I beleiev american cx bikes have a lower BB than the european bikes (desiged for more mud). look out for head tube too as these vary a lot – I think the focus and stevens brands have small head tubes that will let you get a lower position on the bike.

brakes are the biggest thing – cantis aint that good on roads or trails (enough for proper cx racing) but not the best on anything else. you can get mini v’s though which are excellent (but not as good for mud in races)

get some slick tyres and think about your gearing and you’ll be just fine

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cross by bmclynskey1, on Flickr[/img]

Wouldn’t have a problem using mine all winter if it was all i had. Finding a frame with a long enough top tube to meet my set up needs (short legs, long arms) was a bit tricky as they tend to come up short.
With a longer inverted stem i reckon i could have an identical set up to my road bikes and with a set of 25s or 28s have a reasonably comfy workable bike.

Might want to put my front mech and double rings back on though i suppose.