Can I use a road frame for cyclo cross

tommy_tommy
tommy_tommy Posts: 91
edited July 2009 in Road beginners
I am considering trying some cyclocross racing this autumn. I have an old Giant road bike stuck in the garage and some 40 spoke 700 x 25 wheels and a 7 speed groupset. (just one broken shifter to replace) If I fitted some semi knobbly tyres would it be OK for cyclo cross.

Has any one else built a cyclo cross bike around a road frame? Any tips.

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    You wouldn't have the mud clearance or wide enough tyres.
    I like bikes...

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  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Braking would be crap too.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • geoff_ss
    geoff_ss Posts: 1,201
    Depends what you mean by road frame. I have a Mercian touring/cycle-camping frame I had built a few years ago that would work at a pinch. It has full mudguard clearance and braze-ons for cantilevers. Perhaps the biggest problem would be the under bottom bracket gear cable guides.

    An old mountain bike frame might be a better choice. Come to think, I've got a Mercian one of them too :)

    Geoff
    Old cyclists never die; they just fit smaller chainrings ... and pedal faster
  • e999sam
    e999sam Posts: 426
    I did the the three Peaks on a road bike with knobbly tires. It wasn't ideal but I did finish.

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