Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Roadie Looking for an Off-Road Cold Weather Alternative - Cyclocross vs MTB

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Roadie Looking for an Off-Road Cold Weather Alternative - Cyclocross vs MTB

Old 01-22-15, 03:45 PM
  #1  
Should Be More Popular
Thread Starter
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,957

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22513 Post(s)
Liked 8,843 Times in 4,113 Posts
Roadie Looking for an Off-Road Cold Weather Alternative - Cyclocross vs MTB

Looking for some advice.

I am a long time road cyclist. Used to race but now generally do club rides. I will ride on the road even in the cold, as long as the roads are safe.

I have been frustrated each winter by periods when the roads are unsafe, either due to ice patches or snow.

So I am considering buying a VERY budget bicycle to ride off road (most likely from, groan, BD or possibly gently used from CL, budget is approx $800).

I am trying to decide between a Cyclocross bike vs a Hardtail MTB. I am interested in making the best choice based on my goals, which are as follows:

1. I would only ride this bike on days when I can't ride my road bike. Probably mostly in late fall/winter/early spring. Probably only 10-15 rides per year.

2. I would likely ride this on a relatively flat field at the end of my road. It's about 35 acres and pretty much fallow land. I might occasionally take it on a gravel trail or even a paved trail or local roads if conditions are ok with knobby tires but unsafe for a road bike.

3. I don't really have plans to race CX but in case I get excited about it, there are plenty of club-mates that ride CX.

4. I don't really have plans to ride MTB trails (I guess that's called singletrack?) but in case I get excited about it, there are plenty of club-mates that ride MTBs.

I am leaning towards a CX bike because I am thinking it will suit my needs as above and is more likely to translate into improved road riding skills.

Comments and suggestions welcomed. Please don't tell me to get both, that's not in the budget.
__________________
Originally Posted by rjones28
Addiction is all about class.
datlas is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 04:16 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Jiggle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Somewhere in TX
Posts: 2,266

Bikes: BH, Cervelo, Cube, Canyon

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 212 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
All depends on how ride-able the trails on that tract of land are. I ride a cx bike on a 1 mile loop around 30 acres and I had to cut some straighter trails for the cx bike. If I were you, I'd borrow one of each and ride it.
Jiggle is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 04:17 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 57

Bikes: Colnago Strada SL 105

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
It sounds to me like you've already made the decision; buy a CX bike and enjoy. If you used to race road, I'd wager that you'll love racing CX. Don't make a commitment for a full season of races, just buy the bike and sign up for one race and check it out.
GoRacers is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 04:25 PM
  #4  
Should Be More Popular
Thread Starter
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,957

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22513 Post(s)
Liked 8,843 Times in 4,113 Posts
Originally Posted by GoRacers
It sounds to me like you've already made the decision; buy a CX bike and enjoy. If you used to race road, I'd wager that you'll love racing CX. Don't make a commitment for a full season of races, just buy the bike and sign up for one race and check it out.
That's what I am leaning towards, as you surmised. Just wanted to get some feedback and/or someone to play devil's advocate that I should get a MTB instead.
__________________
Originally Posted by rjones28
Addiction is all about class.
datlas is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 04:41 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
EnsitMike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 438

Bikes: 2013 Cannondale SuperSix - 1998 CAAD3 R500 - 2012 Demo 8 Carbon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I vote for MTB. Ripping on dirt trails in the mountains is a whole different experience. I started in MTB and downhill and came over to road. The first thing I realized is road is far less fun-centric. It’s about performance and speed. MTB culture is so much more laid back. It really will offer you something that CX can’t.

If you want to stick closely to the road experience however, then CX is going to be far closer to what you’re used to. Go hit the mountains though. It’s one hell of a time.

Last edited by EnsitMike; 01-22-15 at 04:47 PM.
EnsitMike is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 05:53 PM
  #6  
Should Be More Popular
Thread Starter
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,957

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22513 Post(s)
Liked 8,843 Times in 4,113 Posts
Originally Posted by EnsitMike
I vote for MTB. Ripping on dirt trails in the mountains is a whole different experience. I started in MTB and downhill and came over to road. The first thing I realized is road is far less fun-centric. It’s about performance and speed. MTB culture is so much more laid back. It really will offer you something that CX can’t.

