Converting a road to cyclo cross

wellbeloved747

I am about to build my carbon road race bike for next year. I want to turn my current specialized allez in to a semi off road/snow bike, basically a cyclo cross

Is it just as simple as putting cyclocross tires on the bike or will I need to do anything else to it?

AndyOgy

The tyre clearance on an Allez will only (just about, maybe) take 28mm slicks. Further issues will arise from trying to mount any type of brake, other than a dual pivot calliper, which will quickly seize up when exposed to lots of mud and moisture.

You could change the forks, so that you can fit disc/canti brakes up front. And A2Z make an adaptor to mount a disc brake at the rear.

However, it'll probably be easier and cheaper to buy a Cyclocross frame/fork. Use the wheels and drivetrain from the Allez and get yourself some of the road bike specific Avid BB7 disc brakes.

stickman

Your biggest problem will be the mud clearance and clogging. I put a drum brake on the front and a 26in wheel on the rear with a v brake adapter.

Monty Dog

Not enough clearance I'm afraid - you'll struggle to fit a 28mm tyre whereas you need about 42mm for a CX tyre

giropaul

Until the 70s that's what every cyclocross rider did (although frames had more clearance then).

You are asking about using it to ride a bit of off-road and snow - just stick on the chunkiest tyres that will fit under the bridges and you'll be fine - we're not talking about riding world cup events after all!

diy

Easier to sell it and buy an old rockhopper or similar as a mud hack. Unless you are doing cyclocross, I personally think an MTB with fast XC tyres is as good on anything other than that which your road bike is better suited to.

I must admit I find it funny seeing cyclocrossers out on trails paddling their bikes gingerly through the mud. There are of course those who can out ride the avg mtber on mud, but there are a lot more who probably brought the wrong tool for the job.