i was looking at making a significant bike purchase for '07 and was strongly considering a road bike, now im looking more into cross bikes and wanted to hear the roadies' impressions. if you swap the wheels out, how would a cross bike be different than an average road bike....

not much difference at all. you would probably get v-brakes and the clearance height would be a bit higher.

i have an independent fabrication cross bike and its just as smooth riding as my road bikes. a couple pounds heavier but still rides great.

i think a cross bike is a better starter for someone just getting into cycling or a better year round bike where the weather can be questionable.

just my 2 cents. hope this helps a bit.

I've just completed a couple of hundred miles on my first cross bike and I have to say it's a riot. I live in a place where it's pretty easy to ride some dirt trails and asphalt on the same ride and doing so has added a whole new dimension to the fun. Today I went out for a quick 12 around my village, 3/4 dirt/snow and 1/4 regular roads and it was a blast. My bike is equipped with Michelin Jets so the road riding is not too rough and yet there is enough grab to handle hard pack, sand and slop.

Honestly, I like it so much that I'm already thinking about my next one.

Check the 'cross forum about this. I have an absolute blast on my cross frame vs. the roadie, despite the 5+ pound weight penalty...
www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=237695