Originally Posted by Grambo

A few points to consider from my perspective:

- I assume the field you refer to already has an established hiking or bike trail? Riding even a MTB on a field with no trail or just a lightly used foot path is not a lot of fun given it will have very high rolling resistance combined with a bumpy ride.
- Just a few inches of snow will render the CX bike useless in the field. The tire contact patch simply isn't big enough. That having been said add on a few more inches of snow and the MTB bike will also become difficult if not impossible to ride.
- A HT MTB bike is overkill for just riding a flat field, however, you will have the option to ride it on actual MTB trails should you find you like the off road experience. There are lots of good MTB spots in the Philly area with plenty of novice level trails.
- A CX bike will be very similar to a road bike fit with primarily just a longer head tube and slightly more upright position.
- a CX bike equipped with proper tires is quite capable on the road in icy / snowy conditions. Both Schwalbe and Nokion make studded winter tires. The only problem will be the potential lack of a shoulder on the road due to plowing. I ride my CX bike on the road when the roads get crappy with sand, salt etc and narrower 25mm tires can be a bit sketchy.

Just some food for thought.

Originally Posted by datlas

Good points. The field is does NOT have trails on it but when the ground is frozen I imagine it will be easy enough to ride in. I should borrow someone else's CX bike to confirm.

When there is more than an inch or two of snow, I will either ride slushy roads, or more likely do XC Skiing in the same field at the end of my street.

Good point about freeze/thaw. I almost exclusively ride in the morning, so this time of year the ground should be less muddy.

Where in Chesco are you? I am in WC, do you ride with the WCCC??

Originally Posted by Grambo

I live in the Kennett Square area. I enjoy road riding but I'm also an avid MTB rider and race for Henry's Bike Shop in Newark DE. Certainly feel very lucky to be in Chesco given there are great places to MTB ride and scenic / historic Chester County is hard to beat in terms of road riding. I also race CX and if you have ever done any Crit races you should give CX a whirl. Very similar only on grass and low key / have fun type of race atmosphere. Lots of CX races in the Chesco / Philly area.

You may find that the field is bumpy / difficult / high rolling resistance to ride on especially given that when they freeze it is typically very uneven due to varying moisture content / root structure etc.. Check it out and c what your think.

Originally Posted by datlas

I will check it out. You know anyone who has a 58 or 60cm CX bike they wanna loan me?? I would like to think it's ok to ride on, I have XC skiied on it many times when there is snow, with no issues.

Originally Posted by Grambo

So but no I don't. Would suggest you try a LBS in West Chester and demo a CX bike. Worst case scenario is that you could just air down your road bike tires to 50 psi or so and try riding a 1/4 mile or so into the field to get a sense of the terrain.