cyclocross vs. road

goat6777

so i've had a few mountain bikes here and there and have always been interested in road biking and touring. i've read a bit about cyclocross and that sounds like a good time, too. i'm looking at a used cross bike, but am concerned that the geometry will be somewhat limiting in the road department. on the other hand, cross bikes seem pretty versatile and durable (i'm 6'4", 230 lbs and tend to beat gear up). i guess i'm wondering how much road bike performance do i sacrifice by putting myself on a cross bike. also, how much durability/flexibility do i lose by getting a pure road bike. any input would be greatly appreciated.

GuyStevens

What will you be using the bike for? If you are not racing cross then get a road frame.

Cross bikes are not more durable per se. Construction and frame materials are more critical. The disadvantages of using a cross bike on the road are increased weight, slacker geometry (which you may prefer) and a reduction in aerodynamics.

None of this bothers me as I have just cannibalised my road training bike to build my cross/road training machine.

Look381i

Originally posted by goat6777
so i've had a few mountain bikes here and there and have always been interested in road biking and touring. i've read a bit about cyclocross and that sounds like a good time, too. i'm looking at a used cross bike, but am concerned that the geometry will be somewhat limiting in the road department. on the other hand, cross bikes seem pretty versatile and durable (i'm 6'4", 230 lbs and tend to beat gear up). i guess i'm wondering how much road bike performance do i sacrifice by putting myself on a cross bike. also, how much durability/flexibility do i lose by getting a pure road bike. any input would be greatly appreciated.

--Even if you don't race it, a CX bike will allow you to mount wider tires, even knobbies, for dirt- and off-road riding, commuting, winter riding, etc. My CX bike position is set up almost identically to my road bike, with only a slight reduction is stem length. I drop the seat just a bit for a race. (BTW, Redline offers very good value in a CX frame, of bang-for-buck is important.)