Cross vs. Road

[Doro]

Looking for some feedback from some roadies and even some cross racers.
I am thinking about buying a road or cross bike. I want to know if a cross bike can hang w/ the roadies if I ever choose to hop on a group ride.

Will I ever race cross...no

Will I ever race road....no

I am looking for something that I can take for a spin to get rid of those aches I have from trail riding. I was thinking of getting the cross bike just to have a little versatility.

I know nothing about road riding or cross so
Any advise is appreciated.

I would have posted this in the road forum but it seemed a bit quiet in those parts.

Thanks,

D

[CouchingTiger]

A cross bike is a much more versatile bike to own and with the advent of slicks, can hold it's own on any road ride. The same can not be said about a road bike on a dirt road.

I've even see cross bikes at road races before.

-Couch

[bdee]

A cross bike with road tires is basically a slightly laid back, more comfortable road bike. I have 2 wheelsets that I swap out on my geared 'cross bike. The road tires are on the majority of the spring/summer. The rest of the year the 'cross wheels stay on the bike.

I can keep up with roadies (to a point) on group rides. Any failure to hold pace is due to a lack of fitness on my part, and not attributable to the bike.
On a side note I do enjoy keeping up with roadies with my hairy legs, black socks, nasty disposition and 'cross tires mounted when I'm feeling strong. It's doable but you end up working a lot harder - especially on good pavement.

That last comment kind of leads to what I think is one of the big advantages 'cross bikes have; comfort on bad roads. Slightly bigger tires than what all the racerboys ride are really nice. 700x23 or 700x25 (or bigger) inflated to ~ 100psi work great at smoothing out our lovely roadways.

There's also the pure versatility of a bike you can slap 700x35 (or larger) knobbies on and take to go explore old trails, powerlines, dirt roads etc. While a 'cross bike is generally not as snappy (longer stays), and won't carve corners like a pure "race" bike, it'll still be a blast to ride. Especially in the woods. Take a look around for some left over complete Surly 'crosschecks or Lemond Poprads.

[Doro]

good info thanks. looks like i'm in the market for a cross bike sooner or later....hopefully sooner.