[azdroptop]

I have an 02 Lemond, steel frame, Ultegra 9-speed bike that I have considered converting into a cross bike. It would be nice to have something to cruise the hood with my son and be able to hit some mello dirt with him now and then. Is this feasable and what kind of mods would I be looking at. Wheels? Fork? Brakes? Here's a pic of an 02. Not mine, but exactly the same.

http://www.bikepedia.com/Helpers/readimage.aspx?filename=2002+Lemond+Buenos+Aires.jpg

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[MIN]

At a minimum, you need a new fork with more axel-to-crown length. Your frame may not like 34c knobbies, but it looks like there a bit more space there than is the current norm with carbon bikes.

This assumes you want 34c knobbies though.

Why not stuff slick 28c tires on the bike and call it day? Cheaper and it does the jobs on trails. I have no probs with 25c on dirt and gravel roads.

[azdroptop]

Good idea on the larger tires. I'm definately not looking at doing anything crazy on the bike so that may be the answer.:)

[bonechilling]

I'd just put the largest size knobby tire I could fit in there and call it a day. I can't imagine that riding trails or CX in Arizona is very muddy, so you'll be fine with caliper brakes.

[knobster]

I have the 04 version and you're not going to be able to put very large tires at all on it. I think 28's would be tight. Lucky for you, there's no carbon, other than the fork. How about selling it, and buying a true, low cost cross bike?

[azdroptop]

Another possibility. I'm leaning towards keeping it since it was my first 'real' road bike, but who knows, if I got a decent amount for it I wouldn't mind I guess. What would a middle of the road cross bike cost?

[knobster]

You can get a Surly Crosscheck complete for less that $1000. Lots out there for less than $800. Bet you could get $500-600 for that Lemond, if it's in good shape.

[azdroptop]

Not a bad price. Thanks for the heads up.