How comparable is a CX bike to a roadie?
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How comparable is a CX bike to a roadie?
I'm looking to replace my bike (see: here). I wanted a cyclocross bike before the incident, but now that I'm starting from scratch I don't know what I should get. Winter is coming up so a cross will let me ride longer into the season, but it would feel strange not owning a road bike. There are a few other reasons I'd be hesitant to "give up" road biking (not that I wouldn't get one down the line, probably next year, but...).
I'm just wondering how comparable a cross bike w/slicks is to a road bike? I don't do much racing, so if it's a "good enough" kind of thing maybe I should just man up and get a nice cross bike with an extra pair of wheels. Otherwise I might just grab a beater off CL and then hit up a bike shop for a decent roadie during winter.
I'm just wondering how comparable a cross bike w/slicks is to a road bike? I don't do much racing, so if it's a "good enough" kind of thing maybe I should just man up and get a nice cross bike with an extra pair of wheels. Otherwise I might just grab a beater off CL and then hit up a bike shop for a decent roadie during winter.
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If you've got similar gearing, I don't think you'll be able to tell much of a difference unless you're cornering near the bike's limit. Also, the bike may not be as responsive, but it shouldn't be anything to hold you back in normal rides (if you're running 700x23s).
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I did have stock gearing, wheels, etc but noticed a huge difference when I went from my Tricross to CR1 Team. The Tricross is a great bike; I've put over 12k on it and everything seems fine. It's definitely not as responsive as the CR1 and quick uphill. The Tricross brakes are also way weaker (canti brakes).
#5
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Cross and road bikes are nearly identical.
Cross bikes tend to have wider rims and tires, a slightly higher BB, more clearance for fenders, and different brake systems. Some have longer wheelbases, some don't. E.g. on the rims that came stock with my cross bike, 28c's are the narrowest tires that fit, and there are plenty of fast 28c slicks available. That's really about it.
As with road bikes, you can configure pretty much any gearing setup you want. Some CX bikes will come with standard doubles, some with compact doubles, some with triples.
A decent set of cantis will work fine, I can't tell the difference between the Avid Shorty 4's on my bike and a standard caliper brake.
Cross bikes tend to have wider rims and tires, a slightly higher BB, more clearance for fenders, and different brake systems. Some have longer wheelbases, some don't. E.g. on the rims that came stock with my cross bike, 28c's are the narrowest tires that fit, and there are plenty of fast 28c slicks available. That's really about it.
As with road bikes, you can configure pretty much any gearing setup you want. Some CX bikes will come with standard doubles, some with compact doubles, some with triples.
A decent set of cantis will work fine, I can't tell the difference between the Avid Shorty 4's on my bike and a standard caliper brake.
#6
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I switched from CX (Fuji Cross Pro) to road bike, after using my Fuji as a road bike for 2-3 years. The cantilever brakes didn't feel safe when going over 25 mph downhill, especially when making a turn at the bottom of a hill. The road bike's caliper brakes are SO much better. Also (and I don't know if this was just my bike or not) the steering was quite twitchy and I couldn't take my hands off the bars ever. Other than that it was fine as a road bike.
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I'm no expert, but from my observations cross bikes generally have a more relaxed head tube angle. To quote Sheldon Brown's site:
"In general, bicycles with shallower, "slack", "relaxed" angles (lower numbers) tend to be more stable and comfortable. Bicycles with steeper, more upright angles (higher numbers) tend to be manuverable, but less comfortable on rough surfaces."
Check the specific geometry of the actual bikes you're comparing at.
"In general, bicycles with shallower, "slack", "relaxed" angles (lower numbers) tend to be more stable and comfortable. Bicycles with steeper, more upright angles (higher numbers) tend to be manuverable, but less comfortable on rough surfaces."
Check the specific geometry of the actual bikes you're comparing at.
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Cross bikes handle a little slower and seat you a little more upright. It's no big deal and in fact you may very well prefer it.
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I ride my C-X bike all through the winter/spring as a road bike. Also do plenty of fast group rides no problem.
The biggest difference I find is the riding position. I have my C-X bike set up with considerably less bar drop and a couple cm less extension. No a huge issue in a pack, sometimes a bonus on steep climbs, but sometimes a hassle not being able to stetch out low.
I sometimes enjoy racing my C-X bike on road courses, especially with mountain shoes and a visored helmet.
Wheels and tires make the difference. The frameset, not so much.
-Z
The biggest difference I find is the riding position. I have my C-X bike set up with considerably less bar drop and a couple cm less extension. No a huge issue in a pack, sometimes a bonus on steep climbs, but sometimes a hassle not being able to stetch out low.
I sometimes enjoy racing my C-X bike on road courses, especially with mountain shoes and a visored helmet.
Wheels and tires make the difference. The frameset, not so much.
-Z
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Everyone should own at least one good cross bike.. It is just way too much fun to go without. I don't have a road bike, but I do come from a long mountain bike background. I got my first cross bike this year and haven't touched the mountain bike since. With a good pair of slicks, it is really nice out on the road. However, I really love tossing on my knobby 32c tires, and still being able to have good speed on pavement, but while having the capability to go just about anywhere. It just opens up so many possibilities. Give it a go, I think you will really enjoy it.
#11
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Hell, I saw a guy riding a 'cross bike in a crit last week. That would make me a bit nervous; if you're used to road bike handling, you might swing a bit wide at first - but outside of that kind of situation, it shouldn't be a problem. TONS of roadies where I'm from (Massachusetts) train on 'cross bikes in the winter.
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I have a CX bike that is fully converted into a road bike... I ride it on group rides and everything and it holds up just fine. It's the only road bike I have.
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