Bike Building - Compatible Components?

[AnnieP107]

Hi,

I've been given a second hand but good condition Specialised Tricross Sport cyclocross bike, but the frame is a bit too big for me.

If I bought a new frame in the correct size (I have the Surly Crosscheck in mind), would it be possible to just swap it over for the Tricross frame?

i.e. would all the wheels, gears, bars etc on the Tricross fit on the Crosscheck frame? Are there any bits I would have to buy new? Which?

And how do you go about checking which bits are compatible with which?

No doubt I wouldn't have the technical know how and skill to do this myself - my plan would be to take it to bike shop for them to build it up for me.

Very novice questions no doubt - sorry!

Thanks,

Annie

 

[sabian92]

The only thing I can think of is possibly cables, but I'd replace those anyway. You don't know how worn they are, and it's not like it's expensive considering if one snaps you possibly have no brakes!

 

[MacB]

a new headset would be needed

 

[Hacienda71]

You will need to check the seat post diameter and if the front mech is the same attachment type and if it is a band the diameter. I assume the bottom brackets are bot English, but best to double check.

 

[AnnieP107]

Thanks for your comments

 

[mickle]

All* BBs are 68mm/ English these days- so no compatibility probs there.

Cables will prob need replacing - though you might be able to retain the front brake cable.

Headset - dunno though MacB seems to. Easy one to check.

Brakes and rear deraillieur should go straight over though the RD limit screws must be checked as dropouts are rarely the same thickness.

Seat post diameter - you'll be lucky.

 

[al-fresco]

According to my documentation the Cross Check seatpost is 27.2mm diameter.

 

[MacB]

According to my documentation the Cross Check seatpost is 27.2mm diameter.

yep and the headset is a standard external whereas the spec on the latest Spesh shows an integrated headset, thoguh I don't know if that's the case on the model you have.

 

[brockers]

yep and the headset is a standard external whereas the spec on the latest Spesh shows an integrated headset, thoguh I don't know if that's the case on the model you have.

Why should it matter if they're both a-headsets?

 

[MacB]

Why should it matter if they're both a-headsets?

external means the head tube is just a tube that the headset cup presses into, the integrated, or semi integrate, use the head tube as part of the headset. Different sizes and one won't fit another.

 

[brockers]

external means the head tube is just a tube that the headset cup presses into, the integrated, or semi integrate, use the head tube as part of the headset. Different sizes and one won't fit another.

I'm aware of that (and there are variances in chamfer angle on integrated cups to contend with also) ! It's just that if you're swapping stems and handlebars the only thing that matters are whether the two frames have a-headset forks (not one with a 'traditional' quill system, and the other with a-headset). Whether the a-headsets themselves are integrated, semi-integrated, or external is irrelevant, no?

In short, and what I'm trying to get to the bottom of, is why you see it necessary to change the headset when you're swapping over the stem and bars, unless one frame has quill forks and the other has a-head forks ?And if that was the case, then you'd need to change the forks too, or use an a-headset adapter.

 

[MacB]

I'm aware of that (and there are variances in chamfer angle on integrated cups to contend with also) ! It's just that if you're swapping stems and handlebars the only thing that matters are whether the two frames have a-headset forks (not one with a 'traditional' quill system, and the other with a-headset). Whether the a-headsets themselves are integrated, semi-integrated, or external is irrelevant, no?

In short, and what I'm trying to get to the bottom of, is why you see it necessary to change the headset when you're swapping over the stem and bars, unless one frame has quill forks and the other has a-head forks ?And if that was the case, then you'd need to change the forks too, or use an a-headset adapter.

Ah, misunderstanding then, the OP is thinking of buying a Xcheck frame and transferring the parts from the Spesh frame. The Xcheck frame won't come with a headset and the one from the Spesh won't fit. The OP question was what bits could be transferred and what would require replacing.

The other stuff you mention should transfer fine but they'll need to buy a headset for the Xcheck frame.

 

[brockers]

Ah! All clear now!