Cyclocross - Low spoke count for cross.

Hey every one, I'm wondering if any of you guys are using low spoke count wheels for cross racing.
I've recently come into posession of a brand new set of Bontranger Race X-lite wheels, I'm not that interested in using them on my roadie and thought maybe I could re-space them and use them as a race wheel for cross. My ideal race weight is in the 165# range and I consider myself to be a pretty smooth rider.
Do you think these things can handle cross? I'm currently running 8spd Dura-ace w/ Open Pro Cd's which are freaking bullet proof, so no real complaints there. I'm trying to figure out what I can do with these damn wheels, I got em for nothing so no real loss either way.

Cheers, Rasher

Why would you need to respace the wheels unless your rear dropouts are 132.5 or 135?

you could sell them to me at a really good price. Or you cuold ride cross on them. you shouldnt have to respace them as most newer cross bikes are space for road wheels.

it can probably handle it but they aren't the best solution for cross racing. Low spoke count isn't all that much fun when you break a spoke.

it can probably handle it but they aren't the best solution for cross racing. Low spoke count isn't all that much fun when you break a spoke.


Exactly what I'm worried about.
To the other posters, they will have to be respaced to 135mm, not a big deal, something I can easily do myself.

Thanks for all your input.

'Rasher

How low of a spoke count?

I don't think it's too much of a problem if they're built properly. I hit a rock or something on the course (at I'm guessing 12mph) and flipped over the h/bars and ended up in the emergency room, yet my front wheel (28h Sun M19 tubular rim, DT Revolution spokes) didn't even go out of true!

I still don't see why you would need to respace road hubs for a cyclocross bike. Most rear spacing is 130, a few builders do 132.5. What frame are you using?