Kuota
Kharma
Kebel - *Now in Stock!!*
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Louis Garneau - In Stock Now!
Axis 1.0
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Choosing Between a Road Bike and a ‘Cross Bike
Most road riders naturally assume that their next bike is going to be a typical road machine; light, fast, and fragile. Wait! Have you considered a cyclocross bike? Cyclocross bikes (or ‘cross, as they are commonly called) get there name from the style of bike racing that covers paved road, single track, stones and obstacles all in the same race. They look like road bikes in most ways, but are suitable for rougher surfaces and more technical riding. ‘Cross bikes share many common traits with their skinny-tire cousins, such as frame construction, wheel size, drop handlebars, and lack of active suspension. However, there are a number of important differences between the two bike classifications; tire specification, wheel build, gear ratios, brake specification and commonly, weight. So, before you buy your next bike, consider whether or not a ‘cross bike might be the best bike for you.
You are suited to a ‘cross bike if:
· You enjoy exploring. ‘Cross bikes allow you to easily take that unexplored rough gravel road that you would otherwise turn back a 23mm wide tire road bike from, and even gentle single track. Their fatter tires, stronger rims and no-clog brakes let you go where no road bike would dream of venturing!
· You climb short, steep terrain. The Milton area abuts the Niagara Escarpment, with its many short, steep climbs. The compact drivetrain specified on ‘cross bikes with substantially easier gearing is perfectly suited for these conditions. Sure, you’ll spin-out much above 60kph, but you’ll be laughing as you pass riders on their standard-geared bikes up the steeps!
· You don’t like the feeling of traffic whizzing past close to your shoulder. Hear that big dump truck coming? A ‘cross bike, with it larger volume and lightly knobbed tires will easily move off the road and onto gravel shoulders, and then maintain a good speed when there.
· You ride alone or with casual paced groups. It’s true, being slightly heavier, with tougher rims, and larger volume low-knobbed tires a ‘cross bike is slightly slower than a traditional road bike. The exact amount varies dependent upon speed, weather conditions and riding style, but 1-2kph is a good estimate on flats. Not good if all of your partners are riding skinnies and like to hammer – you’ll get spit out the back of the pack – but otherwise 1-2kph may be a small price to pay for the other benefits.
· You race mountain bikes and would like to extend your race season. The ‘cross race season is autumn and spring, perfectly timed to dovetail with the beginning and end of the summer mountain bike season.
Not everyone should invest in a ‘cross bike as their primary road machine. Road bikes are lighter, faster, and easier braking. However, if the above list describes you, explore ‘cross bikes as an option. You might even want to consider a second wheelset to have a road setup and a ‘cross setup for the one bike. Gearhead carries ‘cross bikes by Rocky Mountain and Kuota, ranging from less than $1000 to over $5000.
