11 replies to this topic

[wesboyce]

After having numerous issues with tensioners not working/breaking and sliding dropouts slipping, I've just about had enough with SS specific cyclocross bikes for now.  I know I can buy one with actual tensioning screws, but at this point that is out of the picture.  I also know I can buy something like the BEER Components Eccentric for BB30, but my mechanical abilities might be strained by changing out brake levers, cables, derailleurs, etc.  Is it legal in races if I simply ride my geared bike and zip tie the shifters to my brake levers to make it impossible for me to shift?  I've read about how this is an easy conversion, but I'm not sure if it is allowed.  It's not ideal, but at this point I'm not too worried about it.

[Mark EWERS]

Would it be legal? Not strictly according to the rulebook.

Would it be allowed? Now there's a question...

[Coathangeroflove]

I gotta wonder, what kind of issues have you been dealing with? I'm sure there is a laundry list, based on your post. But I ask because my SS cx bike has actually been the one bike of mine that gives me nearly zero issues. The frame I use is rim-brake specific, and utilizes horizontal/track drop-outs and a bolt-on hub for the rear wheel. Never slipped, unless I forgot to tighten it.

Have you been converting a geared frame to be your SS bike or are these all built on SS specific frames?

[wesboyce]

Coathangeroflove, on 23 July 2012 - 04:20 PM, said:

I gotta wonder, what kind of issues have you been dealing with? I'm sure there is a laundry list, based on your post. But I ask because my SS cx bike has actually been the one bike of mine that gives me nearly zero issues. The frame I use is rim-brake specific, and utilizes horizontal/track drop-outs and a bolt-on hub for the rear wheel. Never slipped, unless I forgot to tighten it.

Have you been converting a geared frame to be your SS bike or are these all built on SS specific frames?

I converted a geared frame last year and broke two tensioners (a Paul Melvin and a Soulcraft Convert).  I've been trying to get a Felt Breed to work this year with horizontal track dropouts like yours, but haven't been able to prevent it from slipping.  I guess that isn't necessarily a laundry list of problems, but it is enough to have me pretty frustrated.

[Coathangeroflove]

I never have issues with my bolt-on White Industries hubs slipping with stock bolts, however for my sliding-drop-out SS mountain bike I got some big meaty grip-washers that have ridged teeth in them and put them in between the frame and bolt head, and they never let go. But then, my legs just might not be strong enough.

[dave-O]

Get a surly tugnut for horizontal dropouts and your problems will (should be) solved.

[robertm]

I had zero issues with my surly singulator.  before that I had a bike that had track ends with stainless steel inserts.  I used f'real track nuts and cranked them down hard.  They won't move.  you don't need a tug.  unless you want one.  But there's NO way you're going to pull a wheel in a 60ish inch gear if the nuts are tightened properly.

Not familiar with the Felt, but maybe the drop outs don't have stainless steel inserts?

[roggo]

I had the same problem with the Breed. If I tightened the axle bolts enough to prevent slipping, the wheel bearings would be side-loaded to the point of dragging. Could never find a happy torque in between. As recommended above, Surly Tugnut seems to have solved my problem.

[Aaron Koch]

I'm pretty sure the (women's) SSCXWC was won on a bike with zip tied SRAM levers but I don't know about the sanctioning of that race.

I have the BEER EBB30 and, while kind of expensive, it's very slick. I only got to use it twice last year but it was flawless. I also saw he's working on a PF30 option as well, as is Problem Solvers. I've also read good things about the White Ind Eccentric ENO hub. To me it looks like a PF/BB30 frame + eccentric BB is the most versatile set up for CX or MTB.

[rich pierce]

I think if you removed/disconnected your shifter cables folks would be comfortable with your setup.  But it won't have the efficiency of direct drive with all those pulleys.  Or you could make a dummy cassette with spacers and just one rear gear.

Edited by rich pierce, 24 July 2012 - 08:05 AM.

[jacob]

switching out alum QR skewers to steel ones solved all my SS slippage issues.

[threadless1430]

Didn't see this covered yet, so I'll throw it out there (though I'm sure you already know this). If the dropouts are rear-facing horizontal, you could get some BMX chain tensioners that may solve slippage problems- check out danscomp.com