Cyclocross bikes, also known as CXB or CX bikes, have come a long way from being slight modifications of roadies to becoming a popular bike type today. However, despite their growing popularity, are cyclocross bikes good?
Cyclocross bikes are specially designed to suit multiple terrains, thriving off-road and on paved surfaces. While they are built to tackle cyclocross racing’s harsh conditions, they are also excellent for off-road adventures, cycle touring, winter training, and commuting.
Their good tire clearance, robust frame, powerful braking, and relaxed geometry make them versatile; hence multi-purpose.
There’s so much you can do with a CX bike, especially if you like to ride fast since these bikes are made to be fast both off-road and on the road.
What Makes A Bike A Cyclocross Bike? (CX Bikes Characteristics)
It can be challenging to different a cyclocross bike from a road bike with untrained eyes. However, you can do it if you know the features of CX bikes.
Besides helping you recognize CXBs easily, these characteristics also help answer the query, are cyclocross bikes good?
These features are:
1. Drop Handlebars
Like roadies, all cyclocross bicycles have drop handlebars, which offer three positions for your hands- the top, the hood, and the drop. Since you have multiple places to put your hands, you can choose the most appropriate place for proper grip, depending on the terrain.
For instance, you can use the drop when descending, the top when cruising, and the hoods when climbing.
2. Big Tire Clearance
CX bikes can participate in races while fitted with up to 33mm (1.29 inch) tire width, which are pretty wide and can avoid punctures even with lower pressure. The tires in these bikes can even be broader than 33mm, sometimes going 35mm or 36mm.
Their frames are made to accommodate wider tires and leave extra room to prevent mud from seizing up the tires. The wider clearance is essential, considering CX bikes operate in muddy terrains.
Moreover, wider tires are less susceptible to getting pinch flat compared to their narrower counterparts. They are also commuter friendly because they can hold more volume of air; hence, better at absorbing shock than thinner tires.
3. Steep Head Angle
Bikes whose head angle is steep have exceptionally responsive steering, which gives you better direct control over your bike. This will help you avoid riding into obstacles during a cyclocross race or cycling on a busy street.
4. A Short Wheelbase
CX bikes must be easily maneuverable because they are made for challenging technical grounds with rocks, bumps, roots, and sharp corners. For that reason, they are fitted with a short wheelbase to provide a shorter turning radius.
Due to shorter chainstays, these bikes can attain high speed more efficiently and quickly. However, they make them less comfortable, but that should be expected since cyclocross bikes were created for off-road racing tournaments lasting for about an hour.
5. Disc Or Canti Brakes
Traditional rim brakes don’t work for cyclocross bicycles because of the wider tires, so they use disc brakes or Canti brakes. Cantilever brakes were used in the past, but most manufacturers have now moved to disc brakes.
Disc brakes provide abundant stopping power in various weather conditions, whether hydraulic or mechanical. Moreover, mud won’t get to the bike rims because these brakes are lifted off the ground.
6. Low Gears
CX bikes usually have a single chainring with about 40 teeth and a 10-11 speed rear cassette with 10 to 42 teeth. With that, you get a wide selection of gear ratios, but without high gears like road bikes.
High gears aren’t necessary for Cyclocross racing because the sport is more about agility and tactics than speed. Therefore, high gears would put extra weight on the bikes without offering advantages.
Are Cyclocross Bikes Good For Commuting?
CX bikes are great for commuting since they deliver fun, fast, and safe rides. In addition, they offer less resistance to rolling than MTBs and boast of a more comfortable geometry compared to road bikes.
The only issue with commuting on a Cyclocross bicycle is that their geometry may be more aggressive than you’d like. However, it’s possible to find a CX bike with an upright, more comfortable riding position.
Models with commuter racks and fender mounts are likely more comfortable on commutes.
The larger clearance also makes CX bikes suitable for commuting because they accommodate wider tires, which are better in shock absorption.
Tires that have slick treads are better if you commute on tarmac or asphalt because knobby tires are slow on tarmac roads.
Are Cyclocross Bikes Good For Road Riding?
Cyclocross bicycles are good on the road because they are built for both off-road and on-road riding. However, make sure you switch the knobby tires with slick ones meant for riding on the road.
Road bikes and CX bikes have lots of similarities in their geometries and overlapping components.
Riding a CXB on the road offers certain benefits. These include simplicity, the freedom to use shortcuts, more comfort, multi-functionality, and robustness.
You can also run fatter, wider tires that absorb road vibrations and shocks better. CX bikes also have enough clearance to fit complete fenders.
Are Cyclocross Bikes Good For Touring?
