I've been cycling on the roads since the mid 1980's and want to give cyclocross a try. The problem is that I don't have a cyclocross bike, and I doubt that $1000 will fall from the sky to buy an entry level bike before the start of racing season. So, I've dug through the garage and pulled out my 1994 Specialized Hardrock Sport. My idea is to find a way to make this bike work (after all, for my first race or two, it won't be the equipment that'll be holding me back). I would, however, appreciate some advice and opinions on the best way to do this.

Though I realize that this is simply putting lipstick on a pig, I'm trying to decide if there are any inexpensive tweaks that I can make. My Specialized has a very upright riding position. Should I swap out the riser bar for a flat bar? Also, the bike currently has annoying grip shifters (very easy to inadvertantly shift), should I look into picking up some cheap thumb shifters? Presumably, I could make these swaps pretty easily, but is this just wasted money? Anyone have any idea of the cost benefit ratio on trying to make some changes to my Specialized? Are there other inexpensive things that I could do to make the bike more appropriate for cyclocross?

As another course of action, should I instead peruse Craig's list in the hope of finding an old touring bike for $50? Would this work better than my Hardrock until I can get something more appropriate?

If I enjoy the racing, then I will start trying to put money away for a dedicated bike. In the interim, does anyone have any comments or suggestions for a cheap way to test the waters? Thanks for any advice.


Dave