Cyclocross - 09 Kona Dew for cyclocross?

First post! I've really enjoyed reading-up on some of the topics covered here. Been interested in cyclocross for the past few months and want to get involved once the season starts.

I currently have a 09 Kona Dew 60cm that I use for commuting. I'd love to have a proper cyclocross bike (my LBS let me test ride a Kona JTS and I loved the feel of it) but I figure i'll have to wait before I can pull the trigger on a $1400 bike.

So! Any suggestions on what I can do to make my humble commuter a bit more 'cross ready in the meantime? Can I expect some help from my LBS in doing this or should I be able to do this on my own? the only thing I've done so far is buy clipless pedals (which are incredible). also, if this is a dumb idea...please let me know why.

thanks!

-Robb

There's no reason you can't try out cyclocross on a Dew. You'll have a harder time shouldering it for run-ups and hurdles because of the tighter main triangle compared to a CX bike, and it's probably a bit heavy, but you can do it and have fun. Lots of people around here use mountain bikes for cross racing, particularly in the beginner class.

You'll probably want to get a set of CX-specific tires for improved traction on grass, mud and sand. You'll want to remove all your commuting paraphernalia such as rack, fenders, bottle holders, etc. If you have bar ends, they'll need to come off. Otherwise, get ready to race!

Thx for the insight! I'll look around for some tires and see what I can find.

I don't use any racks, fenders, or bottle cages (pretty sorry commuting setup)...so I should be just about good to go!

Also, can anyone explain the merits of drop bars over straight handlebars?

Drop bars are traditional and, I believe, required at some levels (UCI races). They also give you a handy place to hold the bike when carrying it on your shoulder. Compare the carrying technique in the picture below:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3769260510_305b63acc5_o.jpg

Notice also that the guy on the left is using a flat bar Kona of some sort. Judging by the color, I'd guess it's a Jake the Snake, which comes with drops out of the box.

Is it also worth noting that the guy with drop bars is in front?? :-)

How can you tell it's a Kona on the left?

The crazy color.

Is it also worth noting that the guy with drop bars is in front?? :-)

Yeah. He's probably lapping the guy with flat bars. ;)

The wheel just visible in the front of the picture also belongs to a bike with drop bars.



How can you tell it's a Kona on the left?

I took the picture so have a higher resolution version of it on which I can read the name on the down tube. You can also see the Kona badge on the head tube. It's also got a Kona Project 2 steel fork, which I recognize because it's the fork on my Kona Jake. I believe the Dew has that fork too.

Well, went to the LBS today and had a little chat about getting into the MI cyclocross scene. The guy was really helpful and also suggested that getting my Dew 'cross-ready, while possible, might not be so practical. So! I just snapped some pics and put 'er up on craigslist. Hopefully somebody buys it in the next week or so.

The shop had a redline conquest sport that looked great. I'm also thinking about the motobecane fantom cx from bikesdirect. they both seem like good entry-level bikes. Anyone want to weigh-in on either choice?

So what did the guy at the LBS say to convince you? "Look at this cool Conquest"? :) That probably would have worked for me.

I'd get the Redline, not least because you don't want to go into the shop this fall with a busted derailleur dragging a Motobecane and asking them if they can give you a good deal on a replacement.

Alternatively, you can get the Mongoose Croix Comp (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1072897_-1_41000_20000_41001) from Performance Bike. It's ugly as hell, and you'd have the same "bad relations with the LBS" problem as with the Motobecane, but the parts spec looks good for the price, and you might be able to chase down a 15% off code in the coupons section of the site.