Cyclocross bicycles are great for light touring, benefitting you if you are riding across flatter terrain with a light load. Compared to touring bikes, CX bikes weigh 30% less and are suited for multiple disciplines.
When you consider only their frame geometry, these bikes can handle the touring bike demands effortlessly. Frame construction is essential, especially if you intend to use rear and front panniers.
Make sure you check for mudguards and racks provisions because not every manufacturer provides them.
Cyclocross Bikes Vs. Other Bikes (How Do They Compare?)
Here’s how CX bikes compare to mountain, hybrid, road, and gravel bikes.
1. Cyclocross Bikes Vs. Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are at their best when riding over rugged terrains, like park trails. On the other hand, CX bikes excel off-road, including riding in gravel or racing in dirt or grass on cross races.
Both bikes have knobby tires, but MTB tires supply more control while you cycle over roots and rocks. However, CXBs have drop-bar handlebars, while mountain bikes have flat bars.
In addition, CX bikes are more versatile; hence they are suitable for different terrains, both off-road and road surfaces.
2. Cyclocross Bikes Vs. Road Bikes
These bikes have many similarities, like drop handlebars and disc brakes. However, you will notice the differences with close inspection.
For instance, CX bikes have larger tire clearance because their bottom bracket is higher and made with a shorter reach, resulting in a more upright, taller position. Moreover, they have wider tires while road bikes feature narrower tires.
When it comes to pedals, CXBs have double-sided pedals with many holes to shed debris and mud that allow treaded cycling shoes. On the other hand, road bikes have single-sided pedals that easily accumulate dirt and debris.
CX bikes are more versatile, while roadies are made explicitly for riding fast on roads. Therefore, road bikes are faster, have more aggressive geometry, and are more aerodynamic and lighter.
3. Cyclocross Bikes Vs. Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes and CX bikes are multi-purpose bicycles that work both on the road and off-road. They are also relatively light, depending on their frame materials.
However, they differ in prices, brakes, and wheels. Cyclocross bicycles have disc brakes or Canti brakes, more flexible tires, a more comfortable design, but more pricey.
On the other hand, hybrid bikes are fitted with V-brakes and are cheaper than CX bikes. If you want a quality hybrid, check out Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike (View on Amazon), designed for multi-use.
Schwinn GTX is lightweight, aluminum-framed, has V-brakes and 21-speed shifters, and suits 5’4” to 6’2” riders.
4. Cyclocross Bikes Vs. Gravel Bikes
Both bicycles have big tire clearance and drop handlebars, but they differ in geometry, gearing, top tube, and functionality.
CX bikes feature a more aggressive position of riding and horizontal top tubes, presenting easier shouldering. Consequently, gravel bikes’ riding position is slightly upright and have sloped top tubes
Gravel bikes have wider gear ranges than cyclocross bicycles because they ride on more varied terrains. Therefore, they must cope with the extreme conditions of different landscapes.
Generally, gravel bikes provide more versatility than CX bikes.
FAQs
1. What Is A Cyclocross Bike Good For?
A cyclocross bike is a versatile bike made for cyclocross racing and suitable for other cycling purposes like commuting and light touring.
It is equipped for road and off-road use because of relaxed geometry, powerful brakes, wider tires, and ample tire clearance.
2. Can I Use A Cyclocross Bike As A Gravel Bike?
Your cyclocross bicycle can function as a gravel bike since it can tackle gravel well. However, it is not optimized for gravel riding like gravel bicycles.
In addition, CX bikes geometry is designed for racing for a shorter period, while gravel bikes are designed to provide comfort over extended distances.
3. Is A Road Bike Faster Than A Cyclocross?
A road bike is faster than a cyclocross because it is designed for speed on smooth surfaces. This means a more aerodynamic frame, narrower tires, a higher gear range, and aggressive riding position, and they are lightweight.
4. Do Cyclocross Bikes Have Suspension?
Cyclocross bicycles don’t have suspension since they are made for fast, short races that typically require riders to shoulder their bikes over obstacles. The wider tires absorb road vibrations and shocks before they get to you.
5. Are Cyclocross Bikes Good For Long Distance?
Cyclocross bicycles aren’t great for long-distance riding because they aren’t as comfortable due to their aggressive geometry and absence of suspension. So, instead, these bikes are typically designed for cyclo racing which lasts for approximately an hour.
However, you can use your CX bike for light touring over flat terrains with lighter loads.
To Summarize, Are Cyclocross Bikes Good?
A cyclocross bike can be an excellent buy if you usually participate in cyclocross racing and also ride on multiple terrains, comprising both on-road and off-road. However, the choice between CX bikes and others depends on your cycling needs.
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