[doug.e.fresh]

My daughter has demanded (seriously) I switch her road bike to a cyclocross bike for the next season. She is only 8 and loves doing the races with her mom, so I figured I would oblige.

She currently has a 24" wheel Fuji road bike, and my problem is the brakes are road bike calipers instead of cantilever. Can I get away with this if I'm willing to take them apart and clean them every once in awhile?

Any other advice is welcomed!

Thanks

 

[doug.e.fresh]

The bike is an older version of this one:

 

[phsycle]

I think you will probably be limited to the tire clearance on this. I can get ~32's in my road bike, but I do have to deflate the tire partially to get it past the calipers. I could probably fit 28-30 CX tires just fine (with lower profile treads).

Mud clearance may also be an issue, but at her age, just let her go have fun on the current bike.

 

[yakkoTDI]

I would say look at how much you would have to spend to do the conversion first because it might be easier and about the same price** to just get this.
KONA BIKES | 2014 BIKES | KIDS' | JAKE 24

**Depends on what parts you already have. Also consider the amount of time it will require.

 

[phsycle]

Eh, the conversion is two new tires. Much cheaper than a new bike.

But if the tires she wants don't fit, then only option is a new bike.

 

[the mayor]

What do you plan on using for tires?
24 inch is pretty limited

The tire size and a ruler should answer your question

 

[doug.e.fresh]

Thanks for all the good advice.

I ordered some continental tires that are 1.75 inches wide compared to the 1inch currently on the bike.