Can I convert my Carbon Felt F3C frame into a cyclocross bike?

Question

Is this safe to do? I know nothing.

Answer 1

Hey there.

You can, but we don't recommend it.  Are you looking to race? Or just ride a trail once in a while?

If you want to just ride a trail, you can try to get your hands on a few narrow cx tires (most not made anymore)  to see if you can get them in your frame and brakes.  kenda kwick, ritchey speedmax, schwalbe cx pro light, vittoria tigre, michelin hi-lite cross, and old specialized tri-cross all came in very narrow widths of 28 or 30c (undersized 30c, not like the new michelins).  you can also find some road tires with a bit of tread that would do just fine for most smooth hard pack surfaces.

If you're looking to race, I wouldn't recommend it.  Not only will you likely have limited tire choices, mud clearance problems, different geoemetry and gearing, you just won't be as fast without being able to ride wide tires with low pressure.  (Shameless plug - see our Issue 3 with our tire pressure research article. )  

I don't think safety is the big reason - the frame and fork should be durable enough to handle the stress of most 'cross courses but if you get in some gnarly stuff - all bets are off.

You're actually better off, in our opinion, adapting a mountain bike, if you have a hardtail.  Or even pick up a used hybrid, touring bike, or cx bike and race with that.  A hybrid can be converted with relative ease, and will accomodate real cx tires.

Hope that helps, welcome to cyclocross.  Enjoy!

Answer 2

Yes, you can convert it, but it'll be a compromise.  Cyclocross frames have different geometry from standard road frames like yours.  They have a higher bottom bracket (for clearance of obstacles), longer wheelbase, and slightly more upright geometry.

Then there is the issue of where the frame is reinforced for the rigors of cross competition.

Next is cable routing.  A good cross bike does not route cables on the downtube (like your bike) because they can get fouled when you are carrying your bike on your shoulder.

I've put some links below that might help.

Generally, I'd advise against it, but if you want to do cross and this is all you have then go for it.  It's not unsafe.  If you break the frame it's not likely to happen in a way where you'll be injured.

Ben

Answer 3

I wouldn't. You most certainly don't wnat to use the stock fork either. Aside from the beating it'd take, you may have clearance issue with tires, lack of the correct brakes etc. Sell it and buy a what you really want.