Originally Posted by
chico1st
Also does adding cyclocross tires to my old road bike make it a cyclocross bike? what else is it missing?
No, a cyclocross bike is a little different than a standard road bike. The frame has slightly different geometry more suited for the kind of racing on a cyclocross course. They also have lots of more clearance around the tire for larger tires and mud clearance. The frame is also a little sturdier to handle the abuse of cyclocross. They also usually have cantilever type of brakes. They can make a good winter bike. Since they have room for wider studded tires and fenders. The gearing is also different on the crank with a cyclocross bike with smaller chainrings. This might be useful in winter if you have to pedal through snow.
While many prefer the mountain bike as a winter bike, a cyclocross bike is certainly much better as a winter bike than a standard road bike for bad road and weather conditions.