tyler_j

Hi there,

I have a mid 90's specialized hardrock frame. The bike was a rigid setup, the frame is cromoly with cantilever posts on the back.

I am wanting to custom built a cyclo-cross bike and am wondering if I will be able to use this frame? Its in great condition so I'd like to be able to use it for something. I only plan to use the frame, everything else with be cross-specific. I'm just not sure if the backwheel spacing will be okay, or using 700c instead of a 26" wheel etc. The current rim is 26"x1.5 and has a 6-speed cassette on it.

thanks!

flargle

You'll have to use 26" wheels with that frame.

It isn't what I would choose, if I were going to build a cross racing bike around a frame. There are many low-cost frame options out there, both new and used.

On the other hand, if you want to slap some skinny tires on that thing and race it, by all means do it. That's what my wife did this season with a vintage rigid mtn bike, and was quite successful. It was difficult to portage, though, because of the weight and the small triangle.

SaddleBags

I did my first cross race on a 05 Stumpy hardtail. Slapped on some Schwable CX Pros (1.5) and locked out my front fork. After 7 or 8 laps of 2 set of runups and 2 barriers I was about dead from carrying the bike - but it was fun. Since the triangle is small I "shouldered" the bike by the nose of my seat on my shoulder. The rails dug into the shoulder a bit but was better than pushing the bike up the hill.

If you plan on racing, do a few races on your current setup then put out the cash for a frame. If you want to keep it inexpensive, a used framesets can run as low a $100-$200 (new MB and Scattante run in the low $200).

Cyclist01012

OK, You may be able to use 700 wheels. But unless you have a good parts box around or friends that have bee around a while it may not be worth the effort.

You will need a st of adjustable brakes. I used a set of Onzo's I bought off ebay. The brake pad slides along a shaft giving you the adjustment to use 700 wheels. Spacing was not a problem as old mt bike frames (late 80's giants) ran narrow.

Also if you decide to run drop bars you will need a really short stem o the frt end is going to be squerilly.

cs1

My wife has what sounds like the exact same bike. 700C is out but you could make it into a really different bike though. Nashbar sells a 26" carbon fork with canti mounts. https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%20ATB%20Forks The fork is 1 1/8", so that might be a problem. If it is, just use your old steel fork. The frame should be spaced at 135mm in the rear. Seatpost is 26.6 if I remember. It has a 28.6 dia seat tube so they're lots of old MTB ders to fit.

Tim