00 AM
in reply to: #716835

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Giver
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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

SS SS SS!

A SS is the most fun you'll ever have on a bike. It'll teach you conservation of energy, flow and how to be a really, really great climber. When we lived in CA, I rode and raced a SS MTB everywhere I rode and raced my geared bike. I took it over super steep, long climbs and loved how entirely quiet it was. No shifting clicks, no bouncing chain. Just pure riding.

2007-03-10 11:03 AM
in reply to: #716835

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Extreme Veteran
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

Well the 29er is now the heavy favorite and, for all intents and purposes, the winner.  My roadie is almost just as capable as a cross bike is from a everyday/commuting standpoint.  The 29er is so much more of a departure from my roadie.  Besides, if I wanted to do more 'cross related stuff, I can put skinny cross tires on it.  If I wanted to go far enough, I could even put drop bars and roadie levers on it and blah blah blah.  And in the end, the 29er comes in way cheaper then a 'cross bike dressed the way I want it.

Thanks!

2007-03-10 11:38 AM
in reply to: #716835

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???
how about split the difference and get a surly cross, and convert it to a single speed when the mood strikes?



http://www.sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html

Edited by autumn 2007-03-10 11:43 AM

2007-03-11 10:54 AM
in reply to: #716835

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Elite
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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

My vote is for the Cyclocross bike.

Since purchasing my Specialized TriCross last season I've not even looked at my MTB.  The cross bike is a lot more fun to ride and AS nimble as my mtb, but much quicker in the flats.

 

2007-03-11 11:03 AM
in reply to: #716835


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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???
I have a Surly- Cross Check. It is a very versatile bike. It allows for tire clearance up to 700X44. By just switching tires I can use it for differnet type of riding. I went with a compact crank (50X34) with a 12-27 cassette that gives me the gearing to take on just about anything. I am not strong enough rider to go the single speed route, although I know another Surly owner that has gone that route and really enjoys it.

For most of my road riding, I use 700 X 25 Conti gatorskins mounted on Mavic OP w/ Ultegra hubs.
When I was first starting out I even used it for my first few triathlons.

For dirt road and trail riding, I use (700 X 35) Michelon Jet cyclcross tires also mounted on Mavic OP w/ Ultegra hubs. I even tried a couple of cyclocross races this winter. The bike held up a lot better then I did. I bought an extra set of wheels so I don't have to change tires.

So with a quick wheel chage out the bike is ready to take on any type of riding I have planned for the day.

2007-03-11 6:53 PM
in reply to: #716835

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Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???
i have the gary fisher x caliber 29er and i ride it on single track and also bought some semi slicks 700c 28 for gravels rodes.  i did an offroad iron on it... i love it... it rolls over any thing and on the downhills and flats it blows away mtb's the drawback is it is not as fast to get up to speed and not as good on the really technical single track.... but you could always try the 69er with the 26" wheel in the back and the 29er up front....
2007-03-12 8:34 AM
in reply to: #716835

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Extreme Veteran
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: 'Cross bike or 29erSS???

Well, for those of you whose very mental well being was hinging upon my decision, you will wait no longer.  One of the bike shops in town was having quite the sale this weekend.  So I went, with really no intention of buying anything.  That is, until I saw it...the Bianchi San Jose, the light blue-ish one.  It was exactly what I was looking for.  Fun, utilitarian, versatile, low maintenance, simple, inexpensive, and the Kupe de Grass - it's both 29er/700c and a 'cross bike!!!  Pics will follow.

Thanks for all your inputs!

Dan

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