>>1265881True cyclocross bike built for racing cx? No.
'Cyclocross' bike that's not built for racing? Very much yes.
Salsa Vaya would be my first pick. It's a cyclocross-style light touring bike. One of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden, and I've ridden a lot of bikes.
>>1265685Definitely not. Weight, bob, maintenance, etc and no advantages whatsoever. Suspension belongs on mountain bikes, nothing else.
Steel is nicer than alu unless weight is your highest priority but alu is fine.
If you're concerned about an alu bike being less comfortable than steel and you want suspension to make up for it, you're doing it wrong. An alu bike with a sus fork is going to be heavier, less efficient, and no more comfortable.than a rigid steel bike.
If you want comfiness, ride steel and if it's still not comfy enough, ride at lower pressure and/or slightly wider tires.
>>1265546>>1265562I doubt a no-name early 2000s bike is 650b.
>what's a good wheel sizeDiameter? Whatever your frame is built for. Width? See pic related.