How to Make a Cyclo Cross Bike From a Saracen Tufftrax Frame

[ipaul321]

I am thinking of building a cyclo cross bike from an old frame as mentioned in the subject field. Anyone offer advise? What Groupset? What wheels? and....is it worth the hassle???!!!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Unless I am mistaken the Tufftrax is a 26" wheel mtb with V brakes. Some fundamental challenges of converting it into a Cyclocross bike, which nearly always have drop bars and 700c wheels, are that drop bars brake levers don't pull enough cable for V brakes, which is why Cyclocross bikes usually have canti's, and while bosses for Vs and cantis are the same, they would be at the wrong height on your frame/forks for anything but 26" rims.

However there is nothing to stop you keeping 26" wheels, and just put cyclocross tyres on it, e.g. the Schwalbe CX Pro comes in 26" versions. You may also want to lighten the bike up as much as possible for easy carrying, perhaps replacing suspension forks by rigid if that is what you have. You would want to go for road front mech and a chainset/bb with road chainline, because Shimano drop bar front shifters don't pull enough cable for their mtb front mechs, and mtb and road front mechs don't assume the same chainline.

 

[ipaul321]

Your assumptions on the bike are spot on. Really appreciate the steer. One further question, looking at groupset costs is it worth the time & trouble? Part of the motivation is dad/son bonding but perhaps that could be achieved by buying a bike for him?! Many thanks, relly appreciate the reply.

 

[oldroadman]

Your assumptions on the bike are spot on. Really appreciate the steer. One further question, looking at groupset costs is it worth the time & trouble? Part of the motivation is dad/son bonding but perhaps that could be achieved by buying a bike for him?! Many thanks, relly appreciate the reply.

Short answer - no. Too much bodging required. Proper CX bike a much more sensible route. Made to do the job, unlike anything "modified".

 

[ipaul321]

I feared you might say that...will look hard at old parts make the call. Bikes have come a long waysince I last built one up.