How to Convert a Cross-Country Mountain Bike Into a Cyclocross Bike

Cyclocross is a brutal, painful sport, and thousands of people love it! These simple tips will help you convert a hardtail mountain bike into a race ready cyclocross bike.

Instructions

1. Remove any additional accessories from your bike, including racks, reflectors, mirrors, bells, water bottles and cages, packs, bar-ends or lights.

2. Inspect the frame, fork and all components on the bike for cracks, or other signs of trouble. Repair or replace any obvious problems.

3. Consider replacing your suspension fork with a rigid fork.

4. Change your tires to the narrowest tire you can find, usually around a 1.5 inch, or 1.7 inch. Find tires with relatively small knobs to increase clearance on the frame and to reduce mud build up.

5. Remove the inner, "granny gear" and limit the front derailleur so that it won't shift down to it.

6. Choose a clipless pedal that functions well in the mud. TIME pedals and Eggbeaters from Crank Brothers are a popular choice. They both work well in mud, sand, snow and dust.

7. Lube the chain, derailleurs and cables. Cyclocross is usually a muddy sport, use lubricants that work well in wet conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Almost no cyclcross bikes have front suspension, and if they do they have very short travel (maybe an inch). The courses don't really require them, and a rigid fork will lighten up the bike. Thanks to the ease of threadless headsets, swapping out a fork is easy enough to switch back and forth as needed.

• If you are switching between a suspension fork and a rigid fork, make sure the rigid fork is suspension adjusted or your bike will not handle properly.

• Be sure to perform a normal bike check to test the brakes, drivetrain and wheels. Maintain and prepare as you would for muddy mountain bike rides and races.

• Cyclocross racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.