In the market for a new bike, cyclocross or road?

Question

I currently have a mountain bike but am looking into another bike and i am having a tough time with the different concepts of cyclocross, road bikes, touring, triathlon.. etc. My main use for the bike as of now would be for exercise/training, i have recently been interested in long distance riding and i have been recommended a cyclocross bike because of the versatility at the local bike shop. Now i have thought about getting into some local competition in the near future (i'm 16 until December) so i'm not exactly sure what "style" per say of bike i should be looking at or comparing to.

Answer 1

It really depends on what you want to do, but since you already have a Mtn bike you should get a road bike.  If you're thinking about long distance, road racing, Crits (criterium races, short road races where you ride multiple laps for 30 mins. or so), touring or triathlons I would definitely do a road bike as it can be modified to do a variety of disciplines.  If you want to race cyclocross you can usually race your Mtn bike since you'd be a beginner and a junior.  I've even seen adults race their Mtn bikes at cyclo-cross races, and seen Pro's race their single speed 29" Mtn bikes at single speed cyclo-cross races.

Even if you get into cyclo-cross more later on you can transfer old road parts to a new-ish cyclocross frame/fork while you upgrade your road bike.

Answer 2

I faced the same issue near the end of last year.  I had two sets of wheels for my 26" mountain bike; one with 1.5" slicks for road/distance, and my 2.1" knobbies for the fun stuff.   I knew the larger wheels of a road, touring, or cyclocross bike would be a much better way to ride distance, so I saved up some dough as I continued to decide what kinda 'big wheel' bike I should get.  I was considering a road bike as well as a 29'er mountain bike.

My usual distance rides take me over gravel roads, dirt paths, and such.   One route takes me thru about 4 miles of off-road thru a nature center.  All my bike guys (dudes at a few bike shops I trust) told me a road bike wouldnt hold up for me.   They suggested a cyclocross bike.   Since I also like to do day-long rides, I thought I needed a touring bike.   I wanted to mount a rear rack to be able to carry 'stuff' on my rides.   I wasnt going to really 'tour', but I liked the idea of a sturdier bike.   I went back and forth between touring and 'cross bikes.  After more consulation with my bike guys, I ruled out a touring bike after riding a few.     For me, the versatility of a 'cross bike was perfect.  I bought one this spring and love it to death.  I need a bike I can ride all day, on any terrain.  I dont launch off drops or jump creeks, but I love the fact that I can ride anywhere I want.   Its great for long distances (I've done 3 centuries this year and have 2500 total miles on her) and with a pack on the rear rack, I can carry a lot of stuff so I can take off on day-long rides and be self-sufficient.  I also have a handle bar mount for my GPS, and have a frame pump.

If you are going to be sticking to pavement, then a road bike is the way to go.  If you are like me and like to venture off-road as well, then a 'cross bike is the better choice.

Answer 3

Forget TT bikes they are too specialised!

A Touring bike may be too heavy(although a possible candidate)

I reckon your local bike shop has last years stock of cyclocross bikes  they want to offload!!!!

You need a roadbike!

For exercise and training a Sora, Tiagra or 105 spec machine would suit you fine.

To be honest with you, I would speak to another bike shop and have a look at what they have to offer!

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Answer 4

I'm a big fan of touring bikes because they're a good mix between lightness and durability.  A touring bike is meant for long distances which means they are more forgiving than a stiff racing frame.  

The gearing on a typical touring bike will be wider than a racing bike, but until you find your sweet spot for a cadence, you may not appreciate the close spacing of the gears that you typically find on a racing bike.

The cyclocross would be good if you intend to leave the road, but wouldn't think it has an advantage otherwise.  I find my touring bike (with 23-25C tires) handles well on unpaved roads, but I wouldn't take it out on single track.

Also note that you're probably still growing and could need larger frame in a few years.  It might be a good time to experiment or even find a used bike with low mileage.

Answer 5

Why not get some smooth tyres for your mountain bike and turn it into a hybrid. by far the cheapest option. You might then buy a hybrid or road bike later.

I don't know why you would consider a cyclo cross bike as they tend to be heavier and not so good for long distance road use.

This is from an OLD pro bike rider.