Cyclocross - Yet another noob with equipment questions

I've been cycling on the roads since the mid 1980's and want to give cyclocross a try. The problem is that I don't have a cyclocross bike, and I doubt that $1000 will fall from the sky to buy an entry level bike before the start of racing season. So, I've dug through the garage and pulled out my 1994 Specialized Hardrock Sport. My idea is to find a way to make this bike work (after all, for my first race or two, it won't be the equipment that'll be holding me back). I would, however, appreciate some advice and opinions on the best way to do this.

Though I realize that this is simply putting lipstick on a pig, I'm trying to decide if there are any inexpensive tweaks that I can make. My Specialized has a very upright riding position. Should I swap out the riser bar for a flat bar? Also, the bike currently has annoying grip shifters (very easy to inadvertantly shift), should I look into picking up some cheap thumb shifters? Presumably, I could make these swaps pretty easily, but is this just wasted money? Anyone have any idea of the cost benefit ratio on trying to make some changes to my Specialized? Are there other inexpensive things that I could do to make the bike more appropriate for cyclocross?

As another course of action, should I instead peruse Craig's list in the hope of finding an old touring bike for $50? Would this work better than my Hardrock until I can get something more appropriate?

If I enjoy the racing, then I will start trying to put money away for a dedicated bike. In the interim, does anyone have any comments or suggestions for a cheap way to test the waters? Thanks for any advice.


Dave

Convert it to singlespeed either with magic gear or a tensioner. That, and skinnier tires, will make it significantly lighter, and will cost you very little.

I would get some skinnier tires and call it a day. If I remember correctly, the hardrock from 94 was rigid. That will help. Don't put a bunch of money into the hardrock (unless you will use it for something else), keep saving for a cross bike. I'm sure you will get hooked like the rest of us.

Another thought, If you are one to have a full parts bin of road stuff, look for a frame and build one up. Most of the parts are road specific with the exception of the frame/fork and brakes.

I think they'll let you enter the mtn bike in a cx race. You just have to remove the barends if you have them on your bike.

I would get slightly thinner tires.

If your current mtn bike has cantis instead of v brakes, you might consider picking up a $5 drop bar on craigs plus some $15 brake levers. If the grip shift is the same diameter, move them to the ends of the drops so they will be out of the way but similar to using barcon shifters?? If they aren't, spring for some friction barcon or thumbshifter.

Thank you, everyone, for the suggestions. I can certainly spring for some skinny tires (I'll have to poke around, as I believe that the wheels on the Hardrock are 26"). I've also aleady picked up a set of used Look Quartz pedals (to replace the platforms with nylon toe clips that are currently on the bike). Maybe I'll just stop with this, and hope to be able to swing a dedicated bike before the autumn of 2010. Again, thank you for the help.



Dave