Before I start branching out into non-SoCal forums...

[iamtim]

Maybe one of my local peeps can answer this question for me. I've got a number of light, off-road paths and trails around me that I'd like to explore. I've got a bonus coming up in late Feb/early Mar. I'm strongly considering getting a cross bike with which to explore said trails.

I don't want to get a mountain bike.

My question is in regards to sizing cross bikes. Generally speaking, does one want to get the same size cross bike as one's road bike? Or should one tend to look a little larger or smaller for one's cross bike?

[socalrider]

the rule of thumb is to buy one size smaller.. I have a 58cm crosscheck and ride 60-61cm road bikes..

Cross bikes are a lot of fun.. here is a good post..

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=138316

[Psydotek]

However, if you're going with a company that uses compact sizing (i.e. Giant), you shouldn't have to size down. I ride a medium Giant TCR and TCX.