Road Frame vs Cross?
07-17-10, 12:13 PM
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Road Frame vs Cross?
What are some major differences between cyclocross frames versus road frame? Could one build a cyclocross bike out of a road frame without being held back in a race?
07-17-10, 01:59 PM
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Cross frames and forks have clearance for larger tires and have cantilever brake posts. Most road framesets can barely fit 27mm slicks, much less 34mm knobbies and mud.
07-17-10, 02:02 PM
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That is pretty much the difference. +1 flargle.
More clearance in the forks and rear triangle for wider tires. Also as mentioned, pegs for canti brakes.
More clearance in the forks and rear triangle for wider tires. Also as mentioned, pegs for canti brakes.
07-17-10, 02:12 PM
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Crossers also tend to have more a little longer wheel base and less aggressive angles than a modern road bike. A hybrid or hardtail MTB is a better bet for conversion to a crosser than a modern racing bike. Otoh, an old steel touring bike needs nothing more than a tyre change.
07-17-10, 03:02 PM
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Someone should sticky some of these threads. This particular one gets asked about once per month.
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07-17-10, 04:19 PM
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Along with "What starter cross bike should I buy?", "How tough is a cross bike?", "Should I buy a cross bike or MTB/roadbike/recumbent?", "How fast are cross bikes on the road?" Stickify the lot of 'em, I say.
07-18-10, 06:26 PM
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another point is that cross bikes almost always, almost, have horizontal top tubes to make them easier to carry, which is becoming more and more rare on road frames. Often the front is lower than on a road bike too.
07-18-10, 08:16 PM
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Ive' squeezed (only just) 35mm CX tyres into my old road frame. 30-32 would be preferable and should fit probably most older touring type frames.
07-20-10, 01:25 AM
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Using an old touring frame is definitely a cheap way to get into cyclocross. If it has canti posts, even better. After using a couple old steel road bikes, one change I appreciate is the extra ground clearance for my pedals. I don't think its a lot, but it was noticeable.
07-22-10, 10:26 PM
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Well , next year you can use a disc brake equipped road frame, since even the UCI is changing the rules.
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