Cyclocross for me?

[tbrodale]

I am going off to college in August in a small town in Virginia. I want to be able to do some light trail riding while still being able to ride my bike the 10 miles to the next town that I will most likely be working at during school. I had my heart set on a cyclocross but my funding would not allow such an investment. Is there anyway I could buy a frame and put the bike together for around $300-400? I worked on all my bikes when I was a bit younger but still wouldnt know really how to put one together or what to buy. If not what do you recomend? Should I get a lightweight mountain bike and put some tires that would be better for road on them? Or just got with a road bike? Thank you for any help you can offer.

[tbrodale]

I found this frame for $180 on ebay. Do you think I could buy the parts (hopefully also off ebay) and put a bike together for less than total $400? (Totalling everything but the frame at $220?) It doesnt have to be nice as this is going to be my first shot at a real bike and will only be using for 1 year. Thanks again for any help.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98084&item=7162903611&rd=1

[amahana1]

Couple of things you want to consider...Is the frame the right size for you? Also you are looking at a bare frame without any components. Your biggest cost is probably going to be the wheels. If you are looking to spend less than 400 it is not impossible to do, but if you plan on building this one up it could be tricky. You have to factor in some speciality tools you might need and/or bike shop costs for the things you dont know how to do. Have you thought about making it a single speed or fixed gear? (would cut down on the cost quite a bit). Also, for 400.00 or less you could find a decent complete bike that would need minor if any work. But hey, if you wanna build up a bike and have 400.00 do it, sounds like great fun. Oh one more thing, you might look at cheaper used frames to make it a little easier to afford components. My two cents.

[tbrodale]

It is the right size for me thought it took a bit to find one that was. The problem is that I am having a hard time finding a cheap cyclocross. I would love to find a used one I could fix up rather than build one.