Originally Posted by
cyccommute
A 20 lb cyclocross bike is going to be a dedicated cyclocross bike with few of the amenities that you need for making it a touring bike. If you want one that can be used for touring, it's weight is going to be pretty close to that of a full on touring bike. I have a Salsa La Cruces and while it is lighter than my T800, it's only slightly lighter owing most of that weight savings to the carbon fork (completely inappropriate for touring
) All of the other components on the two bikes are pretty well matched in weight and quality.
Would a cyclocross be good for my needs? Riding from Modesto to Yosemite, about 115 miles each way, plus another 30-40 miles riding around the park? That's about the farthest that I would be riding. I would need to carry enough supplies for about one week, with tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove.
What exactly are the advantages/disadvantages of carbon components?