Road Cycling - quick newbie question for the group

I'm a roadie who wants to dabble in the dirt stuff. I'm not looking to go crashing over ledges, just ride in a bit of the rough stuff. Why would I choose a crosss bike like the Trek Xo1 or Kona's Jake the Snake over your basic mountain bike? I can see that the positioning on the bike would be different, but is that really that big a deal? Also, am I going to look like a dork riding a "road bike" on the trail even if it has knobbies on it?? Please help!!!!:angel: :angel:

nah i've seen people do it. just makes you think why they would want to put their expensive bikes thru the stress of off-road riding.

And off road bikes are not expensive??

Depends on how rough and how technical. The mtb will often have lower gearing,more standover and wider tires.Pick the ride to suit the terrain.

If you want to ride off road ten procuring a rig capable of this venture is worth the investment. Depending on the amount you want to spend there is plenty to choose from. A cross bike is can be amusing, but even the entry level atb's have a performance advantage over a cross bike when ridden off road. I have never been one to pay attention to looks, so I cannot answer that one. You can get a nice mtb that will serve you better off road than a comparable cross set up.
After all you got a road bike for the pavement so.........

:beer: Hello: Seems like I am interested in the same as you. I only go about 12 - 20 miles a day on my bike. Strictly recreation. Last year, I bought a hybrid "Diamondback." This was a "Comfort bike." Although it seems fine on the roads, I never could keep up with my roadie friends on this bike. It also does not do the trick on the trails. It sits in my shed and I bought a crossroads "Specialized" bike for the road instead. I usually ride around my home or on bike paths with this I own " mountain bike that I use for the trails. It works great. My advice to you is buy two bikes that each o you want them to! Happy trails!!!!!!

If you're planning on doing any type of technical or even plain-jane single-track stuff - I'd opt for the mountain bike. You'll really appreciate the suspension fork and the geometry, and you'll be able to keep up with your fellow riders much better.

As others have stated, it's really a matter of matching your bike to the intended terrain.

Good luck with your decision!

Originally posted by pokey
And off road bikes are not expensive??

no, but their frames are built to better handle the extra rough ride

And a cross bike isn't??:rolleyes:

jerseybikegrl,
The Xo1 is a good frame. Also, check out the Diamondback Podium. They are on sale on ebay for cheap sometimes. It has the bonus of disc brake mounts.

With the new 2003 XTR, I think alot more CX bikes will have disc brakes.

also look at cyclocrossworld.com they have alot of CX bikes/frames and pics of World Cup CX races. You can see the kind of gnarly stuff a CX bike can go through.

If you have the cash, I would recommend the Empella Bonfire. Someone on this board has a Bianchi that looks pretty cool.

Also, check out the "cyclocross" section of this forum. I think all the CX owners have posted there.

I always laugh at comments about the lack of off-road prowess of CX bikes. It reminds me of that saying, "Some people are so eager to show off their ignorance."

Anyway, check it all out and try to test ride a CX bike to see if you like it.

Get which ever bike you like the feel of better. Granted, if you ride a lot of technical stuff you might like the mtb better. No, you wont look like a dork. There are a couple of riders who frequint our dh trails on cyclo-x bikes and they tear it up. It is fun to watch. If you have the skills you can ride the cyclo-x just about any where.
Slainte:beer:

Don't worry about looking like a dork, I do it all the time and I like it. But remember, you will be limited on most true road bikes by the size of tire that will fit. Most will only accept a 25 between the chain stays, if that. Go with a good hard tail mtn bike. You'll like it.