Cap_Juanovic

Hi! I am a big guy (290 pounds) trying to loose weight by doing exercise. I have set up an ambitious goal for my exercise program: I want to participate in a Sprint Distance Triathlon a year from now. Between now and the triathlon (the training and loosing weight process) I will spend much time in Latin America where paved roads are not the safest place to train by myself; so, I will be training in a combination of paved roads, packed trails, gravel paths. I am trying to decide what is better for me: a hybrid or a cyclocross bike. Because of my weight and the types of roads I will travel, I need a strong bike but I do not like the idea of training in a mountain bike. Also, I own a very nice road bike that is waiting for me to be ready for my first triathlon but I feel is too fragil to carry me on those dirt roads.
My budget for the bike is around $1,200.00
On the cyclocross bikes I've looking at Jake the Snake, Surly Crosscheck, Bianchi Volpe, Trek XO 1.
On the hybrid I have only seen the Trek 7.5 FX
I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks.

Bop

I am also hefty. The bike I had built specifically for my travels to Latin America is a cyclocross style. My frame will accommodate up to 30mm wide tires and I have been impressed by how well this bike does almost everything. I ride it on some fairly challenging trails here in AK and use it to commute as well. I vote for the cyclocross over the compromise frame. I think the built-up Crosscheck from Harris Cycle looks fairly decent for the price. Mine is a custom build by Bilenky, steel with S&S couplers and a hard case, which increased the price. Best of luck on your goal.

Lectron

If you are to cross America with heavy panniers, I would recommend a hybrid with it's longer wheel base. A drop bar would give you more hand positions, so I would in both cases go for a drop bar.

The cross bike would be much more responsive, probably lighter (dunno if that means anything right now) and a far more fun ride. If I were to have only one bike, It would defiantly be a cross bike!

古強者死神

the Gary Fisher 29'ers are like a hybrid so is there dual sport stuff.

I rode the mid end dual sport of theres the Kaitai and loved it, very versitile bike, I would consider it a more off road able cross bike, but with more a mountain bike feel than a road bike (wich is my preference)

I never had a road bike I liked too much and I had to go offroad alot for various reasons. But then again I never owned a cross bike.

MichaelW

How is the availbility of 700c cx/hybrid/touring spares (tyres/tubes) in Latin America? Most expedition tourists opt for 26" for rides in S Americs and Asia because of the ease of getting spares and the better strength/weight ratio of the smaller wheels.
I would sugest a lightweight hardtail or ridgid MTB with semi-slick or touring tyres. The effiency of 26" wheels compared to 700c is a moot point but you are not comparing 26" knobblies to 700c race tyres. The riding position can be aerodynamic, flats can be low and long if thats what you want. They just dont offer the variety of holds of drops.
MTBs tend to be much better value because of high production.
If you were in bike country and want a good all-rounder then a CX/tourer is the thing but there are good alternatives.

williumbillium

i would recommend test riding both bikes. at 290lbs you might find that the cyclocross bike puts too much weight on your arms. a hybrid will be much more upright and might be the more comfortable option until the weight starts to fall off.

Cap_Juanovic

Thanks for your comments.
I think availability of tires and tubs can be an issue in Latin America. They tend to have only standard road tires in the 700c size. However, I can plan for that and carry a couple of replacements with me.
I'm going out to the store today to take a look at the Bianchi Volpe.
I also found found an almost new 2003 Volpe for sale. The 2006 is advertised for $900.00
What do you think is a fair price for this "new" 2003?

ukmtk

I use the following tyres on my commuting mountain bike:Specialized Crossroads EX Tyre.

I do a bit of off road cycling in my commute (2-3 miles out of 12). This is on stoney bridle paths/farm tracks so nothing really ambitious (I'm too old to crash!).

I have had a couple of these tyres shredded on this type of surface - so be warned.

The Armadillo version of Specialized tyres might be worth considering along with slime filled tubes.