Cyclocross - What affects handling/cornering the most?

I just got a Lemond Poprad (I also have a Lemond Sarthe road bike) .. both orange :) couldn't help myself. Anyway, I know I can't compare the ride qualities of a road bike to a cross bike. But they both have the True Temper Ox Platinum steel frame. Wheelsets and tires are different (Sarthe- Mavic Open Pro/Record... Poprad- Bontrager Select) And obviously tires (700c x 23 vs. 35). The Sarthe corners like a Porsche even at very high speeds. I don't feel nearly as comfortable cornering even at moderate speeds on the Poprad for some reason. Is it the tires? Continental GP4000 vs Bontrager Jones.
Thanks for your help!

Maybe I don't understand your question or reasoning, but are your seriously wondering why a bikes would handle different with a 12mm tire width difference?

What effects cornering the most? That's a tough call. If you were to put the same tires on both bikes, I'd imagine center of gravity would take the top spot with steering geometry and wheelbase fighting for the second place.

The geometry of the Poprad is designed to improve handling at slower speeds.

It is the tires.

I agree with the tire comment. Although everything that was mentioned adds up I feel like the tires would be the first thing to make a noticeable difference.

Ride both on grass and dirt and then tell us which handles better.

Seriously, a road bike and cyclocross bike are different in many ways. The cross bike geometry of the cross bike is a bit more slack with a longer wheel base. The tires are knobby and meant for a mixed terrain, but not really for pavement.

Enjoy them both, but know that they were built for different types of riding. :thumb:

Tires are prob the biggest part, considering they are in contact. But geometry makes a diff because it determines where you put your weight between the wheels, and the cockpit of course. A wider handlebar is going to give u a bit more control

Horses for courses.

This may sound a bit redundant, but the tires are going to make a huge difference. Not only the diameter is going to affect cornering, but also the pressure you're running your tires at. People who race cross or ride cross bikes off road typically run their tires way below the recommended max because it helps grip in the corners by making the tires carcass a little more compliant and helps your ride conform to bumpy ground a little better. For instance, the max pressure on something like a Ritchey Speedmax might be around 75 psi, but people will race on that tire at around 40 or 50 psi. Even the max is going to affect things though, since 23c tires are typically run about 30-50psi higher than 35c tires.

Tire Choice and Tire Pressure in combination to your center of gravity. Fames all have their own way of handling but in cyclocross tire and tire pressure is most important.