Drivetrain advice for Cross Check

J.C.C. · Jun 8, 2015

Hello all,

I'm after some advice on new components for my CC and am hoping you can help.

I'm part way through the process of ditching my single speed set-up, as I want something more versatile for cruising around town with the wife and just generally pottering around. Some hills but nothing severe.

I've fitted an old 9sp XT rear derailleur and 11-32 (IIRC) cassette and I intend swapping my BB and cranks out for a WI VBC. Maybe 44, 34. I'm also using downtube friction shifters as I'm a little retro-grouchy and also a little indecisive and like the freedom of swapping bars back and forth depending on how I'm feeling.

What I'm wondering about is what length spindle I'd need to run for optimal chainline, and what sort of front derailleur you'd recommend.

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

JC

evandy · Jun 8, 2015

If you're coming from single speed, why not live with it as a 9sp for a while, and see how you like it? Might not even need/want the front drailleur.

J.C.C. · Jun 8, 2015

I would go that route if my current BB and crank, and more importantly chainring were any good. I tried fitting everything up the other day using a new 9sp SRAM chain but it wouldn't wrap around the ring I have. The teeth aren't worn. It's like the distance between links is different. I can't work it out. I was running a full half-link chain (it's what I had lying around at the time...) and hadn't noticed any issues until now.

Anyway, I'd have difficulty swallowing having to fork out for a new chainring of unknown BCD for a trial run on poor quality cranks. Maybe if it'd only be ten or twenty bucks I could give it a whirl before then making the more permanent change to nicer gear.

J.C.C. · Jun 8, 2015

Here's the current set-up, in an unfortunately grainy shot:

mongol777 · Jul 4, 2015

So do you have 1/8 chainring right now? That would explain why 9 speed chain does not fit.
I received my Tangerine Dreams Cross Check about two months ago, was running it fixed for first month or so and finally did 1x9 setup:
Deore cranks with RaceFace wide/narrow ring, dura ace 9 speed barcon shifter mounted to downtube and I think Shimano Alivio RD.
Cranks are newer 9 speed version with outboard BB - mounted drive side with no spacers and left side with 2 spacers, narrow/wide ring was mounted in place of middle ring

HardyWeinberg · Jul 20, 2015

I went from single speed (42/17) to 1x7 (42 x 11-28) with a downtube friction shifter. It's just 2 bolts to take off the derailer and shifter, swap rear wheel and chain, and I am back to SS. Useful for FG winter commuting w/ studded tires.

ampan · Jul 23, 2015

I went from 36x14 to 36x11-28 8 speed with a friction downtube shifter, and it has been surprisingly versatile. I live in a very hilly area, and it's been totally fine. It's a little annoying to spin out at 30mph, but I can live with that.

Another vote for staying 1x. The advantage is being able to kludge together whatever parts you have laying around (I'm using MTB cranks with god knows what chainline and literally the cheapest 8 speed cassette I could find, and it rides silently and shifts very well).

Drivetrain advice for Cross Check

J.C.C.

evandy

J.C.C.

J.C.C.

mongol777

HardyWeinberg

ampan

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