Hybrid or cyclocross?

Question

I'm looking for a bike that I will use mostly for commuting, but on rough road (lots of potholes) and light trails. I've tried road bikes, and I love them, but they're just not going to cut it for my style of riding: launching off curbs, up and down steep hills, shortcut paths. And I like to go really really fast.

I've narrowed my choices to either a hybrid like the Specialized Sirrus or a cyclocross bike. I've never ridden a cyclocross, but i like the idea; any idea how much punishment they can take?

Answer 1

Hybrids are for old women and the obese.  If you're not one of these, then get a cyclocross bike, or a mountain bike with slick tires.  It sounds like you want a really tough cyclocross bike with big tires.

Answer 2

Cross all the way!  They can take more punishment than you can dish out.

The hybrid is not a good choice.  You won't be able to ride fast in the upright position.

Answer 3

Coming from the best and worst 'cross magazine, I agree, with some reservations, that you should go with a 'cross bike.

I don't agree that hybrids are only for old women or obese.  There are some really nice hybrids out there (trek fx9 or giant fcr come to mind) that will let you go fast, either on pavement or off-road, depending on your setup.  if you prefer to go fast on the road, you'll want a stretched out position that a 'cross bike, with its geometry and drop bar, makes easier to achieve.  

But if you want to bomb down dirt roads and trails, maybe a flat bar hybrid with clearance for wide tires would work well.  

Regardless of your choice, go with wider tires to protect your rims and give you traction and ride comfort.  And if you go with a 'cross bike, make sure it has non-race features like bottle mounts, fender and rack mounts, assuming those are important to you.  And check the clearance for wide tires! the Trek 'cross bikes have tons of clearance, for example.

Good luck!

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