Cyclocross - sizing questions

Howdy folks! I am looking to get into the sport adn aquiring a project frame. i stand six foot one. what size frame should i be looking for? 54 cm? 18 in? The sizing kinda confuses me...

Depends a lot on the geometry of the frame and how that particular manufacturer measures. Also depends on your leg length that would be your inseam measured to the floor, not your pants length.

You're going to have to try bikes and see. For the most part something similar to your road bike, if not a bit smaller. If you're coming from a mtb background that don't help.

Ron

I'd go to as many LBSs as you can and sit on the bike. CX can be hard to size for a few reasons. First is that most CX racers want a smaller bike. Trouble is that this puts your seat above the handle bars so you need to leave a long fork tube and use spacers. The other thing is that stand over heights are variable because you can go from 22 to 45 mm tires and that changes the stand over.

I would try to sit on the bike you want to buy and make sure that you can reach ok or change the stem length. If you start comparing the CX frame size geometry you will find a lot of variation. At least I did in comparing the Specialized Tri, Salsa Las cruces and Axis sizes.

thanks a lot for the quick responses guys. all the input is much appreciated. I am coming from a mtb background and have never straddled a road bike in my life. these are new and scary waters i am immersing myself in. i am an unemployed and broke college student. my interest in the sport grew as i began embracing the wonderful world of ebay. after scouring the listings on ebay i found an 18in old bianchi single speed listed as the perfect commuter with the ability to be transformed into a cyclocross machine. my knowledge of bikes is not very comprehensive and does not extend much further than general maintenance of bmx and mountain bikes. thusly i have come here to learn more. after much browsing and reading of archived posts, i have to say i am completely and totally captivated by the idea of this sport! I love endurance racing and have given it up once i quit running cross country. This sport looks to be like a nice new adventure and i would like to get started as soon as possible. I am planning on visiting a few lbs toady and test riding a few machines to see what an appropriate frame size would be. i appreciate all the input and advice. thanks again and keep the wheels rolling!

edit: any advice on beginner gear ratios and component setups would be much appreciated. i plan on building up a bike once i can find a frame to project...