Cyclocross bike for touring...good idea ?
02-12-04, 12:20 PM
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Cyclocross bike for touring...good idea ?
I came across this Bianchi Axis which is really a cyclocross bike
but why not use it as an all around bike which could be also a great tourer.This bike has great reviews as a cyclocross bike and as a road/commuter but no trace of anyone using it as a touring bike.
The frame is aluminium, carbon fork, 105/xt components ,11-32t cassette,Sugino triple crankset 48-36-26t,Alex320 wheelset with 700x35c cx tires.
all comments are much appreciated.
but why not use it as an all around bike which could be also a great tourer.This bike has great reviews as a cyclocross bike and as a road/commuter but no trace of anyone using it as a touring bike.
The frame is aluminium, carbon fork, 105/xt components ,11-32t cassette,Sugino triple crankset 48-36-26t,Alex320 wheelset with 700x35c cx tires.
all comments are much appreciated.
02-12-04, 12:25 PM
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It has rack and fender mounts, and is a good general purpose bike.
The bottom bracket on CX bikes is often high, which is good for CX, but gives a high centre of gravity for loaded touring. The steering may also be tuned to unladen riding.
For weekend/hostel tours and occasional heavier loads it should work well.
It may too lighly built for an extended heavy duty camping expedition.
The bottom bracket on CX bikes is often high, which is good for CX, but gives a high centre of gravity for loaded touring. The steering may also be tuned to unladen riding.
For weekend/hostel tours and occasional heavier loads it should work well.
It may too lighly built for an extended heavy duty camping expedition.
02-12-04, 04:04 PM
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A short list of why it isn't cut out for touring...
1. Aluminum frame.... steel is a better choice: less stiff=more comfort, repairable if needed=aluminum isn't, easier to add braze ons... in general steel is the choice for tourers.
2. Carbon forks.... bad, bad, bad.... steel, good, good, good. See above.
3. High BB... you want a low BB for comfort-which is one of the points of touring... long periods in the saddle.
4. Short chainstays... a good tourer has long stays for heel clearance for panniers on your rear rack. Not to mention for lateral rigidity in the rear as well as giving longer wheel bases for stability and comfort.
A CC bike isn't a touring bike... never has been, never will be.
1. Aluminum frame.... steel is a better choice: less stiff=more comfort, repairable if needed=aluminum isn't, easier to add braze ons... in general steel is the choice for tourers.
2. Carbon forks.... bad, bad, bad.... steel, good, good, good. See above.
3. High BB... you want a low BB for comfort-which is one of the points of touring... long periods in the saddle.
4. Short chainstays... a good tourer has long stays for heel clearance for panniers on your rear rack. Not to mention for lateral rigidity in the rear as well as giving longer wheel bases for stability and comfort.
A CC bike isn't a touring bike... never has been, never will be.
