Originally Posted by
Mad Scientist
I've been following this thread because I want to avoid doing this.
I bought a hybrid/mountain bike a few years ago after not having anything for a decade. It turns out to be a poor match for the way I ride -- which is generally as fast as I can. I want something with a more aggressive riding posture. I do not want a rack or panniers. I have not decided if I will ride my new bike in the winter or if I'll ride my current bike. Ultimately, I'm worried that if I buy a CX bike, I will regret it and wish I had a road bike. So, like the OP, I'm curious if anyone has had this regret.
If your priority is going as fast as you can on good roads AND you don't want the ability to add a rack and fenders AND you don't intend to ride in the winter (i.e. run wide tires), then I think a road bike is probably the way to go. But if you're wavering on any of these points, a CX bike could be a hedge as it is nearly as fast as a road bike and can do the other things too.