cx compared to road bike?

STXR814 said:

What is the difference between a cx and road bike? I've got an allez ellite that I use just to keep in shape nothing fancy and I'm looking for my son something similar "best bang for the buck" basically. I've been looking online and ran across cyclocross bikes and was just wondering what the main difference is between them and road bikes were. Thanks in advance for input.

The OBVIOUS differences are:

• The CX bike has clearance for larger tires -- 700x32 vs. 700x25-or-28 on most ROAD bikes
  
• The BB drop is usually less on the CX bike, so you usually would select a frame whose seat tube is a couple of centimeters shorter (e.g., if you ride a 56cm ROAD frame, you would probably want a 52-to-54cm CX frame).
  
• A CX bike will have chainstays which are closer in length to the chainstays found on a ROAD bike rather than the chainstays found on a TOURING bike.
  

A "real" CX bike won't have water bottle mounts ... but, many bikes (e.g., Redline Conquest) that are often used for CX do have water bottle mounts because many people use their CX bikes for other things (e.g., commuting).

A "real" CX bike won't have fender mounts or dropout eyelets because CX riders just don't use fenders, but some will have them.

You will NEVER find a triple on a CX bike used for racing ... but, one could certainly be set up with one.

SOME CX bikes don't have cable guides for a front derailleur because some CX racers only use a single chainring.

BTW. I think that NON-sponsored CX racers/riders still prefer 8-speed drivetrains. Sponsored racers/riders use what their sponsors provide.

[quote="alfeng"]The OBVIOUS differences are:

• The CX bike has clearance for larger tires -- 700x32 vs. 700x25-or-28 on most ROAD bikes
  
• The BB drop is usually less on the CX bike, so you usually would select a frame whose seat tube is a couple of centimeters shorter (e.g., if you ride a 56cm ROAD frame, you would probably want a 52-to-54cm CX frame).
  
• A CX bike will have chainstays which are closer in length to the chainstays found on a ROAD bike rather than the chainstays found on a TOURING bike..
  
• [/QUOTE]
  

Yup, and usually the frames are not sloping - so that they are easier to carry on your shoulder for the off-the-bike portions of races.

Thanks for the input guys. It sounds like since my son and I ride on road only then I need to be looking for an on-road bike then. Thanks again.

STXR814 said:

Thanks for the input guys. It sounds like since my son and I ride on road only then I need to be looking for an on-road bike then. Thanks again.

I use my cross bike all winter with larger road tires (26mm in my case). It seems to be just about as fast as the road bikes but it can take more abuse and is easier to clean.

PeterF said:

I use my cross bike all winter with larger road tires (26mm in my case). It seems to be just about as fast as the road bikes but it can take more abuse and is easier to clean.

I've used my road bikes on all manner of dirt road, but not in mud or snow. If intending to do much of this, simply select appropriate frame geometry and wheels.

oldbobcat said:

I've used my road bikes on all manner of dirt road, but not in mud or snow. If intending to do much of this, simply select appropriate frame geometry and wheels.

Same here - the only problem I have with my current road bike is that it will only take 25 mm (and some smallish 28mm) tires and cannot take fenders. For all around use for road riding, commuting and regular use on dirt and gravel roads, it would be nice to have those options..

I love my racing style road bike, but often think it would be nice to have a top quality, light weight CX bike with removable fenders and two sets of good quality wheels (meaning not super bling or expensive): one with largish treaded tires and a second set of wheels with 25 mm lightweight tires.

Camilo said:

I love my racing style road bike, but often think it would be nice to have a top quality, light weight CX bike with removable fenders and two sets of good quality wheels (meaning not super bling or expensive): one with largish treaded tires and a second set of wheels with 25 mm lightweight tires.

This is what I basically do with my cross bike. I have two wheelsets. The old beaters have 38mm tires. For dirt roads it's unbeatable and great for passing MTBers on the uphills as they spin the grannies on their heavy bikes. Still you need to watch your jewels on those washboard sections!

The good wheels have 28mm touring tires which are great on the road but can still go off the pavement if the opportunity presents itself. You can't beat the versatility.

Good point huboon. With two sets of wheels then you are set with a cross bike. You have lots of flexibility re: 'road' vs 'off-road' use.