Cyclocross - Bianchi Cross Concept as road bike

How is a Bianchi Cross Concept going to work as a road bike?

I recently got a Bianchi Cross Concept to use as my one and only bike. I do plan on racing it when the cross season roles around, but until then, I want to get some road riding in. This was kind of a rushed purchase and I am still unsure on the fit and feel :o .

Before I sink more money into getting the fit right, I wanted some advice on how a bike designed for cross racing will work for road specific use.

Thanks in Advance,
Matt

It has 2 water bottle cage mounts so it will be fine on the road- get some skinny tires, a couple of cages, and a bigger 'big' ring. If you're riding it on the road to gain fitness, you're golden, if you want to road race, get a traditional race bike designed for the purpose

It has 2 water bottle cage mounts so it will be fine on the road- get some skinny tires, a couple of cages, and a bigger 'big' ring. If you're riding it on the road to gain fitness, you're golden, if you want to road race, get a traditional race bike designed for the purpose

Already got the skinny tires and cages, and plan on the bigger big ring.

What would be the issue with crit/road racing the Cross Concept?

Aside from canti brakes and wider tire clearance, there doesn't seem to be much different between this bike any another compact geometry road bike. Its even much lighter and has a smother ride than my steel road specific bike.

I bought a Ridley last weekend with the exact thing in mind (see my current thread). The bikes works well as a road bike. A bike that would be great for cx (think of makes a great cx bike) won't be a great road racing bike, but it will more than do the trick 95% of the time. Unless you plan on racing cat4 or higher, I'm sure you'll be fine. Enjoy your new bike. The cross concept is an awesome bike.

the biggest thing you will probably notice is the head angle is probably a touch more slack than your traditional roadie, as well as a slightly higher BB- it wont corner like the a traditional roadie racer, but like sfcrossrider said, anything cat 4 and 5 will be fine. if your top speed is super high, you will notice in the corners, but if not then it should be fine..enjoy!

Thank you for the feedback. I'm going to put some more effort (read $$$) into getting the fit right. I think a new seatpost and handlebars are called for.

I just put in two fastish road rides, 80 miles each on consecutive days, on my Giant TCX, with some road tires and I loved it. It seems to me that for road "riding" rather than road "racing" the way the bike fits is more important than what type of brakes it has or whether it weighs 21 pounds or 17 pounds.

I understand the new handlebars, but personally I find my shallow ergo drops are comfortable for both road and cross. Why would you need a new seatpost for road riding?

I understand the new handlebars, but personally I find my shallow ergo drops are comfortable for both road and cross. Why would you need a new seatpost for road riding?

The reach and drop of the bars on my new cx bike are actually much more comfy than the ones on my roadie, but they are to narrow. My upper body feels cramped while riding. I am hoping wider bars will do the trick.

I need a new seatpost to get the fit right, something with zero setback. Currently the seat cannot be moved far enough forward to get in an efficient position over the pedals. Every bike shop I have ever been in places me on a 56 frame, but then I always need to get a zero-offset seatpost.

I just bought one last week, I have taken it out twice on the road with the knobbies. It is quite the bike, works very well, and rides great. I just put on some slicks for a little till I finish my roadie, Ill update tomorrow after its first pure road ride. Only problem is how low the gearing is, but considering I am not tip top right now, its ok. Did you get an 06 or 07?

I just bought one last week, I have taken it out twice on the road with the knobbies. It is quite the bike, works very well, and rides great. I just put on some slicks for a little till I finish my roadie, Ill update tomorrow after its first pure road ride. Only problem is how low the gearing is, but considering I am not tip top right now, its ok. Did you get an 06 or 07?

First production of the 06. Gearing is 39/48t x 12/25t. All I need is a 52t ring to get the road gearing I am accustom to.

In comparison to my steel road bike, I find the Concept very smooth over rough city roads (where most of my rides start), responsive, and holds well in the corners (contrary to what I have been told to expect, although I am no crit racer.) My road bike does smooth out the road chatter a bit more, but the Concept handles better over larger bumps.

The only issue is, the fit is still way off. My upper body feels very cramped, my hands are uncomfortable in the hoods, and I cannot get in an efficient position over the pedals. I am hoping all this can be alleviated with new handlebars and seatpost (need zero offset post, already all the way forward on the rails, but still not far enough.)

Some of the efficiency feel may have to do with the pedal/shoe combination. (And it just dwaned on me that I have not worked on getting the cleats in proper position. :eek: ) I am using crank brothers candy-c pedals with mountain shoes. My road bike is equipped with speedplay and paired with well broken in road shoes.

I am hoping to find a some suitable takeoff bars at a local bike shop this week and possibly a seat post (or I can barrow the one form my road bike, but I am worried about screwing up the fit on a bike I am already dialed in on), and getting everything set for my usual weekend group ride. That will be a great test for me.

Let us know how your ride goes. :)

You could always get one of those god awful triathlon seatposts that increases the seat tube angle significantly. Oh my god, that's such an awful idea. Forget I said anything.

You could always get one of those god awful triathlon seatposts that increases the seat tube angle significantly. Oh my god, that's such an awful idea. Forget I said anything.

I know what you are talking about, and I don't think that will be necisary :eek:

Something like the Thomson Elite or Easton EC70 will work fine. I shouldn't need more than another cm. :o