If you want to stick closely to the road experience however, then CX is going to be far closer to what you’re used to. Go hit the mountains though. It’s one hell of a time.
I agree that mountain trails on a MTB is likely fun, but for my needs at this time I want something to ride on a fairly flat field in the winter. I imagine a CX will fit the bill, but I would love to try both and see.

Any more comments from the 41?
__________________
Originally Posted by rjones28
Addiction is all about class.
datlas is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 06:03 PM
  #7  
Randomhead
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,364
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,664 Times in 2,497 Posts
I would go check out the places you want to ride. Here in central PA, my CX bike is pretty much useless right now because of ice. I need to get my fatbike back together
unterhausen is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 06:16 PM
  #8  
Full Member
 
justin1138's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 459

Bikes: yes...

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 59 Times in 13 Posts
cross bike, do it.
justin1138 is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 06:46 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
woodcraft's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times in 569 Posts
My mountain bike is lonely & sad since the CX bike showed up a couple of years ago.
woodcraft is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 06:48 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
woodcraft's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times in 569 Posts
Originally Posted by Jiggle
All depends on how ride-able the trails on that tract of land are. I ride a cx bike on a 1 mile loop around 30 acres and I had to cut some straighter trails for the cx bike. If I were you, I'd borrow one of each and ride it.
Why?
woodcraft is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 06:55 PM
  #11  
Stand and Deliver
 
FLvector's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 3,340

Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
If you have the opportunity to borrow a CX and a MTB, you'll likely have your answer by the end of the rides. Try each and see which you like the most.

I'm very curious to do some MTBing and have a friend that has offered to loan me one of his bike, but I have yet to take him up on the offer.
FLvector is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 07:09 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Roadbikedude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NW suburb of MPLS MN
Posts: 101

Bikes: 2012 Specialized Roubaix SL3, Specialized Tricross Comp, Specialized Expedition, Borus X7 Fat Bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by EnsitMike
I vote for MTB. Ripping on dirt trails in the mountains is a whole different experience. I started in MTB and downhill and came over to road. The first thing I realized is road is far less fun-centric. It’s about performance and speed. MTB culture is so much more laid back. It really will offer you something that CX can’t.

If you want to stick closely to the road experience however, then CX is going to be far closer to what you’re used to. Go hit the mountains though. It’s one hell of a time.
I agree, go with the mountain bike. I am a long time roadie that got a fatty for winter riding in MN. It is a blast going off road, through the snow and it is one heck of a workout. Go big or go home!
Roadbikedude is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 09:42 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Jiggle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Somewhere in TX
Posts: 2,266

Bikes: BH, Cervelo, Cube, Canyon

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 212 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by woodcraft
Why?
Riding clinchers for training, the cx bike doesn't do off camber turns in loose dirt very well. I could ride my racing tubulars, but that's expensive if I puncture.

Also, I found I was happier with a less technical, faster course.

btw, this is my own land so there's no renegade trail-destroying going on. Just for the record!
Jiggle is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 10:22 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 364
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a road, mountain and CX bike. I enjoy riding all of my bikes and ride them all pretty hard. When it's wet where I live I always ride my CX bike. It's faster on the road, fun on fire roads and SIGNIFICANTLY easier to clean than my MTB. Maintenance wise, you also don't have to deal with the added complexity of a shock. Lastly I feel you can get a quality CX bike cheaper than a MTB.

As others have already mentioned, if you're at all interested i going off road more often, MTBing is a blast. Riding down a dirt trail, fishtailing or taking jumps, it's a surefire way to feel like you're 12 again.
wallrat is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 11:01 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tariffville, CT
Posts: 15,401

Bikes: Tsunami road bikes, Dolan DF4 track

Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 383 Post(s)
Liked 179 Times in 101 Posts
I'm a long time roadie. I never did cross, having watched a race back in the day. I did race mtb a bit but with the proliferation of ticks and poison ivy I don't ride trails anymore.

However… I have a mountain bike. I bought it for road use, not even for dirt roads, for paved road use. I used to train on it in the off season, mainly to do a no-pressure kind of ride while still getting some kind of workout. They don't coast as easily, the climb worse, so I'm definitely pedaling more consistently. It's a lot of fun, it's like driving an SUV vs a sports car. I can ride over sewer grates, curbs, whatever, no worries, and sand and such suddenly become okay.

