Question from a reader

Question:
Greetings from Portugal!

I loved seeing photos from your excellent Colnago conversion. It looks great! but, how does it work in the mud? Have you tried it out?

I am asking you this because I have the opportunity to get an 80's stylo road frame, much like your Colnago. All I have to do is weld the canti bosses and possibly dimple the chainstays...
Is it worth it, or should I just get a Surly?

Keep up the good work, Pedro

Answer:
Well, the "worth it" question is one of personal taste. A Surly may be cheaper. But uniqueness is another concern. I love the pantographs on my Colnago and those you cant find on a Surly. Also, the fun and enjoyment I had in building the bike up and choosing the colors and restoring the bike couldnt be matched by buying a stock bike.

Not all bikes will have room for bigger tires. I know that bikes designed for 27" wheels such as 80's Nishiki's work well. They are the best converts in my experience.

I am actually writing an article for CX magazine on this very subject, so I will save much of my ammunition for that article. So if you arent a subscriber, do it now.

Cyclocross bike weights

Reader, Tim, sent us some weights for some new cross bikes and fork:

Redline 2009 Conquest Team scandium frame—54cm 1480g

The new 12K weave 2009 Redline Conquest Team carbon fork is 450g

And the new 2009 Lapierre full carbon FDJ ‘Cross frame—57cm---1247g

Thanks, Tim!