I've gotten into my own head again and am losing sleep over component selections for the 2007 race rig. I'm facing the usual questions any other moderately psychotic, 'cross-addicted, RBR-thread poster staring at a computer screen at all-hours-of the night would be asking when piecing together thingamajigs and flim-flams for the new steed and, since you're here, I thought I'd ask you for your help. Here goes:

FMB tires.
http://www.fm-boyaux.fr/
Has anyone heard of them, or, better yet, used them? There was a thread in one of the other RBR forums that mentioned them, gave them props for high quality, and recommended them. I e-mailed FMB and got a response from Francois very quickly. I'm really interested in trying these tires. Yes, I know, they look very similar to another very well-respected, small, French/Belgian tire manufacturer that we all (myself included) know and love. Go to the Google search engine for help with translation, if necessary.

Stronglight and Tune bottom-brackets and cranks.
http://www.stronglight.com/stronglight/accueil.php
http://www.tune.de/tune_gb/index.php?lang=gb
Is anyone using either of these systems with a single-ring setup for cyclo-cross? Any problems with the bearing seals or the threads after repeated exposure to mud, sand, and, sometimes, muddy sand?

For this year's bike, which will hopefully wind up being "this decade's bike", I'm going with the tried and true parts that have kept me solidly in close proximity of winning the sprint for 27th in the Men's CX 3 (B) North Carolina Series' Grand Prix races; however, I am going to splurge a little (or a lot, depending on how much I can get away with) and build this mutha up with a light frameset, aluminum-rim wheelset, and a fancy-schmancy crank.

Oh, and, of course ... the chainrings.

Any recommendations? I'm looking for a 42 t, 130, 5-bolt. It's probably going to have a Salsa, Shimano, or Stronglight sticker/etching/advertisement splashed on it. Any preferences? If someone can assure me that the Salsa rings are manufactured domestically, you just made my decision easy.

At the end of the day, I know full-well that, for my purposes, cyclo-cross is more or less a hobby, that I should be using my time to sew pajama bottoms for my brother-in-law, brushing my oldest dog's teeth, or reading up on the most common reasons why middle-age men present to the hospital with pulmonary artery aneurysms, but, gosh, I really like learning about cyclo-cross bikes.

Thanks for your help.
Dan
www.nashvillecyclo-crossseries.com

I've gotten into my own head again and am losing sleep over component selections for the 2007 race rig. I'm facing the usual questions any other moderately psychotic, 'cross-addicted, RBR-thread poster staring at a computer screen at all-hours-of the night would be asking when piecing together thingamajigs and flim-flams for the new steed and, since you're here, I thought I'd ask you for your help. Here goes:

FMB tires.
http://www.fm-boyaux.fr/
Has anyone heard of them, or, better yet, used them? There was a thread in one of the other RBR forums that mentioned them, gave them props for high quality, and recommended them. I e-mailed FMB and got a response from Francois very quickly. I'm really interested in trying these tires. Yes, I know, they look very similar to another very well-respected, small, French/Belgian tire manufacturer that we all (myself included) know and love. Go to the Google search engine for help with translation, if necessary.

Stronglight and Tune bottom-brackets and cranks.
http://www.stronglight.com/stronglight/accueil.php
http://www.tune.de/tune_gb/index.php?lang=gb
Is anyone using either of these systems with a single-ring setup for cyclo-cross? Any problems with the bearing seals or the threads after repeated exposure to mud, sand, and, sometimes, muddy sand?

For this year's bike, which will hopefully wind up being "this decade's bike", I'm going with the tried and true parts that have kept me solidly in close proximity of winning the sprint for 27th in the Men's CX 3 (B) North Carolina Series' Grand Prix races; however, I am going to splurge a little (or a lot, depending on how much I can get away with) and build this mutha up with a light frameset, aluminum-rim wheelset, and a fancy-schmancy crank.

Oh, and, of course ... the chainrings.

