Price is a big object.
Somehow I have a lot of extra parts, so I’d like to build a cyclocross bike as learning experience. I would race it a bit and tow my son a lot on crushed stone trails. Cyclocross seems like the way to go. Any suggestions on frames or advice on what to avoid?
I have heard that the Salsa Las Cruces is nice. I believe the MSRP is $999 for the frame.
Given what you want to use it and price as a factor, you can do no better than this:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-cross-check.html
That is at least in a new frame, you might find a better deal in a used frame, but I’d still go steel.
For an even cheaper, decent alu choice: ( I have one, good value)
Thanks.
Is steel prefered over Aluminum?
The Al frame you linked has cables under the top tube. Is it still cyclocross?
Other things I’d like to know.
- Is smaller better when it comes to Head tube angle?
- Do I want longer or shorter chainstays?
Well for hardcore racing "light" is preferred. :) Steel is probably just a better choice for the mix that you are looking at from the comfort and durability standpoint. I don't have answers on the geometry except, chainstays will be longish anyway to allow for larger tires. Good point on the CX version from Chucks, mine has the rear brake cable run on the top tube.
"Is steel prefered over Aluminum? "
No.
“The Al frame you linked has cables under the top tube. Is it still cyclocross?”
Yes.
“Is smaller better when it comes to Head tube angle?”
It depends. You can’t look at one frame/fork dimension in isolation and derive any meaningful information
“Do I want longer or shorter chainstays?”
See above.
.