Learn About Cyclocross Bikes with JensonUSA
If you like the lightweight and rigid aspect of a road or gravel bike but want to take your adventure to other places besides just the road, cyclocross bikes are your answer. With wider tires than road bikes and tires that use a knobby, hybrid tread, cyclocross bikes are designed to excel in various terrains. Cyclocross bikes use more aggressive frame geometries than gravel bikes and have more agile handling compared to a gravel bike.
What is a cyclocross bike?
A cyclocross bike is bred for racing and can be thought of as a racing gravel bike. However, cyclocross bikes usually have smaller 33mm tires than gravel bikes due to CX restrictions and have steeper frame geometries and shorter chainstays for maximum agility and acceleration.
What is a cyclocross bike used for?
Cyclocross bikes are used for racing in high-intensity races and don't have the comfort features usually associated with a gravel bike. Smaller, race-spec’d tires, the absence of storage mounts or fenders, and a more streamlined frame geometry designed for short intense sessions. Cyclocross bikes can be used as a hybrid road bike but don't make for good commuter or touring bikes.
What’s the difference between a cyclocross and gravel bike?
Cyclocross bikes are made for racing and quick, high-intensity riding while a gravel bike is more stable and comfortable to ride. Cyclocross bikes usually have smaller tires than gravel bikes due to CX restrictions and have steeper frame geometries and shorter chainstays for maximum agility and acceleration. Gravel bikes have slacker geometries for more stability and have wider tires, a longer wheelbase, and longer chainstays for more stability rather than agility.
Which cyclocross bike brands are the best?
While there are many brands out there that make exceptional cyclocross bikes, brands like Orbea, Santa Cruz, and All-City make quality cyclocross bikes for racing.
Do cyclocross bikes make a good road or trail bike?
Cyclocross bikes do not make good road or commuter bikes due to their more race-oriented geometries as well as their absence of mounts and fenders. A cyclocross bike could be used in lite singletrack riding, where the agility and lightweight aspects would excel. However, a trail bike or a cross-country mountain bike would be a much better option if you plan on doing any aggressive offroad riding.
