I am wanting to get into cyclocross. I don't have a lot of cash but I do have an old(1989) Panasonic road bike that needs some serious upgrades. I was thinking of converting the Panasonic into a cyclocross racer but I have no idea where to start, what to buy or if this is even a workable idea. If anyone out there has any thoughts, recommendations etc. I would really appreciate it as I am totally lost. I would need information on component systems, wheels and tires, forks, brakes etc. You name it...I don't know it. Thanks to anyone who can help.

I was thinking of doing something very similar. I ride in all weather and am looking to build up a durable cyclocross bike (I live in Massachusetts) that could get through snow, sand and rain. The biggest problem I've had in doing something like this is in wheel and tire clearance and brake clearance. My brakes are old dia compe caliper style and will not support a fatter rim. The second problem, in relation to this is in the fork clearance, and for the same reasons.

That's just my advice. Anyone else?

I suggest you both take a look at the component specs for Redline, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Bianchi, LeMond, Kona (and whatever else you can find) cyclocross bikes. The similarities in components will give you a good starting place.

While you can run side pull caliper brakes, center pull cantilever or v-brakes are better when it comes to mud.

Those are some good ideas and I appreciate it. I'm just not sure what components will fit my old racer. I have visited the Trek website and gotten the specs on their CX bike. I'm thinking of staying with the sidepull for now just for money's sake but getting a heavier set of wheels and knobby tires just to start. Later, and with more money, I'll most likely try to upgrade to disc or some sort of cantilever brakes. Does this sound workable. I'm also going to enlist the help of a couple of local bike shops to get their input. We've got some good ones locally.

Cross bikes are very similar to road bikes, except for a few subtle differences. For example, a cross bike has brazed-on mountings for cantilever brakes, and clearance for bigger tires. Your road bike may not have these characteristics. Side-pull road brakes do not share the same mounting points as cantilevers. You can, however, run a little big larger tire - a knobby if it'll fit - with some "extra" reach caliper brakes. Those can be difficult to find. You can also put on some lower gears, or maybe a triple crankset if desired/needed. Most important thing is to ride the thing and if you really get into cross you can get a cross-specific bike later...

Can you mount V Brakes on Cantilever stud posts?

Can you mount V Brakes on Cantilever stud posts?

You can, but on many cross forks they would be a bit hard to adjust - too narrow. Also road levers would not work well with them - MTB lavers pull more cable.

In my experience, I have mounted centerpull canti's and linear-pull "V" brakes on the same frame and fork with no problem. I didn't like the V brakes because in orde to use STI levers you have to use an in-line pully and I didn't like what that did to me cables. I may try it again some time.

So you can mount V brakes on Canti studs? Someone in another forum told me it wouldn't work. Or I guess that the reach wouldn't be that much greater.

So you can mount V brakes on Canti studs? Someone in another forum told me it wouldn't work. Or I guess that the reach wouldn't be that much greater.

Yes you can. But you would also need to use different levers, as they need to pull more cable.

I would think there would be not much advantage over cantilevers in cyclocross tires applications - cantilevers seem to be quite strong enough. You need more pover from V only when you are running MTB knobbies.

I'm running XT V-brakes on my Fuji Cross, using my standard 105 shifters and a problem solvers travel agent. I haven't had any trouble adjusting the brakes. It really works well but it isn't the prettiest setup.

I've got a similar question...I have an old ('91 or '92) Giant Iguana rigid mtb I was wanting to change out the flat bar and put on a drop bar. Has anyone seen/done this? I think it has an 8 sp cassette, so would Sora shifters need to be used?

im doing that right now to a nishiki road bike----you can check the progress at www.bikeproductsreview.com

im still waiting for it to return from the canti brazeons and the powdercoating.

jeremyb

I've got a similar question...I have an old ('91 or '92) Giant Iguana rigid mtb I was wanting to change out the flat bar and put on a drop bar. Has anyone seen/done this? I think it has an 8 sp cassette, so would Sora shifters need to be used?

Yes, all Shimano 8 speed stuff is compatible. You could use Sora if you really want to save money, but Sora shifters are pretty crummy. Try to find some old 105 8-speed shifters.

Another alternative would be to buy a 9-speed cassette, some 9-speed levers, and a 9-speed chain. Shop around and you could get everything for $175-200. This is your best option if you can afford it.

Jeremy B.,
Nice build up on the cyco-cross,, i'm not into the single speed aspect, but i like very much how you did, hats off!

green tires are also a nice touch. can anyone tell me if cyclo cross tires tend to be bigger than their numeral designation? I noticed this with a Michelin tire.

thanks,
Gardener

thanks mate, yeah theres no reason why this bike has to be single speed (other than the fact that i cut off the rear derailleur hanger) but yeah, my point was to just show how an old bike that would otherwise be a POS could be raceable.

thanks for the kind words
jeremyb