Cyclocross - Cyclocross fit v.s. Road Bike fit.

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Uncle Ted
10-11-06, 11:03 PM
If i wanted to get a cross bike to start doing a few races how should the frame ideally fit in relation to my road bike frame. Should the top tube be proportionally longer or shorter or the same, for instance? I've got a size 60 (58 c-c) Cannondale CAAD7 that fits me very well.

bitterken
10-12-06, 09:35 AM
It's hard to say for sure, but in general, a CX bike tend to be sized smaller then a road bike and the bars set are higher then a road bike.

For me, my C'dale CX frame is a 56cm compared to my CAAD7's 58cm. I also have the bars at the same level as the saddle on the CX bike, where as they are 3 or so inches below on the road bike. I also have the saddle about 2 cm lower and about 1 cm further back on the CX. I like to keep the reach a little shorter too. You're best bet is to talk to someone at the LBS for a fitting, and then dial it in as you go.
hamr22
10-12-06, 10:29 AM
It's hard to say for sure, but in general, a CX bike tend to be sized smaller then a road bike and the bars set are higher then a road bike.

For me, my C'dale CX frame is a 56cm compared to my CAAD7's 58cm. I also have the bars at the same level as the saddle on the CX bike, where as they are 3 or so inches below on the road bike. I also have the saddle about 2 cm lower and about 1 cm further back on the CX. I like to keep the reach a little shorter too. You're best bet is to talk to someone at the LBS for a fitting, and then dial it in as you go.

How'd you get the bars level with the seat on a 56?

CaptMatt15
10-12-06, 11:47 AM
in general, a cross bike's bottom bracket is a little higher, so the numerical frame size is going to be a tad smaller (for most companies... not all) for the same actual height of the seat.

the best way to find your size is to go sit on a bunch of bikes if you have the chance, and even non-cross bikes and figure out what geometry you like, then look at the numbers and figure out what should fit you best
JStrasser
10-12-06, 07:33 PM
Some controversy regarding frame size- old ideas tend to linger. Adam Myerson has some ideas on this topic:

http://www.cycle-smart.com/Articles/find.php?search=31
auk
10-13-06, 07:04 AM
JStrasser, Very good link and one that holds very true.

I always set mine up as I would my mountain bike. That is, the flat section of the drop bars would fall on the same plane as the bars of the mtn bike.