It's so fun that when we visited family in Florida I perused CL down there to see if I could get a bike for about $300-400, a mountain bike. It would cost me $150 to fly my own bike back and forth, and if we visit a second time (and we did) then it would be $300. I'd rather buy a bike, fix it up (15 years in the bike shop biz so I can do that stuff), then park it there for whenever I visit. Also the family can use it. Ultimately I couldn't find one so I brought my own (road) bike.

If I was riding in icy conditions I'd try some studded tires, even making my own (friends/teammate back in the day would put short sheet metal screws through the tire and then put a liner between the tube and the screws; another friend has a gizmo to stud car tires and we were considering buying studdable bike tires and adding a ton of studs to them). I haven't gone this far though. Ultimately though I use the bike when riding with non-enthusiasts.

Other than doing some minor fit things (stem, cut down bars to minimum width) I didn't do anything to the bike for many years, not even fixing the three bent rings, the broken spoke in the rear wheel, etc. I'm just revamping it now so it's in a semi-restored state. I rode the new street tires a couple hundred yards, the downtube bottle boss is still broken, but at least the wheels are straight now.


Before I fixed it. Knobby tires, fenders, rear wheel off so bad that the tire hits the frame, etc. Didn't matter on this ride with bike trailers, a tandem, and one solo kid that I looked after.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
carpediemracing is offline  
Old 01-22-15, 11:10 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
I <3 Robots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,657

Bikes: Cervelo S2, Workswell 062, Banshee Spitfire

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by EnsitMike
I vote for MTB. Ripping on dirt trails in the mountains is a whole different experience. I started in MTB and downhill and came over to road. The first thing I realized is road is far less fun-centric. It’s about performance and speed. MTB culture is so much more laid back. It really will offer you something that CX can’t.

If you want to stick closely to the road experience however, then CX is going to be far closer to what you’re used to. Go hit the mountains though. It’s one hell of a time.
^^This

A MTB will be more flexible in terms of the type of terrain you can use it on. If you want to ride gravel...swap the tires out for a pair of 32c's. 29er wheels are the same diameter as road bike wheels. Road biking can get real mundane at times. Adding a MTB ride can break that up. Riding a MTB will also help improve your technical skills.

Who knows...once you start riding MTB's...you just might get hooked. Best part is that there are no cars on the trails.
I <3 Robots is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 12:14 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,743
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 329 Post(s)
Liked 209 Times in 133 Posts
You could also go with a rigid mtn bike. I have a surly karate monkey rigid as my primary winter mtb. Less things to get muddy and clean and now that I have it setup as a 1x9 I don't have to deal with the front derailleur freezing on me. Kind of hard to find rigids that aren't sold as single speeds though some can be setup geared. Bikesdirect has a ton of fat and semi fat rigid bikes now for pretty good prices. Been tempted to pick one of those up to play with.

Nice things about mtbing in the winter are no weeds, no mud if it is below freezing, trees and hills block the wind, and you aren't ridding at 20mph so very little wind chill. My road bike doesn't come out during the winter. I just stick to single track.
Canker is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 12:54 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 367
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I'm fortunate enough to have a park with a permanent CX course laid out on it nearby (Riverpoint CX Park in West Warwick, RI). I'm riding there in weather that I wouldn't remotely consider on my roadie. Did 18 miles on the roadie today in 35 degree weather, did 11 in the woods on the CX bike in 25 degree weather, sweating WAY more.

My CX bike is a beater I built up from an early 90's Diamondback hybrid and I've grown to love the thing. I'll weight weenie it down a couple pounds eventually, but for now, it's serving me great. It provides EXCELLENT cold weather training/conditioning and is very entertaining as a by-product. Very high-intensity interval training by nature--but amusing. I even did my first CX race a couple of weeks ago. I'll throw some hybrid tires on it and ride some dirt roads when the weather warms up.

I have an older (2004) FS MTB that will see mileage here and there this summer. I haven't ridden it in a year, at the moment, though.
gamby is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 01:26 AM
  #19  
cowboy, steel horse, etc
 
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,804

Bikes: everywhere

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12636 Post(s)
Liked 7,528 Times in 3,989 Posts
Considering price range, meteorological conditions and terrain, I'd suggest single-speed CX. Your price range is almost up to the rim braked All-City Nature Boy. Maybe you could get a last year's model or demo unit for under $800.





