I'm a long time roadie who would like to get started in CC but not sure I can scrape up the dollars for a new bike right now. What are the compromises of setting up a cross bike to ride road? I could sell my road bike, buy a cross bike and a spare set of road wheels. How much difference and in what ways will I notice. I don't race, but ride an occasional century and regularly hang in on 25 - 40 mile group rides. I like the idea of one "do it all bike" but having never been on a cyclocross bike, I don't know if that is realistic. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm a long time roadie who would like to get started in CC but not sure I can scrape up the dollars for a new bike right now. What are the compromises of setting up a cross bike to ride road? I could sell my road bike, buy a cross bike and a spare set of road wheels. How much difference and in what ways will I notice. I don't race, but ride an occasional century and regularly hang in on 25 - 40 mile group rides. I like the idea of one "do it all bike" but having never been on a cyclocross bike, I don't know if that is realistic. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I own two bikes -- two cyclocross bikes. Period (although I'm lusting after a track bike ...). I've ridden my old Redline with road tires many, many miles. I've even done a couple of small time road races on it. I've hung with fast pace lines. Mostly its about what you've got in your legs.

I say go for it.