Cyclocross - Geometry questions for a newbie and conversion...

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.




pjbaz
10-20-03, 03:08 PM
I know almost nothing about this sport...but find it a really cool alternative to mtn biking for a roadie.

However, I don't want to spend major $$$ for a new cross bike, I'm waiting for (the stupid driver who didn't stop at a stop sign's) insurance to buy me a new road bike first, but plan on converting an old Trek to make do for a while.

I have a lugged frame 1988 Trek 400T (originally a triple, although I might make it a double) which I would like to convert. It has a Shimano Deore rear D. which is marked MT (I'm assuming that stands for mountain).

What type of geometry do I need for a cross bike?
Will this Trek make it, or is it a waste of time and $$$?
Double or triple?

Brakes?
Where can I find a set of inexpensive brake levers that mount on the flat with the pass through cables?
Can I get away without having cantilever brakes?

Thanks,
PJBAZ


superchivo
10-23-03, 01:44 PM
I ride an old Trek 700 and have had no problems. I pulled off the crappy triple and but an old set of RX-100 cranks (52-39) up front. One thing you'll probably have to do is change out the BB and front derailer to make everything fit together right (at least I had to).

During my first cross race a couple of years ago, this 50 year old guy riding a bigger beater than mine told me "don't worry about your bike, it's more important to ride hard." Then, he beat me.

good luck,
Chuck