Cyclocross - Trek Multitrack Conversion question

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jstuts2260
08-15-12, 11:23 AM
I'm typically a roadie, but will be doing my first cross race in a few weeks so I'm converting the gf's old hybrid to a cx bike(1997 Trek Multitrack 730). I ordered everything to convert my 730 to drop bars. But I have 2 questions.

1) Is it ridiculous to leave the grip shifters for now? I've yet to do a race, so I'm not 100% sure that I'll love it as much as I'm anticipating. Which is why I'm holding off. Should I just spend the $70 on bar end shifters??

2) I'm considering switching out the crank. My road bike is a 175mm, and this thing is 123mm so It feels like I'm riding a child's bike. In honor of keeping it cheap I'm thinking of ordering a cheap shimanno altus from nashbar.com. Since I've never replaced a crankset I'm not sure if it will fit my bike. It says it has to have a 123mm Bottom Bracket. The bike has a 110mm bb.

crank link: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_543233_-1
Bike link: http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1997&Brand=Trek&Model=730&Type=bike#.UCvaG2Fv9Cc

Will it fit?

Thanks for the help. I'll post some pics when it's done!

fietsbob
08-15-12, 11:39 AM
just buy the tires , for now.. its a rider endurance and dismount remount skill as much as a riding
off camber dirt, and tight corners thing..

get cranks and BB' as a set to insure they work together.
Dave.H
08-15-12, 02:31 PM
I rode a few races last year on a 1994 GT Backwoods with crappy hub bearings and a bad front shock. Still had fun! As fietsbob said, just get some tires and ride it and see how you like it.