If it was me, I'm a cheap bastard, so I'd probably find a nice 23-25 lb mid-90s rigid or HT MTB on the craigslist.
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 01:46 AM
  #20  
cowboy, steel horse, etc
 
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,804

Bikes: everywhere

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12636 Post(s)
Liked 7,528 Times in 3,989 Posts
Wait, yer tall, arent ya? dig up a gigantic fork with good clearance and the back could probably fit a 30mm cx tire.

Only a hundred clams on Philly CL

LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 03:13 AM
  #21  
Ex Coelis
 
CALE262's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Beaumont, AB. Canada
Posts: 398

Bikes: have wheels...

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I have a very nice mountain bike that gets ridden...never. I don't race cross but set up a cross bike to use when the roads are crappy in the off season. The nice thing is the cross bike is set up with the exact same fit as my road bikes so other than being a little bulkier/heavier, it has mostly the same feel.

A pic from today's bad roads ride.

CALE262 is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 04:51 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
clydeosaur's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Central PA
Posts: 629

Bikes: Cannondale Six5, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR & old Hard Rock

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I ride primarily road. I don't have a CX bike. I do though, have a hard tail 29er and love it. I can hit trails, fire roads, etc.. in the winter time with the knobbies. I can also change out the 2.2 tires for a pair of 700c x 38's and use it on the street, rail trail (we've got a bunch here in PA), etc.. Go ride one of each & see what you think.
clydeosaur is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 05:38 AM
  #23  
Should Be More Popular
Thread Starter
 
datlas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 42,957

Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22513 Post(s)
Liked 8,843 Times in 4,113 Posts
Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
Wait, yer tall, arent ya? dig up a gigantic fork with good clearance and the back could probably fit a 30mm cx tire.

Only a hundred clams on Philly CL

I am not that tall. That looks like a 68cm frame. Holy head tube, batman!

Proteus made good custom frames back in the day. I think they were out of DC but can't say for sure.
__________________
Originally Posted by rjones28
Addiction is all about class.
datlas is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 06:51 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Grambo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: S.E. Chester County PA
Posts: 602

Bikes: IF Ti Crown Jewel, Moots Mooto X RSL 29er, Fat Chance Yo Eddy, Lynskey Pro Cross

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
A few points to consider from my perspective:

- I assume the field you refer to already has an established hiking or bike trail? Riding even a MTB on a field with no trail or just a lightly used foot path is not a lot of fun given it will have very high rolling resistance combined with a bumpy ride.
- Just a few inches of snow will render the CX bike useless in the field. The tire contact patch simply isn't big enough. That having been said add on a few more inches of snow and the MTB bike will also become difficult if not impossible to ride.
- A HT MTB bike is overkill for just riding a flat field, however, you will have the option to ride it on actual MTB trails should you find you like the off road experience. There are lots of good MTB spots in the Philly area with plenty of novice level trails.
- A CX bike will be very similar to a road bike fit with primarily just a longer head tube and slightly more upright position.
- a CX bike equipped with proper tires is quite capable on the road in icy / snowy conditions. Both Schwalbe and Nokion make studded winter tires. The only problem will be the potential lack of a shoulder on the road due to plowing. I ride my CX bike on the road when the roads get crappy with sand, salt etc and narrower 25mm tires can be a bit sketchy.

Just some food for thought.
Grambo is offline  
Old 01-23-15, 07:06 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Grambo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: S.E. Chester County PA
Posts: 602

Bikes: IF Ti Crown Jewel, Moots Mooto X RSL 29er, Fat Chance Yo Eddy, Lynskey Pro Cross

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
One other point worth mentioning (especially given we live in the same general area). This time of year it is very common get what's known as the freeze / thaw cycle. Temps will be sub freezing overnight and trails will typically freeze back up but if the temps go above freezing by late morning / early afternoon they will begin to thaw. Once the thawing begins trails quickly become a muddy mess and are unrideable regardless of whether it is a CX bike, MTB or fat bike for that matter. If u get out early your fine but by midday the road will become your only option
Grambo is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.