Any recommendations? I'm looking for a 42 t, 130, 5-bolt. It's probably going to have a Salsa, Shimano, or Stronglight sticker/etching/advertisement splashed on it. Any preferences? If someone can assure me that the Salsa rings are manufactured domestically, you just made my decision easy.

At the end of the day, I know full-well that, for my purposes, cyclo-cross is more or less a hobby, that I should be using my time to sew pajama bottoms for my brother-in-law, brushing my oldest dog's teeth, or reading up on the most common reasons why middle-age men present to the hospital with pulmonary artery aneurysms, but, gosh, I really like learning about cyclo-cross bikes.

Thanks for your help.
Dan
www.nashvillecyclo-crossseries.com
That was funny, LMAO funny.
Don't worry your not the only one obsessing over this years hardware, and it's only April.
Sounds like it's gonna be a real hot rod, please post pics.
All that hardware still wouldn't help me none, I'd still be drowning in anonymity, in like 89th place in the Masters C's. :rolleyes:

Are made in the good old US of A. They even do a non ramped one that works great in single ring apps. There are a bunch of distributors that carry them, so you local shop can easily order them in.

I appreciate the input.

I've been tinkering around trying to scare up a website that has 42t 130 mm BCD Vuelta rings, but I haven't had any luck yet. If I wind up with the Tune system, I'm probably going to go with the Vuelta - if I can find the rings. I'm going to e-mail the company; in the meanwhile, any recommendations for sites that have them?

Thanks again.

Another option for rings if you cannot locate the Vueltas is TA. Most any shop with a Euro-Asia account can get them in just about any bcd and tooth count.

I am in the process of purchasing a bunch of tires from Francois. Working on a bank transfer at the moment. I will post pictures for you guys as soon as they come in.

Oh, also...I started racking my brain about gear for 2007 the day after nationals left PVD. It's an illness for sure.

Francois has been very prompt with responses and seems like a great guy. I've decided to try out a couple pairs of his tires for next season.

I've got some reservations about it, as Richard and the Dugast folks have always been very helpful and patient with my persistent inquiry; plus, they just run a fine operation and make some of the best tires in the world.

It's a lot of money to spend, without question, but, I'm excited about trying out something new - and, maybe helping a pretty small artisan grow his business. I'm glad to hear you're working with him.

I'll keep the TA chainring option on the table. I'd prefer something domestically-made; however, in case that's not a feasible option, the TA Specialties ring would serve my purposes well. I believe they are made in France, right?

Thanks again, Zank.

glad to hear you are buying some. How was the wire transfer process for you? My bank seems to make this more difficult than it needs to be. I had the same problem last fall when I was trying to wire money to Europe for some other parts.

Yes, the TA rings are made in France. I just got one of their Carmina cranks and their quality always impresses me.

so zank, one of those pairs of fmb tires is for me as a belated b-day gift? Right? :D :thumbsup: :p

i was thinking either the ssc or the ssc pro (although the super prestige tread looks interesting) in maybe 32mm width?

i started thinking about the 07 'cross rig before the season was over.....although "real" planning started in feb when i got back from italy and started riding again.....i cant wait for the fall. this year i am actaully training for 'cross vs. adding it in as a result of a broken foot ended my road season early. its gonna be awesome actaully being in shape and focusing on it, not to mention having a slight idea of what im doing this time around.

It's common practice these days for people to pay for their birthday gifts, right?

It's common practice these days for people to pay for their birthday gifts, right?

haha. that was a good response. in fact, great.

in only i had what, 70-125 euro's (so like what, 100-150 bucks ?) per tire sitting around......i think my bank account is to double digits.....just paying entry fee's for the rest of collegiate road season is going to be close.

enough of this, i have an exam in oh, 2 hours, and what am i doing, thinking about 'cross. no wonder my gpa sucks.

which tire model are you looking at? both zank and danwerle

GPAs aren't everything my boy. Perception is. At least, in corporate America it seems to be. I scratch my head when I see what some of my co-workers get away with.

