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Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Hybrid to CX?

Old 11-24-13, 07:10 PM
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Hybrid to CX?

Been looking into cyclocross lately and its really peaked my interest. I'd love to get a new bike but just isn't in the budget. So I currently have a Specialized Sirrus Sport (2010) that I was hoping I could convert to a flat bar CX bike. Thinking of going from 3x8 to a 2x? cross crank and cassette and getting some CX tires. Other than changing the drive train is their anything else I would need or would it be more feasible to just go get a Jamis Nova Sport or a Kona Jake?
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Old 11-24-13, 08:38 PM
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I raced my first 3 CX races on an 15-year-old Trek hybrid bike. I spooned some CX tires on it and showed up and raced without the first clue as to what I was doing. I wouldn't worry about gearing or anything else -- just get out there and see how you like it. If you dig it, then you can take a look at getting a CX-specific bike for next season. Late winter/early spring is a great time to pick up a 2013 model on sale.
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Old 11-25-13, 12:16 AM
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Ought to just need the Knobby tires to join in the fun, worry about the expensiive Mods , as the addiction sets in.

season is short, and already underway, so you have till, next Autumn to shop for a real race-worthy bike.
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Old 11-25-13, 09:35 AM
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If your Spesh is your only bike, maybe buy an older road bike/ridgid MTB to test the waters. I wouldn't want to risk it if it was my only bike. Or be prepared for light/regular maintenance.

Unless you know how to do the maintenance it can get costly to pay someone else to do it for you.
I do all my maintenance so its ok for me, but I also have 4 CX bikes on hand so its not an issue for me.(1:trainer/commuter/tank. 2: Trainer/pit/parts bike. 3: Pit bike/setup like my race rig. 4: Race only rig)
I usually only bring 2 bikes to a race, 3 if the conditions are questionable.
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Old 11-27-13, 10:44 AM
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Thanks for the advice, I currently already have 2 mtb bikes and a road specific bike. I was looking into this a bit further and a new drivetrain would just be to costly. So I was contemplating getting a set of 3x8 road style shifter and mount them on a old set of road bars lying around? What do you think of these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-ST-2...item565d279e3b
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Old 11-27-13, 01:08 PM
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Those shifters will be fine.

If you're only using two chainrings you will be fine. If you're using three be aware there is a compatibility issure with FRONT shifting with road shifters and MTB front derailleurs and cranks. Two adjacent rings will shift fine but not all three.

If your bike has road components then there is no issue.



Originally Posted by Triaxtremec
Thanks for the advice, I currently already have 2 mtb bikes and a road specific bike. I was looking into this a bit further and a new drivetrain would just be to costly. So I was contemplating getting a set of 3x8 road style shifter and mount them on a old set of road bars lying around? What do you think of these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-ST-2...item565d279e3b
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Old 11-27-13, 07:11 PM
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Currently running a Shimano Deore front derailleur so it should be fine.
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