How do I convert my old touring bike to a cyclo cross bike?

BobGeldart

I've got a decent touring bike that I built back in the early 80s.
It's fitted with a TA chainset, Shimano 600 changers (10 speed ), Weinman brakes, Suntour wheels (27 x 1.25), Brooks B17 seat, Cinelli road handlebars etc.
Would the bike be ok to convert to a cyclocross type bike, it'll be used for training purposes in my local park?

cheers

Bob.

lae

Yeah probably, the angles of a tourer are a bit closer to cyclocross than a racing bike's angles are (if that makes sense).

So long as you've got enough clearance to fit some wider tyres and mudguards, it should make a half-decent cheap cx machine.

Problems you might face are with weight (for carrying especially) and also with your rear mech cable if it runs under the bottom bracket - you might want to re-route it to run along the top tube as otherwise it'll get absolutely caked in mud. You might want a shorter/shallower angle stem to raise the handlebars a little bit too. The only 'big' problem with your frame is that most CX bikes use cantilever brakes to allow wider tyres and mud clearance - I presume yours has caliper brakes?

BobGeldart

Yes, theey are side-pull caliper brakes. I'd be happy to fit knobbly 27x1.25 tyres (if such a thing still exists) to my existing rims.

lae

If you can't find any 27" tyres then modern 700c wheels will fit (so long as your brake pads can drop down by about 4mm).

dombo6

Just take it to the park as is.
I used to ride a 5-speed Elswick Hopper in the 70s around my local woods and park. It was converted from a sit-up-and-beg 3 speed. Brooks B17 saddle, toe clips, Simplex gears, no name chrome drops and 26" michelin tyres. Must have weighed well over 30lbs but loads of fun.

BobGeldart

Here she is, think I'll keep it as a single speed bike.