Road bike conversion

[bikerhahn]

What recommendations does this group have for converting an old steel roadbike into a bike fitting to try cyclocross? Do I need to get a thicker fork, brakes? what about gearing

[velocipedio]

first, of all there was a similar thread here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=39385).

making a real cross bike of a road bike can be an expensive proposition. assuming there's enough tire clearance for knobby tires, you'll want new gearing [at least a new, 48t outer chainring], a shorter stem and cantilever braze-on posts on the fork and seat stays. at that point, you're probably already up to the $200 range, without even buying new tires.

on the other hand, you can just put 28c tires on most older road bikes and race them as-is on dry courses, while just avoiding muddy courses.