Cyclocross - ebay bike conversion to cyclocross ??? (300$ budget)

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sunstealth
03-04-10, 08:28 PM
I have a maximum 300$ cnd budget for a new bike (none of my size in used or they are really really busted to all hell if they are)

I also have a real nice bunch of bike coop around here derailleurs are cheap (tiagra for 5$ suntour superbe 3$ shimano XT for 10$ - brifters can be had for 30$ along the road - 700c used tires cross style are 5$ each) so im not that bad with used parts along the road this summer


so here is the bike , not that light but hey

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-SHIMANO-21-SPEED_W0QQitemZ180474208275QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item2a0519e013#ht_5343wt_1169


what do you think about converting that bike ?? oh btw braze on would be easy to do for a set of canti ,I already have the brakes.


(im just getting in the sports and my mtb sunk all my money last year (trying to sell my newish car to get a better bike carrier machine)

sunstealth
03-04-10, 08:39 PM
would this one be better ?? http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-24SPD-BIKE-DISCOUNT_W0QQitemZ140386275671QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item20afac9157#ht_4960wt_1430

or would i be better to put another 100$ toward the bike and get that (would have to used the road caliper tho :S ) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-SHIMANO-24-SPEED-CARBON_W0QQitemZ130371353360QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item1e5abcfb10#ht_6026wt_939


btw i have to remind you that the equivalent of those bikes around here are from 500$ (vilano equivalent) to 1200$ ( windsor equivalent) all in canadian money and we have the 15% sales taxes on top of that!
mrtornadohead
03-05-10, 06:08 AM
None of those listed will make much of a 'cross bike - mainly because you won't have room for any tires larger than 25c slicks. If you have access to lots of parts, the Nashbar touring frame and fork is a good deal, although a tad heavy for a "true" cross bike - http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_173291_-1_201511_10000_201512

OR, look around for a used road bike form the 70's or 80's that will have plenty of clearance for wider tires - with cyclocross bikes, you're looking for clearance for 32-35c tires with mud buildup.

ALSO: another good "conversion" for cheap is a used "Hybrid" bike. They are frequently built up with canti or V brakes (that's where you want to start!) and wider tires. Because it's a Hybrid bike, there's not much demand (and thus lower prices) on the used market. Yes, once again compared to a "true" cross bike it'll be a bit heavier BUT you'll have most of what you need, and it could fit well within your budget. Swap out the flats for drop bars, get some 'cross tires and you're on your way. Upgrade bits and pieces along the way as you see fit.