Cyclocross bike for triathlon training and racing?

[Calgary Clyde]

Due to my recent weight loss milestone (220 lbs from 261 lbs), I’m now able to treat myself to a new bike.

Due to my time constraints, the majority of my bike training comes from my work commute (55 km round trip mostly on MUP) using my slick equipped rigid mountain bike. Therefore, I’ve been thinking of a cyclocross bike as my new ride instead of a true road bike as it allows larger tires, fenders if desired, and is generally a more stout ride. In particular, I’ve been looking at a leftover 07 Rocky Mountain Solo CXR (http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2007/cx/solo-cxr.aspx). The Rocky cyclocross geometry is very similar to that of their road bike line. Given the similar geometry, I should be able to throw on a pair of 23s (extra wheels?) and use it for group road rides, sprint races, and maybe an oly or two.

I have yet to enter my first triathlon, but I’m planning on at least three sprints this summer / fall. My current goal is to complete, not compete. Once I complete a season or two, I will probably reward myself with a dedicated tri bike. Meanwhile, will a cross bike be suitable for triathlon training and racing?

Thanks in advance.

[Zeriman]

If you want to use the new bike to commute, then it's not a bad idea. Once you have narrow tires on a cyclocross bike it is essentially a road bike with cantilever brakes. Also, if you think you might want to eventually try Cyclocross then it is also a good option. But If you are going to keep your current mountain bike to use for your commuting then I would recommend getting a road bike. The caliper brakes have much better stopping power on decents and if you ever want to train on hills you'll definately want that extra stopping power. You can also find road bikes such as touring bikes with caliper brakes that take bigger tires, and have the mounts for fenders and paniers.

[Psydotek]

A CX bike will be just fine. All you gotta do is swap tires and/or wheels as needed. :)

[fzrdave]

I have a Bianchi Volpe which they kind of market as a entry level cross bike/cross concept bike. In reality it's an old style CrMo frame road bike with 700x32C tires and cantilever brakes. It's a little bit slower than a true road bike so you'll work a little bit harder per given mile ridden and the tires are a bit noisy, but those tires are indestructable on the road. I have never had a flat on the road with it and it goes over large bumps with never a broken spoke. I use it as my cummuter bike and it has been great. So I think a cross bike would be a great commuter for you too and it would be more than fine for the odd sprint triathlon here and there especially if you swap out the wheels for a true road wheelset.