Touring-Cyclocross conversion help.

[jamiehp]

Hey, I just this new bike, it's a schwinn crisscross frame, painstakingly outfitted for cyclocross, and I was planning to use it to tour, or at least commute. Thing is, I don't so much want to lose the cyclocross aspect, I don't plan on competing, but I like the idea of being able to go off road, because in my neck of the woods, some easy off-road riding, ala cyclocross, could save me a lot of time coming home from school. Besides, I just like the versatility. I was just wondering if anyone had some ideas for ways to convert without losing too much, of that ability, especially in the tire department, the tires on there now are fairly expensive and not designed for road riding much at all. Thanks a lot. Oh, and one more thing, I know this is trivial, but, does anyone know what brand/color the bartape Rivendell uses, the stuff that matches so well with the Brooks saddles? I'm getting a honey B-17 and it clashes horribly with the tape that's on the bike now. Sorry If i just asked a stupid question.

[artmichalek]

Oh, and one more thing, I know this is trivial, but, does anyone know what brand/color the bartape Rivendell uses, the stuff that matches so well with the Brooks saddles? I'm getting a honey B-17 and it clashes horribly with the tape that's on the bike now. Sorry If i just asked a stupid question.
I'm not sure exactly what Rivendell uses, but Cinelli makes a natural colored cork tape that matches the Brooks color pretty well.

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.asp?PART_NUM_SUB='1209-01'

[jamiehp]

ok, tight.

[boudreaux]

Hey, I just this new bike, it's a schwinn crisscross frame, painstakingly outfitted for cyclocross, and I was planning to use it to tour, or at least commute. Thing is, I don't so much want to lose the cyclocross aspect, I don't plan on competing, but I like the idea of being able to go off road, because in my neck of the woods, some easy off-road riding, ala cyclocross, could save me a lot of time coming home from school. Besides, I just like the versatility. I was just wondering if anyone had some ideas for ways to convert without losing too much, of that ability, especially in the tire department, the tires on there now are fairly expensive and not designed for road riding much at all. Thanks a lot. Oh, and one more thing, I know this is trivial, but, does anyone know what brand/color the bartape Rivendell uses, the stuff that matches so well with the Brooks saddles? I'm getting a honey B-17 and it clashes horribly with the tape that's on the bike now. Sorry If i just asked a stupid question.Why doncha ask rivendell...www.rivbike.com

[jamiehp]

I figured it out, actually, it's some brownish tressostar that they coated with shellac. It looks cool, is cheaper than cinelli, and seems fun to do besides. Thanks though.