Vintage frame/fork for single speed cyclocross?

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Permalink Reply by J.D. Kimple on April 18, 2010 at 5:05pm

I'd use what I had on hand but that's because I'm cheap. But I'd say a decent lightweight vintage road bike with horizontal dropouts would be key. Shoot for something pre-mid 80's for tire clearance. Seems like after the mid 80's all the frames went to very little clearance and need a 20-23mm tire. I can't really recommend manufacturer, but I have had good success with Takara, old Treks, Miyata 110 and a Bianchi Campione D'Italia (although clearance was *tight* on the Bianchi with 32c's).

I wouldn't worry too much about finding one with canti mounts. Some old centerpulls with modern Kool Stop salmon pads offer plenty of clearance and work superbly, and some "long reach" sidepulls might do the job, too.

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