Prz's projects - Tricross, ECR

I have decided that having a nice CX/gravel bike and an IGH belt-driven commuter bike is not enough and I need something for thrashing in snow, ice and other stuff when I don't really want to waste components of Pickenflick.
Got this Tricross Singlecross for less than 150 GBP converted, full bike but a lot of work needed: it was converted to flat bars by previous owner together with some shitty suspension seatpost, also drivetrain looks quite worn out. Planning to mount Midge bars, 700x40C Nokian studded tyres and CR720 cantis.

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After unpacking and scrapping off all the excessive parts. Weight as pictured is 4.25 kg.

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Look like a fun bike, interested to see how this turns out!

Paint and new decals improve these so much! Looking forward to seeing it finished

Paint has a lot of chips, but it's just going to be a winter bike, so for now not bothering with repainting, I will just remove the sticker from top tube, looks fugly. I also really like this shade of green.

It took me quite a long time to gather all the parts and find time to assemble everything, but here it finally is.

Maybe I will add some cheap CX tyres to ride it sooner than next December.
Fun fact, either Stronglight chainring or Novatec cog is slightly oval, as chain changes its tension slightly when pedalling.

It might just be that the chainring needs centring. See Sheldon Brown for how to.

Having sold the Pickenflick, Tricross has become my main bike for bashing through the hilly woods of my neighbourhood. There was literally just one day this winter with any measurable snow, so I didn't use the studded tyres at all. Instead swapped them for 700x40c Conti AT Ride, as 700x42c Smart Sams were rubbing the chainstays. Also fitted my main saddle (Spesh Toupe Comp Gel)

I really enjoy the singlespeeding, although 38:19 is quite punishing on 6%+ gradients around.

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And my new project is Surly ECR (initial 29+ version) in XS size for my fiancée, plan is 2x10 XT drivetrain and 2.35 BA tyres. All parts already ordered, waiting to get all them so I can build it.

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Such a rad bike mate!

And forgot to add, total weight is 9.5 kg, considering the anchor wheels could easily drop at least halfa kilo.

ECR is now in a rolling chassis form - for now to keep budget in check got a second hand wheelset, M615 Deore hubs with 26,4 mm internal Weinmann rims (OEM from a Superior MTB) for 70 GBP. Tyres are 28x2.35 Big Apples. I changed my mind and instead of 2x10 it will be 1x11 with new Deore M5100 derailleur and 11-51 cassette. Planning to add M8000 shifters and wondering about cranks - M5100 needs 52 mm chainline, but the M5100 crankset is not hollowtech, so I would prefer to get something like SLX double/triple crankset with NW ring that would get me this chainline. Any recommendations?

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ECR is now finished, very happy about the build, fiancée loves riding it. Comfort and vibration absorption is very important for her and difference to previous bike with 700x38c is great.
The only problem is chain sound in 4th gear (I guess SRAM chain with oversized rollers might be the cause together with quite big crosschaining). Now looking for mudguards that will fit the Big Apples and a rack that will clear 3.0 tyres (with mudguards if possible).

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Meanwhile the Tricross got 700x35c Contact Speed tyres and was turned into more allround bike (commuter and for flat terrain riding with fixed gear). Also (back in freewheel mode) I have explored Latvia's gravel roads recently, SSCX is perfect for this terrain (generally flat, but every now and then some short, steep climbs.
Still learning to ride a fixed gear (mostly braking with brakes for now), but I like the different experience and see how even shorter city rides and improve my bike handling, pedaling technique and fitness.

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