Cyclocross - Inspire the poor cyclocrosser

Want to get in to cyclocross but can't really afford a new bicycle. Build one. Here is an example if you are new to cyclocross and would like to try it out for cheap.

Speacialized crossroads frame $30
Ritchey Headset- came with frame
Aluminium bars craigslist $5
Forte seatpost craigslist $2.50
Bontaracer saddle $5 garage sale
RSX derailluer on $5 parts bike from St. Vincent de paul
Exage Crankset also on $5 parts bike from St. Vincent de paul
700c wheetset also on $5 parts bike from St. Vincent de paul
Diacomp levers- Had
Stem- Had
Bartape- $12
Cantilevers- Had
Tires- Free
Powdercoat- Free

Total $54.50
Will I win? No. Will I have fun? Yes.

Nice work. When I painted a bike it cost me $50 to sandblast and I think $70 for the powdercoat. How is the rear tire clearance? I had an old Crossroads (04 or 05, the cromoly ones) and rear tire clearance was tight with anything that had knobs. It weighed a ton too, but looks like you have some lighter things on there.

The weight is actually not that bad I think this frame is a 97. Tire clearance is not going to be an issue. Luckily I have family members that powdercoat. So all I had to do was strip the frame.

nice, i can't help but notice that the bartape was the second most expensive item.

You may win. Many people ride thousands of dollar bikes on cross races that finish near the bottom. Work on the engine and technique and you'll stand a much, much better chance than they do.

Looks good.

What I'm currently building is a cheap town bike I may try a cross race or two with.

A bit more expensive than that atm but I couldn't be bothered to wait around for a dirt cheap frame. Is going to end up even more expensive because I'm planning on using a nexus hub, but is still cheap compared to anything but the absolute crappiest walmart bike.

a man after my own heart.

looks like i need to visit st. vincent de pauls.

i built my cross bike from mostly spare parts, and other projects i had gotten . i did splurge on the chainring, and wheelset, but in all reality it was already bought for my fixed gear. i just made it a cross bike by trading for a set of knobbies from my friend for some extra slicks i had, and buying brakes from the local co-op (mafac racers), and a new freewheel. i am having quite a bit of fun on it. its an old schwinn world, it weighs a ton, but i don't have to worry about it breaking anytime soon.