A Ride Changing Decision!
11-12-10, 01:00 PM
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A Ride Changing Decision!
Attachment 177906Attachment 177907I work at a LBS and am up for a new one through a prodeal. Do I choose the Jamis Nova Pro for versatility with a second wheelset for the road, or the Jamis Xenith Comp to accomplish my goals more efficiently for next summer (centuries, high-paced group rides and such). Another way to ask: will a cyclocross bike with slicks hold me back too much? Please give me your feedback.
11-12-10, 01:19 PM
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Yes, I know the only difference between a cyclocross bike with slicks would be the geometry (not as 'quick' handling, almost like a comfort road bike) and lack of aerodynamics. I'm just looking for opinions from people. It is a 'ride changing' choice. Keep it all roadie and competitive or explore a new approach to riding with the compromise of my road performance.
11-12-10, 01:37 PM
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Yes, I know the only difference between a cyclocross bike with slicks would be the geometry (not as 'quick' handling, almost like a comfort road bike) and lack of aerodynamics. I'm just looking for opinions from people. It is a 'ride changing' choice. Keep it all roadie and competitive or explore a new approach to riding with the compromise of my road performance.
11-12-10, 01:38 PM
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11-12-10, 01:40 PM
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11-12-10, 01:45 PM
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If you believe some of the "experts" on the 41, then there won't be a noticeable difference. Most of the air resistance is your body. If you have the same riding position on both bicycles, then the other differences will be miniscule.
11-12-10, 01:49 PM
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If you're staying on the road and not looking to mount fenders, wider tires, a rack, etc. then I don't see a reason to go with the cross bike. I don't know that the cross geometry is the same as a comfort road geometry like what you'd get with a Roubaix or Synapse? If you ask me the choice should be between the Xenith Comp and the Xenith Endura line, why exactly were you considering a cross bike?
11-12-10, 01:49 PM
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Will the cross bike hold you back? No.
Will your brain tell you that the bike is holding you back? Yes. Atleast mine does.
But that's just my opinion
Will your brain tell you that the bike is holding you back? Yes. Atleast mine does.
But that's just my opinion
11-12-10, 01:56 PM
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No... the issue with the cantilever brakes on a cyclocross bike is that they suck. Caliper brakes are far superior in every aspect save one: the ability to deal with mud buildup. Not a huge problem on the road.
Go road bike. Unless you are intent on racing 'cross as a focus, then a road bike is far superior in every way for riding on the road. A 'cross bike is good at exactly one thing: a (European style) 'cross race. Road bikes are far superior on the road. Mountain bikes are far superior on the trails.
Go road bike. Unless you are intent on racing 'cross as a focus, then a road bike is far superior in every way for riding on the road. A 'cross bike is good at exactly one thing: a (European style) 'cross race. Road bikes are far superior on the road. Mountain bikes are far superior on the trails.
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"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
11-12-10, 02:00 PM
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+1. I have a cross commuter bike and a road bike, calipers are WAY better than cantilever brakes. Sure, you could spend countless hours adjusting the canti's to get decent performance, but why bother if you don't have to?
11-12-10, 02:01 PM
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11-12-10, 02:12 PM
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A cross bike is an exercise in compromising every single aspect of what makes a road bike enjoyable in order to deal with the one singular problem of mud. If you don't ride a cross bike in mud; and I'm talking slippery, slimy, deep mud; then you are wasting your money buying one.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
11-12-10, 02:16 PM
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A cross bike is an exercise in compromising every single aspect of what makes a road bike enjoyable in order to deal with the one singular problem of mud. If you don't ride a cross bike in mud; and I'm talking slippery, slimy, deep mud; then you are wasting your money buying one.
11-12-10, 02:16 PM
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A cross bike is an exercise in compromising every single aspect of what makes a road bike enjoyable in order to deal with the one singular problem of mud. If you don't ride a cross bike in mud; and I'm talking slippery, slimy, deep mud; then you are wasting your money buying one.
If you're staying on the road and not looking to mount fenders, wider tires, a rack, etc. then I don't see a reason to go with the cross bike. I don't know that the cross geometry is the same as a comfort road geometry like what you'd get with a Roubaix or Synapse? If you ask me the choice should be between the Xenith Comp and the Xenith Endura line, why exactly were you considering a cross bike?
If you believe some of the "experts" on the 41, then there won't be a noticeable difference. Most of the air resistance is your body. If you have the same riding position on both bicycles, then the other differences will be miniscule.
11-12-10, 02:18 PM
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
11-12-10, 02:18 PM
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11-12-10, 02:18 PM
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11-12-10, 02:26 PM
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As others have said, the brakes on the cross bike would be a deal killer for me. If you only plan on riding on the road and adding fenders and racks, then get the road bike.
Cross bikes also have the brake cable routed across the top of the top tube, I don't like it. I would rather hide the cable, at least under the the top tube.
Cross bikes also have the brake cable routed across the top of the top tube, I don't like it. I would rather hide the cable, at least under the the top tube.
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