Cyclocross - 2003 JTS Owners / Other JTS owners

I just picked up a 2003 JTS frame which I am going to build up into a winter commuter. My wife thinks I am nuts biking in the winter considering that we live in Ottawa Canada. I am always up for a challenge. Who knows I might get sucked into the cyclocross scene. I have never built up a bike before but I figure I can figure it out with the help of my Zinn books.

I just need some help on selecting components. I am still debating between 9 or 10 speed as my road bike is currently nine speed which would allow me to use the wheel set over the winter without changing the cassette.

So here go the questions:
1. What is the clamp diameter of the seat tube? ie. what clamp diameter do I need for the front derailler. I got a winwood carbon seatpost with the frame so that is covered.

2. For my rear derailler I am assuming that I can run a short cage since I only have a double up front or ....? I have no clue on the reason for a short over a long if someone could fill me in that would be appreciated.

3. I have a headset included with my frame and I am pretty sure it is 1 1/8" diameter. Can someone confirm this? Also I am thinking of putting a carbon fork on it...any recommendations for a cheap (price wise) carbon fork. What rake do I need?

4. Final question. What is the space on the read dropouts 130mm or 135mm. Thanks for you assistance.

I probably won't get this build for another month or so but will post when it is completed.

Thanks in advance for you assistance.

Use whatever you consider expendable. If it's an older 9spd set up you have lying around (something you're not going to miss in the spring), go for it. Otherwise, think about a singlespeed rig. The slush and salt on the roads around here will leave your derailleurs and cables in poor condition very quickly.
For the front der., measure it with a caliper or bring it to your LBS and they'll gladly point you in the right diameter direction.
For the rear der., take the difference between your chainrings (large-small=x) and add that to the difference between your large and small cog in the rear. Every derailleur will have it's own specs- a short cage will usually accommodate up to ~22T total difference; long cage can do up to 44T.

I have an 06, but don't know some answers...

2...the reasont o go short cage with a cross bike is to not have it hangign down in harm's way, the flipside is it limits you on the cassette you can use.

4...the 06 is 130. I'd suggest you check the original specs for the bike -- in particular what was the original hub? if it's a road hub, it's a 130, if it's an mtb hub it's 135

I think they have all been 130. They have all had road hubs. My 2000 originally came
with a 105 rear hub.

Who knows I might get sucked into the cyclocross scene.
Check out the cyclocross scene with OBC! I am hoping to drag my ass out for 1 or 2 once the season is over here in Quebec.