Originally Posted by
megarot
If I can interrupt the love, I just want to ask a general question.
Besides the tire size obviously being bigger and the frame accommodating a larger tire size, is there something about a cross bike frame, handling wise that is going to make a difference?
Perhaps this is more of a question for my LBS but since I'm reading the topic I'm curious.
Can a cross keep up with the road bikes just as easy if the tires are switched out?
The frame gives a more upright position than a road bike, gearing isn't at high in the front as a road bike, bottom bracket is a little higher for clearance, cantilever brakes in lieu of calipers for mud. I've ridden with 32's and 30's, haven't noticed a difference except on the dirt. I can keep up plenty with most on road bikes, I tend to ride faster than most, except the racer types. Nice part is you don't worry about it when the road gets rough, or just plain goes away - Roads? Where we are going we don't need... Roads.