Old 03-12-10, 09:15 AM
  #5  
KonAaron Snake 
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
 
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It can definitely be done, but a modern CX bike is going to be a lot lighter (especially with the predominance of CF forks) and the frame is a bit more agressive than a traditional touring bike. A lot of the older touring bikes are also designed with 27's in mind while most CX I've seen is 700c.

My old Kona JTS weighed in at 21 pounds with no weight manipulation. My dad's Voyager weighed around 26-27 with weight manipulation.

I'm actually going the exact opposite route...I'm looking to pick up a used new'ish donor CX bike to move it's parts over for a touring build.

I think the cheapest way to do what you're talking about would actually be one of the older rigid MTBs. You'd end up with 26 inch wheels, but that would be the cheapest platform. Just switch out the front to a compact, add some drops and STIs...you're in business.
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