Cyclocross - Thinking of building up a cross bike...

Using parts from a previous roadbike build.

So, what are the main concerns when building up a CX bike?

Can I use my old 105 hub/ma-3 rim wheelset? If so, what is the largest tire I can probably fit on it?
Are road or mountain cranks reccomended?
road or mtn deraileurs, etc?

I know lots of stupid newb questions, but I am trying to ballpark what something like this would cost.

That sounds like a perfectly reasonable wheelset. You can run any normal clincher cross tire 28 - 34mm on those rims. The other parts depend mostly on the frame you use, in general you'll be looking at road parts. If you're riding in Florida there's no need for a triple, heck I don't even run a double crank, there's just no terrain to use all those gears on. I'm running a single 42 and a 13-26 or 12-26 depending on which wheelset. It isn't all that critical either if a regular double crank presents itself and you've got the front der, go ahead, it won't hurt. No need for MTB derailleurs in most cases. A lot of people get convinced that they are more off-road rugged and it just isn't the case, at least not for what a cross bike will do to 'em.

I guess my advice is don't over-complicate it. Or make it expensive. Check with your frame manufacturer or at least see what they use on the factory builds.

Are we gonna see you in Largo?

Ron

Maybe after I get into some decent shape :)

Right now I still have some serious endurance issues I have to iron out. Pretty much I got fast for short distances, but I need to get my cardiovascular system up to par.

As for the bike, for now it will have a road triple, since I am playing the "keep it cheap" card, and have those parts on hand. I also have some beat-up, but perfectly usable 105 deraileurs I can throw on it, as well as a 9-sp ultegra cassette.

I have all kinds of parts laying around....even chains :)

I say go with what you got. No need for a triple, even less need to spend money.

What frame did you get?

Ya know, those cross races are only 45 - 50 minutes. ......

Ron

Using parts from a previous roadbike build.

So, what are the main concerns when building up a CX bike?

Can I use my old 105 hub/ma-3 rim wheelset? If so, what is the largest tire I can probably fit on it?
Are road or mountain cranks reccomended?
road or mtn deraileurs, etc?

I know lots of stupid newb questions, but I am trying to ballpark what something like this would cost.

The wheels sound fine to me. Tire size probably has more to do with clearance on the fork and stays. I'm running some Specialized 32C tires on Mavic Open Pro's with no problem. My bike is supposed to be able to fit 37C without fenders though. Good luck it sounds like a fun project.

Tim