Yotsko

Besides tires, whats the difference between a cross bike and a road bike? I'd love to try cx but I don't really want to buy a new bike. So whats up?

Cynikal 

I will preface this by saying these are complete generalizations. A cross bike will have clearance for wider tires and mounts for canti brakes. The geometry will be closer to a touring bike than a racing road bike. The gearing will be different. Generally a 46 and 38 tooth rings are used on the crank.

I'm sure I'm missing something but I'm tired from the cross clinic I just cam home from.

Lithuania

the bottom bracket is usually higher too.

if you have a mountain bike you can use that to try out cross if you like. no need for a cross bike just to try it.

jfmckenna

lets see can I add anything to the posts above? Well.. maybe. A cross fit most people say is a bit more upright then your road fit. So if you are converting a road bike then flip the stem up and maybe even get a shorter stem.

It's hard to convert modern road bikes to good cross bikes. Back in the 70's and 80's people used to simply add big tires on there bikes but modern frames often times don't have the clearance.

Yotsko

Thanks for the answers! Maybe I'll check craigslist for a used cross bike.

jfmckenna

Check craigslist for an old touring bike too. I raced for 3 years on an old touring bike. They are perfect for cross, just add tires.

meanwhile

To get specific 35mm is the widest UCI legal cross tyres.

A crosser should have less twitchy steering than a road bike - a more relaxed fork angle and a little more trail.

CatSkratch

brakes are different too

jtgotsjets

cross bikes are more fun

Cynikal 

and the girls are hotter.

Yotsko

I think the last two comments have convinced me...I'm going to try cross. I've got an old Trek 930 I've been trying to come up with something for sitting in the garage. It sounds like I could buy some new wheels and a pair of 35mm tires and that'll do for now.

myclem

I did the same thing with my steel Fuji Touring. Just popped off the rack, fenders, bottle cages, and threw some 32's on there. Did my first races last season with that setup and I was fine. I could've swapped out the triple chainring up front, but was too lazy--completely hooked after my first race, I knew I'd be building up a dedicated cross racer soon anyway.

While I didn't race very well, I don't think the bike's to blame.

Do it. Good luck.


...and yes, the girls are hotter.

Yotsko

Would this wheel be suitable for my frankenstein cx bike?
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...5#ReviewHeader

How about these tires? Or are they kinda weeny?
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1069778_-1___

I figure if I swap in those tires and wheels, throw on some of my old time mtb pedals I should be good to go! What do you guys think?