Thinking about going for a Cyclocross

[gazza285]

TheInternet said:

Such is the power of marketing and the subsequent faddery. Presumably the drop bar / disc brake combo is key to its success at this stage?

Perhaps the road bike market has missed the trick with discs, although road bikes with discs are becoming available now.
I'll say again, proper CX bikes are not part of the current popularity of the CX bike as an all rounder, mine has no mudguard eyes, no rack mounts, no bottle cage bosses and is no laid back tourer come commuter. No disc brakes either, like most of the people I race with.

[Pupp]

gazza285 said:

Perhaps the road bike market has missed the trick with discs, although road bikes with discs are becoming available now.
I'll say again, proper CX bikes are not part of the current popularity of the CX bike as an all rounder, mine has no mudguard eyes, no rack mounts, no bottle cage bosses and is no laid back tourer come commuter. No disc brakes either, like most of the people I race with.

Has it got wheels?

[Barchettaman]

said:

Assume there's more strength in these types of bikes than a roady? I'm tempted to get something similar for my commute instead of my MTB, but it needs to be strong or I'll buckle it with my carcass.

My Quantec CX bike seems to be built stronger than my Canyon aluminium road bike.

The bigger tubes of the CX frame don't necessarily result in decreased comfort.
I can run wider rubber on the Quantec so it has a 'plusher' ride and feel than the Canyon.
Running 23c road tyres on the CX bike makes for quite a jarring ride though, much like any stiff aluminium frame (in my experience).

As far as your needs go, the frame is generally the strongest part of the bike. If you're horizontally challenged then you need to get the strongest WHEELSET you can find - high spoke count and hand built if possible, and run your tyres at the correct pressure.

I commuted from early spring on my Quantec, and they make great fun commuter bikes. Best of luck whatever you decide to get.

[TheInternet]

gazza285 said:

I'll say again, proper CX bikes are not part of the current popularity of the CX bike as an all rounder, mine has no mudguard eyes, no rack mounts, no bottle cage bosses and is no laid back tourer come commuter.

And I'll say again, such is the power of marketing. See also MTBs, sports cars, punk/jazz/metal and any other niche activity/product that's been diluted and repackaged for the masses who will never come close to the intentions of the originators. The mass market CX still makes a compelling all rounder though.

[anonymous-user]

Barchettaman said:

My Quantec CX bike seems to be built stronger than my Canyon aluminium road bike.

The bigger tubes of the CX frame don't necessarily result in decreased comfort.
I can run wider rubber on the Quantec so it has a 'plusher' ride and feel than the Canyon.
Running 23c road tyres on the CX bike makes for quite a jarring ride though, much like any stiff aluminium frame (in my experience).

As far as your needs go, the frame is generally the strongest part of the bike. If you're horizontally challenged then you need to get the strongest WHEELSET you can find - high spoke count and hand built if possible, and run your tyres at the correct pressure.

I commuted from early spring on my Quantec, and they make great fun commuter bikes. Best of luck whatever you decide to get.

Good advice and I do have a custom made pair of wheels, might start shopping around then. Cheers.