document updated 14 years ago, on Feb 24, 2010

I'm trying to figure out how to make a cyclocross bike that's 1) as bomb-proof as possible, to be able to pull some BMX stunts, (ie. preferably fit the Schwalbe Big Apples on it), and 2) be able to put drop bars on it (which means it needs to have road brake levers, which (I think?) means it has to have disk brakes).

rims: 700C and 29" are identical!!
tires: the largest 29" Schwalbe Big Apple I can fit on there. The frame has to have a lot of clearance though.
brakes: road brake levers have more leverage (less cable pull), so I think that means that V-brakes are out. So that leaves me with.... disk brakes?
- BUT if you go with bar-end shifters, you can get brake levers that work with linear-pull brakes!
- OR you can get V-brake adapters that work with road-style brake levers
- OR just use cantilever brakes
frame:
- enough clearance for very big Schwalbe Big Apples
- eyelets for disk brakes
handlebar
- brake levers: road brake levers... WITH auxiliary brake levers
- shift levers: Which one: bar-end shifters OR combined shift/brake levers? The fact is, brifters are one of the most expensive things on your bike, and having them sticking right out there when a crash occurs is a terrible idea. Bar-end shifters are much MUCH more practical.
  - NOTE: cyclocross people sometimes go 1x9, which means you don't need a front deraileur/shifter at all