Disclaimer: Don't ever take my advice

I am putting some SSCs and SSC Sprints in stock. 32 mm in both.

GPAs aren't everything my boy. Perception is. At least, in corporate America it seems to be. I scratch my head when I see what some of my co-workers get away with.

Disclaimer: Don't ever take my advice

I am putting some SSCs and SSC Sprints in stock. 32 mm in both.

in stock as in you are going to distribute them? as in, i am going to have to start saving pennies now and pay more for a single tire than i would for a pair (or three) via collegiate-team deal (granted, not fmb level tire).

as for the gpa, i know they arent everything. but this exam is in music. one would think i, who has been playing an instrument for just about ever and has a pretty decent knowledge of classical music would be able to do well and take this as an easy class, but no. for some reason it gives me more trouble than any econ or polysci i have ever taken. anyways, enough school, more 'cross.

no, not a distribution thing. I will be paying the same price you would. But I am going to buy a few pairs to keep on hand for people. I figure I have to pay shipping and bank transfer fees, so I might as well make it worth it by buying a bunch at one time.

no, not a distribution thing. I will be paying the same price you would. But I am going to buy a few pairs to keep on hand for people. I figure I have to pay shipping and bank transfer fees, so I might as well make it worth it by buying a bunch at one time.


oh. either way i still have to start saving up.... :)

United Bicycle Parts account can order them in. If you want them online, Nashar branded chainrings are made by Vuelta. If you're not into the Nashbar thing, give onesouthcycling dot com or ecyclingstore dot com an email. If they don't have them, they can get them for you super easy.

A representative from Vuelta e-mailed me this morning. You're right, Unoveloce, they're made in the US and are relatively inexpensive, to boot.

I'm going with the SSC in a 32 and the SSC Sprint in a 34. I know it is a touchy subject among us, but I'd like to try a slightly narrower tire for muddy conditions and a slightly wider tire for dry conditions.

Zank, I haven't had to deal with the bank yet in trying to get a money-transfer of sorts mailed off. I'll try and chime in once I do to let you know whether or not I learned anything that might help the process go easier.

Allons-y, best of luck with your exam. Sorry to hear about your limb.

Thanks again.

I'm going with the SSC in a 32 and the SSC Sprint in a 34. I know it is a touchy subject among us, but I'd like to try a slightly narrower tire for muddy conditions and a slightly wider tire for dry conditions.

.

I agree with your line of thinking. I am on the fence regarding 32 or 34 for the Sprints. A 34 would proabbly be very nice for a bumpy course like Gloucester.

I'm going with the SSC in a 32 and the SSC Sprint in a 34. I know it is a touchy subject among us, but I'd like to try a slightly narrower tire for muddy conditions and a slightly wider tire for dry conditions.

Allons-y, best of luck with your exam. Sorry to hear about your limb.

Thanks again.

just to throw this in the ring. i have been toying with the idea of like a 34-35mm front tire and a 32-30 rear for mud. if you think about it, the advantage of the narrow tire (as explained to me) is that it sinks down and you can get "below" it and contact something relatively firm down there. but you only transfer power in the rear. so that makes sense. as i understand it, that same advantage for the front would be lessened, so why not a wider tire up front. you could run lower pressure, get alot of surface area, and try to maximize grip for turning?

yes? no? noob mistake in my thinking?

thanks. it went well. broken foot is under the bridge, back over the summer. note to self, never try to surf super super rocky area's, bad things happen.

Any problems with the bearing seals or the threads after repeated exposure to mud, sand, and, sometimes, muddy sand?

