Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Anyone have any experience with the BURD? Can I run a rear SRAM mech on DA shifters?

No, I don't think so - from
http://cyclingtips.com/2014/10/mixing-groupsets-what-works-together-and-what-doesnt/

"As the brains behind the operation, each brand’s shifters must be matched with their own derailleurs, especially the rear derailleur, in order for the indexed system to function properly. As noted above, there is little or no backwards or forwards compatibility for Shimano, Campagnolo, or SRAM. It is possible to cheat with the front derailleur since there is more tolerance for variation in shifting but as the least expensive component in a groupset, there is little to be gained by leaving it out when upgrading your transmission."

But if you have a narrow wide chainring, with a road derailleur, so long as your chain is the correct length I'm pretty sure you won't experience any chain drop. I rode with that set up all last season and had no problems. You will just get more chain slap than with a clutched RD. If you want to be super safe then you could fit a chain guide (eg a gussett lil chap) but IMO it's not necessary.

It's only when it's really fucking muddy that I start to have problems with a 1*10 narrow wide and shimano 105 shifters + rear mech.

Hovering over the Ultegra rear mech but still keep looking at the BURD.... 1st world issues..

Which is cheaper?
Buy that.

there's really very little point in buying the ultegra over the 105 for cross. They'll both probably get destroyed over the course of a season and once covered in mud any weight and aesthetic difference is negated pretty fast.

Thanks guys, 105 it is...

My recently bought second hand bike has a DA9000 rear mech. I'm wondering if I change & sell it before winter, and buy a ready supply of 105 mechs with the proceeds.

nah, with da9000 you float lightly just above the ground so it never gets muddy. that's why it costs so much

XTR Di2 will work :)

As much as I'd like to be able to say I can glue my own tubs properly, is it stupid to use Tufo Tub tape for cross, or can I just take the easy route?

and if the answer to the above is no, then is the mythical 'Belgian Tape' for tubs necessary / worth it / possible to buy in the UK?

Velox Jantex is the same stuff and readily available. I wouldn't trust Tufo tape.

If I was to be glueing tyres this year I'd be trying the Effetto Mariposa tape - no glue required and I only heard good things last season.

thank you. would the general consensus be that glue is stronger though?

just read this - http://road.cc/content/review/169313-effetto-mariposa-carogna-tub-tape
might have to go with your advice

I've always used the 'Belgian Tape' method but using the Velox Jantex tape and I've not rolled a tub yet. Just using glue is as good, if not better, but you need more layers of glue and I've always gone for the easier option.

Like @Jon. I've only heard good things about the Effetto Mariposa tape.

thank you both, Effetto Mariposa it is I think

Effeto Mariposa is the bizniz. Worked a treat for me last season. Solid as a rock. When it comes to removing the tub at the end of the season make sure you have strong thumbs and a few extra layers of skin on them. It's hard work.

Another bonus is you don't need to clean residue of glue off the rims, it should mostly come away but any bits can be left on if you are using another roll of carogna. One downside is trying to peel the tape off the tub, its a pain in the 'arris. Luckily my tubs were going in the bin as I'd worn the tread down too far from excessive tarmac riding #coolstorybro

In other exciting cross news, here's this year's machine. Wheels are prototype Kinesis carbon which I've had to return (boo) but I've got the Mason/Hunt 4s Disc on there right now and they feel good. Carbon tubs coming for when the racing starts but may have to do Stanmer on the alu tubeless Hunts. Lunatic bartape courtesy of Rule5 bikes in Brighton

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That's going to brighten up a few fields in November!

Came here to post this, Tour of the Cornfields is on again, on September 4th.

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I might see if I can ask for that Sunday.

Oh looks fun.

Might just have recovered from last night's 'race' by then :)

I assume that was you on the Talbot @Howard ? That's really stunning, the rear wheel clearance is something else! #stalker

Full calendar for the LCCA area for the coming 2016/2017 season.

Sun 04-Sep London League Round 1 & Sussex League Round 1 Stanmer Park
Sun 11-Sep East Kent Cyclo-Cross League Round 1 SandwichTechCross
Sun 18-Sep London League Round 2 Penshurst Off Road Club
Sun 02-Oct London League Round 3 & Sussex League Round 2 Sumners Ponds
Sun 09-Oct London League Round 4 & Sussex League Round 3 Happy Valley Park
Sun 16-Oct East Kent Cyclo-Cross League Round 2 BayPointCross
Sun 23-Oct London League Round 5 Herne Hill Velodrome
Sun 30-Oct London League Round 6 & Sussex League Round 4 Happy Valley Park
Sun 06-Nov London League Round 7 Addington Park
Sun 13-Nov East Kent Cyclo-Cross League Round 3 DiscoveryParkCross
Sun 20-Nov London League Round 8 & Sussex League Round 5 Ardingly
Sun 27-Nov London League Round 9 Leeds Castle
Sun 04-Dec SE & E Championship CycloPark
Sun 11-Dec London League Round 10 Frylands Wood Scout Camp
Sun 18-Dec East Kent Cyclo-Cross League Round 4 FordManorFarmCross
Mon 26-Dec London League Round 11 Penshurst Off Road Club
Sun 15-Jan London League Round 12 & East Kent Cyclo-Cross League Round 5 Betteshanger Country Park
Sun 22-Jan London League Round 13 Jubilee Park, Leyton
Sun 29-Jan London League Round 14 CycloPark Badlands
Sun 05-Feb LCCA Team Championships Great Walstead School

Looks like a lot of fun. Is it lols or pretty serious? Would I be looked down upon to give it a go fixed/ss?

It's fun. Some people take it seriously but they should be racing. It's definitely doable fixed/ss. There were a few climbs but nothing particularly long or steep.