I am currently building up another road bike - Bianchi SL - (my 2nd geared road bike) and was wondering what to do with my first road bike - Fuji Bordeaux w/ Campy Veloce. I want a cyclocross bike but all of my money is directed to my current build so I was wondering if I could convert my Fuji into a cross bike. I've asked around at the LBS and they say that knobbies wouldn't clear the brakes. Is there a solution to this or am I better off just selling this bike and buying a cross bike?

I was thinking I could clear the front by getting a new fork with cantilever brakes but the back will still be a problem. Anyone done this conversion before? Thanks in advance

I turned an old steel road frame into a singlespeed cross bike. It has regular road brakes and I still fit some smaller 'cross tires. Not knowing your bike, you still might be able to fit 30 or 32 knobbies. No harm in trying. Often the problem isnt only the brakes, but clearance around the seat tube and chainstay areas. If they fit, it won't have a ton of mud clearance, but not all 'cross courses are muddy. I think it depends how serious you are about racing.

There are two races this coming weekend. I might just enter in the mountain bike category but then that wouldn't be much of a CX experience for me.

I suggest you get out there any way you can. You will have a blast, get hooked and then you will know what direction you want to go.

I've been thinking the same thing. check out these from paul componets:
http://www.universalcycles.com/company.php?Company=Paul%20Components
I've checked on ebay and there are a few older center pull brakes for sale, but I'm not sure if they will have enough stopping power.

Thanks for the advice and info. My MTB is full suspension w/ 6" of travel and is roughly 30 lbs. This won't be overkill/overweight will it?

Well, yes, it will. But it probably won't be the heaviest bike there. Just give it a shot. You won't regret it.

Thanks for the advice and info. My MTB is full suspension w/ 6" of travel and is roughly 30 lbs. This won't be overkill/overweight will it?

If you race in the C category, don't worry about it. There are always a bunch of guys on Mountain bikes. Do a race or two on your mountain bike. You'll want to step up after that. Personally I'd suggest just swapping whatever parts you can from your old road bike to a cyclocross frame. You'll have to get new brakes, but your shifters, crankset, handlebars, etc. will probably transfer without a problem.

If you're anywhere near a 56cm frame I have a couple that might work if you are interested.

This is a late reply, but I entered the MTB category of the cross race. Didn't do so hot as far as standings go but it was fun and I now have more motivation to train. I'm going to throw on a freewheel on the flip-flop hub of my fixie and turn it into a SS cross bike. Its an old steel bike that came with 27" wheels so I think I can use the original road brakes with 700c wheels and knobbies like 'thatguy'.