Axher

Hi, I pretty new to road bike and I want to buy a new bike but dont know which kind to choose from cyclocross or touring. I do 60% on road and 35% on hard light gravel trail and 5% light off road. I also want the option of using it for commute and touring, so i want to had rack on it. I was looking at the trek 520 and the jake the snake cyclocross any opinion which side should i go on thanks.

Urbanmonk

If there is an ounce of you that wants to race, take the Jake the Snake. It has room for fenders and tire width is not even a question. You can use narrow tires for road and nobs for hardpack, room for fenders and a rack. If touring, I'm not versed on Jake's length for loading or the wheels design. I have a Cannondale Cyclocross, which I love, but I don't think it is designed for the type of touring I'm about to participate in. I'm buying a Trek 520 for that. I was advised in another thread that it is always a great idea, if possible, to have two steeds on hand in the event of an emergency. From experience, it will be hard to find an efficient bike that will do everything we want.

Cheers,

Urbanmonk

Axher

I'm not that much into racing it's more like to enjoy the view. So should i get a touring bike if i'm not into racing ?

Urbanmonk

If you are not into racing, and want a durable, long-lasting, comfortable bike for commuting, touring, and perhaps some faster rides, invest in a tourer. There are many models out there, and in many different styles: some flat bar, drops, short-upright geometry, long and traditional. Take lots of time to research everything before you buy. You don't want to spend your hard-earned money twice.

Cheers

Axher

I'm now sure that I want to invest in a touring bike but I'm limited by the choice in my region. I'm looking for a light touring bike I'm not gone a put more dans 25 LBS on it and i'm 164 LBS. I only want to put a rear rack and rear , front fender. Like I said the only choice I have are :

Trek
Giant
Cannondale
Kona
Devenci

Any suggestion would be appreciate thanks

Flaneur

A Surly Cross-Check builds up into a pretty hardy and versatile ride. I've seen 'em as cross racers, fixed wheel commuters, tourers.....and they're bullet proof. Maybe a good reference point bike if you aren't quite sure what you want long-term and are looking to experiment?

AlanK

If you're only doing light touring, a cyclocross bike is probably a better choice. Cross bike are more efficient (lighter, faster) and nearly as versatile. If you're doing true loaded touring, get a true touring bike, but if you're aren't touring with camping equipment, you'll want something lighter and faster.

hakka_lugi

I have the Surly Cross Check. I use it for everything. It is a single speed. I've raced 2 cyclocross seasons on it. I commute to work on it. I've toured with it. I love that friggin' bike. It is the ideal all-around bike and cheap. It's been a single speed almost 3 years. Touring I was begging for more gears of course, but I was traveling stupid light. I made a tent out of a giant piece of plastic, stakes and rope. It was just a little trip -3 nights, 2 days riding- weekender on the Oregon Coast. I didn't change my clothes and no shower kit either. I stunk it up.
As a dedicated touring bike I do not recommend the Cross Check. As a once-in-a-while touring bike it does the job. The frame does not have the braze-ons that make it convenient to install\remove hardware. Also, it has too short of a wheelbase and too high of a bottom bracket.
I just got my hands on a Surly Long Haul Trucker. Like yesterday. It cost $420 frame and fork. It has so, so many cool touring features that you'd have to go to their website https://www.surlybikes.com/ just to check it out. I'll let you know how the build is going. Right now it is @ REI for them to cut the fork and install the headset for me. After that it should snap together pretty quick.

MrEWorm

I have the Cross Check. I put an old rack on the back and carry my camera equipment in the baggs. I like the bike, very comfortable. Also, since it was built for me, the fit is just right.

tourist

I was just debating this same exact point with myself. I've got roadies. But I would like to do some light to possibly weekdenders. I think both a cross and tourer would make great tooling arounders as well. You know jump on and pick up a gallon of milk and bread at the local grocery. Would a cross bike do the job. I like the Cross Check and the Gunnar Crosshairs. As for touring, outside the Trek 520 I am lost.

AlanK

I have a Trek XO-1 cyclocross bike I use for commuting and arons (sp) like shopping, etc. It works fine. Just remember to look for a couple things: Rack eyelets - Some cross bikes don't have them. Triple chain ring - Most cross bikes only have a double. If you're riding with any kind of load, you want a triple for hills. Mine has a triple, but the rear cassette is a high, so I'm replacing the Sora with Deore LX. The Bianchi Axis is a really nice cross bike with a triple chain ring and 11-32 cassette, so the gearing is low enough for anything but heavy, loaded touring.

The Trek 520 is a decent touring bike and a great value. It's works for loaded touring, but if you check other posts, there are few things about it that aren't ideal for loaded touring. There are several other smaller manufacturers (Heron, Rivendell, Bruce Gordon, etc.) that make excellent touring bikes, but they are rather expensive ($1800 and up). If you are only doing light touring and weekend rides, I'd probably go with either a cross bike or the 520.

stevedlinbld

Also look at SOMA frames. I've done five tours on a SOMA Doublecross frame with campy components, paul brakes, etc. Have had no problems. The frame has plenty of room for big tires, fenders, and has mid fork front eyelets. As they say, you can't beat the feel of steel.