Longer distances on 'normal' roads

[Digital Gee]

I'm wondering whether a cyclocross bike would be something that might fit my cycling needs. Currently, I ride a 2004 Giant Cypress SX with 700 x 32 tires. It's basically a somewhat heavy road bike with flat bars. I'm 56 and 250 pounds, btw.

I've been testing riding a number of regular road bikes, such as the Specialized Sequoia, the Giant OCR series, and the Trek Pilot. These days I typically ride between 50-70 miles a week, mostly 10-15 miles at a pop and longer on the weekends.

All my riding at the moment is on urban streets and the occasional bike trail.

My purpose for a new bike would be to have better components and something I would ride longer distances. Maybe even a century someday -- who knows?

So, given that I seem to like the relaxed geometry of the bikes above, what does that mean in terms of a cyclocross bike? I think I tried the Bianchi Volpe a while back, but it's been too long and now I don't remember what I thought! :)

[CastIron]

Cross bike will be just fine.

[thatguy]

I certainly would work. They tend to have more relaxed geometry, can accommodate larger tires and the stock wheels would be more sturdy. Many are designed with commuters or light touring in mind and feature rack mounts and extra bottle cage mounts. Some have triple cranks, some have compact doubles witch would both work for you. The only drawback might be that some racing style 'cross bikes command a premium over similarly equipped road bikes. The bikes you mentioned are on the right track, but two to look at are the Lemond Poprad and Surly Cross-Check.

[zymans]

Gary:
They are an excellent choice. I got the Specialized tricross for commuting around town. I even have a rack to carry my Nikon :^)

[Deanster04]

The suggestion of a Proprad or Surly Cross Check are excellent. You can add that of a Gunnar cross bike as well...all steel. I have been riding the road and mtb bikes for years. Some friends recently talked me into adding a cross bike to my collection. I found a Torelli that I purchased and swapped out the Shimano to an older Daytona triple. It is working out fine especially in the recent snows of Colorado. In purchasing a Steel Cross bike I can ride either the road or off road by swapping out my wheels between the road or off road ones. The cross bike is for all practical purposes a beefier road bike with drops. I am 64 and weigh 225# and ride about 100 to 125 per week during the summer not including the mtb rides. I will be riding off road when the snow clears. Being your weight a good steel frame will be perfect. Stay away from Aluminum...limited life material...although people will try and persuade otherwise.

Good luck

Don