Cyclocross - Steamroller for cross?

I'm looking into getting a Steamroller for my street bike, but since it can also handle fatter tires, I'm wondering if it can handle cross? I've been told the caliper brakes are an issue.

I would have to run in SS of course, but does the Steamroller have any glaring disadvantages over "real" SS cross bikes such as the San Jose?

There is a picture of a muddied-up Steamroller with 35mm Speedmaxes on it somewhere on this forum.

The caliper clearance is the issue, but only if it's muddy. Depending on your locale, it may not be. Here in AZ I can remember one race in the last 3 seasons where it was messy, and even then, it wasn't really sticky mud.

You can make it work. Not optimal, but it definitely works.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i6/heatherandsteve/BirminghamFall2006/IMG_0773.jpg

i did one single speed race last year on my steamroller. the michelin mud was too tight out back with the caliper brake but another tire was fine. but yeah, it worked and it was awesome.

you can get some big big tires on the steamroller. from mtbr:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=5115226&postcount=453

You can have canti studs installed for less than $100, and the local powdercoater will add $50 to the bill. FWIW.

You can have canti studs installed for less than $100, and the local powdercoater will add $50 to the bill. FWIW.Total waste of money.

Yes, that's why you never see 'cross bikes with cantilevers or paint.

Yes, that's why you never see 'cross bikes with cantilevers or paint.

I think he's talking about adding $150 in aftermarket work to a bike that hasn't been bought yet. If you're gonna do that, you're better off just starting w/ a different frame.

I think he's talking about adding $150 in aftermarket work to a bike that hasn't been bought yet. If you're gonna do that, you're better off just starting w/ a different frame.

Better option:

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Il_Pompino_550.html

I just got creamroller and was planning riding some light trails, would the stock wheelset hold up under those conditions?

The new IRO Phoenix has been released and it looks like a better setup than the Steamroller. I think I'm gonna go for that

I just got creamroller and was planning riding some light trails, would the stock wheelset hold up under those conditions?Yes.

I'm doing the same thing with my Steamroller. The only issue has been finding a rear caliper with the proper reach (well, it's only a problem since I'm just picking stuff out of my parts bin and not bothering to measure). That and the less-than-optimal choice of running the rear cable and housing. If I pick up that carbon fork I've been eyeing, I may just weld on some rear canti studs and cable stops and have my buddy powdercoat the frame a nice blue.

But yeah, it's doable.

I'm doing the same thing with my Steamroller. The only issue has been finding a rear caliper with the proper reach (well, it's only a problem since I'm just picking stuff out of my parts bin and not bothering to measure). That and the less-than-optimal choice of running the rear cable and housing. If I pick up that carbon fork I've been eyeing, I may just weld on some rear canti studs and cable stops and have my buddy powdercoat the frame a nice blue.

But yeah, it's doable.These work fine:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175252_-1_201353_10000_201354
Except you might have to slightly kluge the rear brake, as described here:
http://www.surlybikes.com/spew7.html

I used clamp-on cable stops, but if I were doing it today I'd just run housing the whole way and lash with zip ties.

I ran file-tread 32mm tires, I think there are plenty of knobby 32mm tires that would work. I busted my frame, and man do I miss that bike.

For a cheap option, find some used old center pulls. They have tons of clearance.

Do-able but you also have the extra hassle of hangers, and almost surely you'd want to get new pads for them anyway.

Yeah, it's something I considered (center-pulls), but the hangers didn't seem to be worth the hassle when road calipers work fine.