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Subject: Never Bought a Cross / Road Bike --- Help

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kb19d

Posts:1

Registered Users

06/24/2008 2:21 PM
I am looking to buy my first cross / road bike. I would like to be able to do a half triathlon but also very interested in the cross. What should I be looking for? I am in college so my budget doesnt allow me to spend much more than $1000-1200 for something like this. I live in Toledo, OH and thats another reason I think a cross would be a better purchase for me... there arent that many long road routes close enough that I dont have to drive to them. I currently have a Trek 800 (10 years old) mountain bike that still runs great for me... But I want something I can put some miles on and the mountain bike just dont cut it for that. Any help, advice, anything would be great Thanks KB

WebGuy

Posts:332

Administrators
Louisville, KY

08/14/2008 9:51 AM
KB...sorry this went unanswered. A lot of the guys around here run CX bikes on the road in the summer then switch to CX on the Fall. While it's not going to be the best geometry for Tri's (or aero position) I often tell people that a CX bike is like the swiss army knife of bikes. Good at road, commuting and even a little off road - not to mention fun to race CX on. At those price points I would recommend you look at some used bikes. The new bikes around $1200 have cheaper components. This time of year a lot of guys are selling last year's bikes so they can upgrade. I've seen a lot of CX for sale in the classifieds here and on eBay.

Steven Webster Web Guy, BikeClicks.com

Mr.President User is Offline

Posts:31

Registered Users

08/14/2008 6:50 PM
yeah check out ebay as there are some smoking deals on cross bikes for that price range. If you have an idea on what size bike you need you can really score a great deal.

Comanche

Posts:15

Registered Users

08/18/2008 12:26 PM
Thinking of getting a cross bike. Last year I road a mountain bike on the CX course but, it is just too heavy and I am too slow on it. That may be my problem but I am blaming the bike. Plus, it is really hard to shoulder that thing. Really like the upright flat handle bars on the mountain bike and not sure I would ever feel good on the drop handlebars in the mud. I used to ride some motocross way back in the 70’s and really like the flat bar control and feel. That said, could I take a cross bike and put flat bars on it? Is that a CX faux pas? Is it legal, with in the CX framework? Thanks!

js2501

Posts:18

Registered Users

08/18/2008 2:46 PM
Comanche I think you might have some issues with the shifters and brakes if you switch to a flat bar. You would have to buy new shifters/brake levers and not sure how those would work with whatever brake and der setup on the cross bike you buy. I'm far from tech smart and I'm sure others on here could tell you more. But that would be the first thing that comes to my mind.

Comanche

Posts:15

Registered Users

08/18/2008 4:56 PM
I have given those points some thought. I am wondering what it is that really makes a cross bike a cross bike. In other words is it really a road bike with different tires? Could one take a hybrid bike (like a Trek 7.6 or a Jamis Coda) and switch out the wheels and tires and go from there? Or is this an invitation to disaster?

Mr.President User is Offline

Posts:31

Registered Users

08/18/2008 8:30 PM
a cross bike is a bike you race cross on. It can be darn near anything. Don't over think it. You have a mtb, use it, you want something to beginon, hit the lbs and ask away. Check out Bio Wheels, I bet they can help you...right Mitch!

Comanche

Posts:15

Registered Users

08/19/2008 10:19 AM
If I could only not over think everything! I am going to go back to the mtb. I can't make the Tuesday night practice at RRCC (aka Champions Park) but am going to try to put it in a few laps this Saturday morning. Also Isn't there a CX course in Oldham County?

Brad

Posts:23

Registered Users

08/19/2008 3:07 PM
The "traditional" cross bike has more clearance in the fork and rear triangle than a road bike so you can run fatter tires and it won't pack up as bad when its gets muddy. Most cross bikes also have cantilever brake mounts because they provide more mud clearance. The head tube angle is also a little more relaxed to give you better handling in rougher terrain. Chainstays may also be a little longer to smooth out the ride a bit. I say get a used cross bike--they are good for racing AND general cruising around town. If you don't want to lay down the dough for a new (to you) bike-- run what you brung and have fun. Posted By Comanche on 08/18/2008 4:56 PM I have given those points some thought. I am wondering what it is that really makes a cross bike a cross bike. In other words is it really a road bike with different tires? Could one take a hybrid bike (like a Trek 7.6 or a Jamis Coda) and switch out the wheels and tires and go from there? Or is this an invitation to disaster?

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