Cross Bike upgrades

lfcquin

I'm hoping to take my cross racing a little more seriously at the end of this year, so I am thinking about tweaks to my bike to improve it. Currently I have a Jake The Snake with V Brakes on it.

So, the first thing is the brakes got quite clogged on a couple of races last year meaning I want to take it back to Canti brakes. What are the best canti stoppers available? I am not looking for the most expensive, I am looking for good value for the cost.

Secondly, I suffered a lot on steep muddy bankings, no matter what, I couldn't get much grip and found the back wheel spinning out, other riders of a similar weight and height were ok, so I figure it is tyres and tyre pressure. What should I be looking for in decent cross tyres. Michelin Muds?

Finally, I use an old set of Mavic Kysrium Equipes as wheels, rear one is a bit knackered, so I was thinking about replacements. I am thinking in the £200-£300 range. What are good performers in this bracket?

Any advice much appreciated.

APIII

TRP calipers are very popular, I've got a set on mine, 720s I think. They were under 20 quid a pair.

If you're replacing your wheels, I would suggest some tubs as you can run them at much lower pressures than clinchers (for better grip) without the risk of pinch flats. The infamous 'Derek @ wheelsmith' was offering a pair of Ambrosios for about £250 this year which would be ideal.

Monty Dog

Agree on Tektro 720s - good adjustability, but for cross, consider brakes to be 'speed controllers' rather than stopping devices - in some conditions it doesn't feel like they make much difference at all! As for wheels, the benefit of tubulars is that you can run lower pressures with less risk of punctures - in terms of price, you should be able to pick up handbuilts from about £150 - durability and strength is more important than weight. I built some Mavic CXP33s on Miche hubs - cost me about £100 for the parts. Tufo tubs are relatively cheap and durable and should easily last a couple of seasons.

lfcquin

Thanks Guys, all the advice is much appreciated. strong, strudy and durable is absolutely where I want to be.

What's the risk of pinch flats on tubs? Without the high wall rims am I right to think they are less likely?

andyp

The TRP Eurox calipers are meant to be very good too.

Definitely go for tubs if you can afford it, as MD says the ability to run at lower pressures should lessen the chance of punctures, and pinch flats are virtually eliminated, and you'll get more grip too.

If you do decide to stick with clinchers then the Michelin Muds are very good. I used them in a couple of races last season including one real mudfest and they offered plenty of grip.