[btographer]

Can I convert a Trek Pilot 2.1 into a winter bike/cyclocross? The bike is a 9 speed and came with Cane Creek long reach brakes. I guess the question is will the brakes work with a cyclocross tire?

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[dzinehaus]

looks like you could but I don't think you would be able to get much more than 30s on there and thats pushing it... I think you'd have to get a new fork to allow a bigger tire on there... and also the seat stays in the back might not have enough clearance... but this doesn't stop you from putting on knobbier tires...

If you change out the fork get one with cantilever bosses on it. It's not really suggested to have calipers on a cross bike but it will work. My cross bike i have canti up front long reach calipers on the back. Works great for me...

[mrboag]

I have the same question. I have a Pilot 5.0 and I am considering converting it into a cyclocross bike. Does anyone know the largest tire size that will fit on a Pilot?

[M_S]

I suggest stripping the frame of parts and buying a cheap cross frame. Transfer all the parts over that are compatible. Obviously you'll need new brakes, at the least.

I mean, you could experiment with how much rubber you can fit int he frame, but I'm guessing not much, and forget about any kind of mud clearance.

[flargle]

Does anyone know the largest tire size that will fit on a Pilot?Find the point of least tire clearance on the bike. Measure the gap, divide by two, add the result to your current tire size, et voila.