No.
Yes, you'll be better off buying a 'cross bike.
"The right tool for the right job"
To disable ads, please log-in.
Hi!
I'm a newbie looking to get into cyclocross.
Anyone think it's possible to convert my road bike to use it for cyclocross races? The bike is a Trek 2.1 WSD. Or would I be better off buying a cross bike?
Thanks
No.
Yes, you'll be better off buying a 'cross bike.
"The right tool for the right job"
Abarnes is right. The brake/wheel clearance on a road bike isn't sufficient for knobby tires needed to race 'cross. Additionally, the geometry of a 'cross bike is different - higher bottom bracket and a shorter top tube (typically).
You COULD use a mountain bike - better choice if you have one and are looking to give 'cross a try before jumping in to purchase a new bike.
But I'm warning you - once you try it, you'll be hooked .
SheFly
"Well behaved women rarely make history." including me!
http://twoadventures.blogspot.com
Thanks. Some new gear then
It depends upon the road bike. DH inherited his dad's ancient, low-rent steel Trek. It had enough clearance for cross tires--even studded tires. He was able to switch over to cantilever brakes, too. But, generally speaking, no...most road bikes don't have the clearance to mount CX tires.
Kirsten
run/bike log
zoomylicious
'11 Cannondale SuperSix 4 Rival
'12 Salsa Mukluk 3
'14 Seven Mudhoney S Ti/disc/Di2