Originally Posted by
alphasigmookie
I'm looking at getting a new bike for commuting sometime either this fall or next spring (trying to get my budget squared away before dropping $$$$ on a new bike). I've been fairly set on a CX bike since there are some rough roads on my route and they just seem like a versatile platform, but I was wondering how they compare to touring bikes? I'm looking for a good compromise between speed, comfort, cargo, and the ability to ride a variety of surfaces. I'm not looking to do any racing or break any records but I also don't want my 10 mile 1-way commute to take forever either.
Can anyone give me any insight into the pros and cons of these two platforms?
As long as the bike can handle wide tires (and fenders), either one would work. Both are going to be about equally "fast". The touring bike might carry more weight better and track better.
The cyclocross bike is going to have "crisper" steering but that isn't exactly useful for general riding (but some people prefer it).
Touring bikes might generally come with lower gearing.
What kind of "surfaces" are you talking about?
Any decent tourer (with the right tires) will handle gravel/dirt paths. A cyclocross bike isn't going to make riding rough trails easier (though, if it has a higher bottom-bracket, you'd get a bit more clearance). (If the trail is really rough, a mountain bike will be easier to use than a cyclocross bike.)
A "sport touring" bike (shorter wheel base) could even work.