matt0ne

Forgive me if I come off as crazy, I'm typically in the C&V forum. I've been interested in getting into a bit to cross, but only have steel road bikes. I've also been looking at getting a better commuter (where I can hang fenders etc). So, I found this guy on Craigslists and wondering if I'm crazy to try to learn to race on this thing (i also don't have much money)

It's an 88 Nishiki Cresta touring frame.

fietsbob

As a Touring frame, BB could be a bit low, but with 'Spud' Pedals ,
maybe adequate for courses with not too off camber slopes to dig a pedal into.

tashi

Swap tires and go. That bike's ideal for a cheap way into cross. I'd probably change to a single-ring setup over the triple.

GrayJay

Looks like that nishiki has a very shallow seat tube angle. For more of a CX riding position, you will likely need to have the seat far forward on the seatpost. A touring frame is likely to be much heavier (to handle loaded touring) than a purpose built CX bike. A purpose built CX bike will have angles, wheelbase, chainstay length that should make it more nimble handling that a touring bike. The nishiki would probably be fine for strait-line offroad but CX racing usually has a lot of twisties.

amillhench

I had one of those Crestas, but I think mine was a year earlier. Nice frame. Pretty slack angles, though. Go ride it off road and make your decision.