Road Cycling - Using a cyclocross bike for long tour riding. Cannondale XR800

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Iron Chef
05-27-04, 10:27 AM
I'm considering purchasing a very clean used 1998 Cannondale XR800 for road use. It is a cyclocross bike that is now equipped with good aftermarket road tires. I'm curious how people think this bike would work out for long distance road riding. It has a longer wheel base which I think I would like but the fork is aluminum and pretty stiff, as is the frame. Would the longer wheel base along with some softer tires compensate for this for stiffness. It feels ok around the block but how will it feel after 50 miles? Thanks.

FatBomber
05-27-04, 10:32 AM
I ride a converted cyclocross bike in tris and on long rides and although it is pretty stiff, it is a nice ride. Nice thing about these bikes is you can always put on a carbon fork if you think it will help.
Iron Chef
05-28-04, 07:25 AM
I ride a converted cyclocross bike in tris and on long rides and although it is pretty stiff, it is a nice ride. Nice thing about these bikes is you can always put on a carbon fork if you think it will help.

That is along the lines of what I was thinking. Thanks for the reply.

jfmckenna
05-28-04, 09:32 AM
Hey chef does it have rack braze ons. That's something to consider if you are gonna do the rack and pannier type touring...