Reynolds 531 cyclocross conversion

[Percybigun]

I have a groupset of sturdy old raleigh weinmann custom shimano sachs hurrett etc (i know its bulletproof from rough urban biking BITD), and i've just got a 22" R531 frame very cheap (from a 83 raleigh rapide).

I've also got kenda cx 700c tyres & tubes new ready to fit (clearance looks ok).

What forks should i get? I may put a disk brake conversion on it, or maybe not.

I was thinking of using a new (old) set of steel raleigh 700c wheels i've got, ok braking will be poor in the wet, but BITD they could take serious abuse without buckling. Its just to tide me over until i can afford summat more "CX".

I'm not likely to do much off-road in the wet anyway.

I'm doing it on a budget but may upgrade certain bits later.

I know that the groupset & steel wheels weighed 12kg on a raleigh 18/23 bike, so with the 531 frame i'm happy for it to end up at 10-11kg total weight (not keen on a featherlight bike road off-road!)

 

[mattsccm]

Firstly ,you probably won't find disc forks to fit what is almost definitely a a frame with a 1" headset. They do exist but it would be as cheap to buy a new frame. Planet X had them for £150. I would get forks to give the same brakes as the frame. Ie can't is or calipers. Cheapest that way. Any wheels will do and as I bet you have a freewheel set up with something like 6 or 7 gears you might find some thing cheap but nice.