View Poll Results: Would more commuters like to see a flat bar option for cyclocross bikes?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll
Cyclocross Flat Bar Option
07-22-08, 01:12 AM
#1
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Cyclocross Flat Bar Option
Hi Everyone!
ExtremeSelf here for the first time on Bike Forums to reveal possible interest in flat bar options for cyclocross bikes. I'm not an idiot! This thread isn't at all about the sport. This is about commuting gaining popularity as gas prices continue to rise.
Most seem to agree that a good CX bike is the best all around bike to own especially if you can own only one bike. They are great for commuters who face the occasional challenges of a bumpy dirt road. I see Motobecane is offering disc brakes on it's new Fantom Outlaw. Does anyone else agree that a flat bar "option" would increase interest in these durable bikes? (I mentioned Motobecane because most commuters are thrifty and these "quality" bikes can be picked up on BikesDirect for under $1,000. I used to own the Fantom Cross and loved it.)
ExtremeSelf here for the first time on Bike Forums to reveal possible interest in flat bar options for cyclocross bikes. I'm not an idiot! This thread isn't at all about the sport. This is about commuting gaining popularity as gas prices continue to rise.
Most seem to agree that a good CX bike is the best all around bike to own especially if you can own only one bike. They are great for commuters who face the occasional challenges of a bumpy dirt road. I see Motobecane is offering disc brakes on it's new Fantom Outlaw. Does anyone else agree that a flat bar "option" would increase interest in these durable bikes? (I mentioned Motobecane because most commuters are thrifty and these "quality" bikes can be picked up on BikesDirect for under $1,000. I used to own the Fantom Cross and loved it.)
07-22-08, 07:03 AM
#2
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See this: https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/443178-drop-bar-flat-bar-better-commuting.html
Michael
Michael
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
07-22-08, 07:32 AM
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A flat-bar "cyclocross" bike is a hybrid, though calling it a flat-bar cyclocross bike will likely make it seem somehow cooler.
I'm also not sure that "most" agree on a cyclocross bike being best. As someone who owns one, I think it's a compromise bike and that most people would be better suited by a touring or sport touring frame.
I'm also not sure that "most" agree on a cyclocross bike being best. As someone who owns one, I think it's a compromise bike and that most people would be better suited by a touring or sport touring frame.
07-22-08, 08:44 AM
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This poll reads like a marketing questionaire. I find road bars easier to sprint with while having good access to the brakes. Yay for hoods! However, I did use flat bars for many years and they work just fine. If I didn't have to play in traffic, I likely would still be using them.
07-22-08, 09:00 AM
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...bikesdirect spam disguised as bikesdirect spam? 
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Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
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Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
07-22-08, 09:17 AM
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Hey, guess what they DO exist.
At many other retailers that don't try to disguise their marketing messages as threads.
At many other retailers that don't try to disguise their marketing messages as threads.
07-22-08, 09:18 AM
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For me a CX bike would be a good year round commuter, but part of the appeal is the drops. Actually any road bike with clearance for studded tires and fenders with a relatively aggressive geometry would suit me, whether it's called a CX bike or not. But drops are critical.
Aren't there already flat-bar bikes that have the general characteristics you're looking for?
Aren't there already flat-bar bikes that have the general characteristics you're looking for?
07-22-08, 11:01 AM
#10
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I have a touring bike that I converted to flatbar for commuting (a Surly LHT). It has all of the advantages of a CX bike but also has separate eyelets for racks (front and rear) and fenders.
The flatbar with bar ends is the most comfortable setup, in my opinion.
The flatbar with bar ends is the most comfortable setup, in my opinion.
07-22-08, 11:50 AM
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Thanks for the quick response guys! I'm in no way affiliated with B.D.. As a matter of fact, I own one of their "heavier" 26" bikes at the moment (Moto Jubilee Deluxe) and don't care for it at all. That's probably my fault though for going cheap. I'm actually debating on either: picking up the Fantom Cross Pro (as soon as it's back in stock), or waiting for their new titanium model to come out. I just think it would be nice to have a flat bar option on one of their better lightweight models. I will most likely go for the drop bars again. I just figured, since the flat bar set up is usually a little less expensive, it would be a good option for commuters. My personal choice (which is not available) would be the new Fantom Cross Outlaw (if indeed set up like the fantom cross) but with bb7 instead of bb5 disc, and a quality flat bar set up like on the Moto Vent Noir. I am a fan of B.D. simply because I can get a $1,500 bike for under a grand, get my LBS to put it together for $40, and spend the savings LBS on extras, that's all.
P.S. I figured the frames on cyclocross to be more durable than they are on most hybrids, I like the double up front, and the CX bikes seem to be a little lighter (19 pounds vs 25).
P.S. I figured the frames on cyclocross to be more durable than they are on most hybrids, I like the double up front, and the CX bikes seem to be a little lighter (19 pounds vs 25).
07-22-08, 11:53 AM
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Plus with the Specialized Sirius you get a decent bike locally as opposed to the questionable quality and business practices that come along with a bikesdirect internet purchase.
07-22-08, 11:58 AM
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I live in a heavily urban area,so flat bars work for me. My Big Buzz is essentially a flat bar cross bike. As for a 'flat bar cross bike',it does sound pretty much like marketing speak,just like 29er or urban bike. But then I own a 29er and a couple urban bikes that I like,so really call a bike whatever yo want as long as it has the design,compenents,and style I like.
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07-22-08, 12:09 PM
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__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
07-22-08, 12:49 PM
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Correct! It is called a mountain bike... when it's 26" fat slow tires can't get you anywhere on the street in a timely manner.
07-22-08, 01:11 PM
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By the way: What's the weight of your Specialized? That's one thing about company bike specs that I can't stand! They rarely post the weight of their bikes.
