Originally Posted by
david58
What would be the downside of just getting a bit nicer cross bike and using it as a road bike? Is there really going to be that much difference between the cross bike and a comparably equipped cross bike? I realize that I will need to put a different pair of rings on the front to call it a roadie, but is there any other real downside?
I have a cross comp I use for brevets, though I've changed most of the components - which is a negative from a cost perspective. Otherwise, the bike is heavier, the top tube is long, it is not particularly aero, and the Al ride is simply not inspiring. Just buying a road bike makes good sense unless you have a clear reason to prefer using the cross frame.