Cyclocross Bikes vs. Road Bikes...

[Jman]

As I was on the SART today there was a section of the trail shut down due to a crew trimming the trees and cleaning up a possible downed tree. As I was redirected to the dirt and praying I didn't flat I got to wondering what the difference between my Allez and a cyclocross bike would be. Is it just in the tires? Is there some geometry difference and do they use standard materials in CX (ie Carbon Fiber, Alu, etc.) I'm assuming a CX bike would be heavier/burlier than a road bike but I could be wrong. Inquiring minds would like to know. Thanks.

[Pickettt]

'Cross geometry is a little different that would be uncomfortable for long rides. However, if you weren't planning on riding too far, they're more or less interchangable with road bikes.

[Rockinthecasbah]

theres more tire clearence on a cross bike the geo also might be slightly more slack I love mine

[Chewyeti]

and different rim brakes with more clearance OR disc brakes

[Pho'dUp]

I imagine a Cross bike would beat you up a bit more on longer rides too than a traditional roadie. But heck, that's probably something some high volume tires with a little less air in them would fix. Maybe even a suspension seat post.

If I'd had to buy a roadie again. I'd get a cross bike with 2 exact sets of wheels. One with knobs, one without.

[Schecky]

I always thought a cross bike might beat you up less? At least if it was steel.

PS-With all this rain/snow, I wonder how the mountain SART is?

[dutch]

cross bikes also typically have higher bottom brackets and cable routing over the top tube. The first is to help clear obstacles, the second is to make it more comfy on your shoulder when hopping over them.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by Schecky

I always thought a cross bike might beat you up less? At least if it was steel.

PS-With all this rain/snow, I wonder how the mountain SART is?

Hmm, maybe you're right. It seems most of the Cross bikes I've seen were Aluminum and very stiff as they are meant to be ridden in those short cross races?

Don't own one, maybe Pain Freak or someone can chime in.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Hmm, maybe you're right. It seems most of the Cross bikes I've seen were Aluminum and very stiff as they are meant to be ridden in those short cross races?

Don't own one, maybe Pain Freak or someone can chime in.

Actually, all of the frame materials are quite popular (steel, aluminum, and carbon). My mid-level Specialized Tricross has an aluminum front triangle and a carbon rear triangle. And just like any other type of bike, the design of the frame determines how comfortable it is. My Tricross is quite comfortable on the road as well as on the Fullerton Loop (obviously much smoother on the road). With its Zertz inserts in the fork and seat stays, the bike has much better verticle compliance than I expected.

The bottom bracket height between Specialized road and CX bikes is barely any different. What is very different is the chainstay length. The CX CS length is significantly longer, which makes riding wheelies a bit more difficult.

[Shu]

Originally Posted by Schecky

I always thought a cross bike might beat you up less? At least if it was steel.

PS-With all this rain/snow, I wonder how the mountain SART is?

Noble got snow this week

[osmarandsara]

oops...

[Jman]

Thanks for the great responses, it really cleared up the difference.