Newbie...Lots of questions

[velogirl]

actually, even if you switch brakes, you probably still won't be able to mount cross tires on your road bike -- there most likely won't be clearance at the seat tube and/or chain stays and fork for the larger cross tires.

but, depending on your courses, I've seen road bikes race cyclocross -- crazy if you ask me, but it can work if you don't have super-loose or rocky/rooty courses. here in northern california, some of our courses are pretty flat, hard-packed and fast (and typically dry until at least December).

[Voodoo Sally]

actually, even if you switch brakes, you probably still won't be able to mount cross tires on your road bike -- there most likely won't be clearance at the seat tube and/or chain stays and fork for the larger cross tires.

Good point. I got to wondering about that.

[cwodiva]

as far as racing goes, cross is one of the easiest sports to get started in. The only pressure really is the pressure you put on yourself. There are beginning fields, and you can pretty much race it at your own pace. (not like road racing at all) There are some heavy duty people out there, but the majority of people are doing it for fun. Maybe your local LBS can loan you a bike? I had a friend loan me one for the first few races, until I got my own. My first cross bike (all I had was a road bike, no mountain bike) was a used bike for $400. It lasted for two seasons and was great fun.

Steph

[Kalidurga]

This is a link I found a year or so ago so I don't know how current or accurate all of the info about UCI rules, etc, is, but it includes some good female-oriented tips for buying a 'cross bike or putting together a getto-'crosser: Cyclocross for Smaller Riders. Check out the photo of her flying re-mount!

[Tuckervill]

hijack: What IS cyclocross exactly? What makes it different from mountain bike racing?

I'd be really surprised if there are any events in my area, but it'd be fun to find out.

ETA: Never mind. I wiki'd it.

I was right about there not being anything in my area. Apparently you need winter.

Karen

[Voodoo Sally]

I just realized that you won't be able to mount other types of brakes on your road bike. The road bike won't have the proper mounts to install V-brakes or cantilevers on the fork or the frame. Sorry.

[Kalidurga]

I was right about there not being anything in my area. Apparently you need winter.

Actually, Karen, you don't necessarily need winter. As I understand it, 'cross began as a winter sport because European cyclists were looking for a way to maintain fitness during the off-season. In the "Who's ready for 'cross season?" thread, I posted some links to articles about 'cross. If you enjoy watching or participating in cycle racing, 'cross is a very fun, kinda funky alternative to road and mtb. I've yet to see one of these races in the snow, but I'm definitely hoping to this winter

[velogirl]

you definitely don't need "winter" weather. here in CA, we rarely get rain, nevermind snow, so cross is a dry, hot, dusty sport!

I'll echo what others have said: "go for it! cross is a blast and it's a super-beginner-friendly sport!"