For this year's bike, which will hopefully wind up being "this decade's bike", I'm going with the tried and true parts

however, I am going to splurge a little (or a lot, depending on how much I can get away with) and build this mutha up with a light frameset, aluminum-rim wheelset, and a fancy-schmancy crank.


www.nashvillecyclo-crossseries.com

Dan,
Personally I wouldn't got with a fancy crank. It's not going to make a difference. This is one area in particular where tried-and-true is your best bet. Unless you can several people to vouch for the bb reliability in cross, I'd steer clear. An Ultegra with a bb upgraded to PhilWood bearings, or a Centaur crank will work flawlessly. Save your bling money for more groovy tires and extra wheelsets.

As a bit of an off-topic: The Niobium tubular rims seem like they might be just the ticket for cross. 26mm so they'll slice through sand and mud, they only weigh 430-440 grams, and they are cheap.

Euro-trash, thanks for the suggestion. Stu from cyclocrossworld.com said virtually the same exact thing.

I had been planning on an Ultegra crankset/bottom bracket combo until about a week ago when I caught a wild hair and starting talking myself into spending the money and getting something lighter. Boy, that gram-counting business can get addictive in a hurry. Thanks for the dose of reality.

Allons-y, a friend of mine employs the same thinking with mountain bike tires. He's had great success with it. I think you should go for it.

Any other thoughts? I know this is a weathered (excuse the pun!) topic for some.

On a different note, a Speedgoat rep informed me that the Salsa rings are, in fact, made in the U.S.

Euro-trash, thanks for the suggestion. Stu from cyclocrossworld.com said virtually the same exact thing.

I had been planning on an Ultegra crankset/bottom bracket combo until about a week ago when I caught a wild hair and starting talking myself into spending the money and getting something lighter. Boy, that gram-counting business can get addictive in a hurry. Thanks for the dose of reality.

Allons-y, a friend of mine employs the same thinking with mountain bike tires. He's had great success with it. I think you should go for it.

Any other thoughts? I know this is a weathered (excuse the pun!) topic for some.

On a different note, a Speedgoat rep informed me that the Salsa rings are, in fact, made in the U.S.
With you guys all talkin tiyas, rims, cranks, hubs, etc, Jeez I'm only human over here. I want stuff too. :D Like a Zank with a nice set of Ergott built Zipp 303 pave tubbies and ur standard SRAM Force drivetrain.......... Then I might go faster. :p

Where can a guy get a set of just the rims if he wanted to build himself a set of tubbies? Oh, yeah, the choice of Ultegra crank is great. The old octalink version was way underated. Those BB's were practically indestructable. You could also fine tune your chainline really esily by using the 109.5mm double length BB, the 112.5 or 116.5mm XTR BB, or the 118mm triple bb in extreme cases.

Dan,
Personally I wouldn't got with a fancy crank. It's not going to make a difference. This is one area in particular where tried-and-true is your best bet. Unless you can several people to vouch for the bb reliability in cross, I'd steer clear. An Ultegra with a bb upgraded to PhilWood bearings, or a Centaur crank will work flawlessly. Save your bling money for more groovy tires and extra wheelsets.

As a bit of an off-topic: The Niobium tubular rims seem like they might be just the ticket for cross. 26mm so they'll slice through sand and mud, they only weigh 430-440 grams, and they are cheap.
Where might I find these Rims? I've been looking for something like this, an AL rim somewhere in the 30mm depth, in Tubbie. I've got a set of the Niobium 30mm rims in clincher and love them.

Where might I find these Rims? I've been looking for something like this, an AL rim somewhere in the 30mm depth, in Tubbie. I've got a set of the Niobium 30mm rims in clincher and love them.

The tubbie version is 26mm instead of 30mm (depending on the length of the valve, you may not need valve extenders!!!!) and I've been told they weigh 430-450 grams. Mike at oddsandendos.com can special order them for you, Ligero will make you wheels with them (I don't know if he'll sell you rims only), and DirtBoy also said he is going to carry them. I don't know which major distributors are going to carry the rims, but I bet a few will by this summer.

I've not actually ridden them, but the specs look good and Ligero thinks highly of them. That's good enough for me.

Here is a pic of Dirtboy's http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=90931