Hybrid or Cyclocross? -- from a newbie

Hello, everyone!

I've really enjoyed browsing the forums -- it's got me psyched about trying off-road cycling. :) I'm an ultrarunner who would like to get into xterras, especially since I'm used to swimming in open water and most ultras are on trails.

However, I'd like to purchase a bike that I can also use for commuting, and possibly road races.

So, my question: would it be better to go with a hybrid or a cyclocross? Would the 'cross be more efficient, but maybe not handle well on technical trail? Also (sorry for the many questions), I am 5'1" and worry about finding something that will fit me well. Are there certain manufacturers you would recommend?

Thanks so much!

Sounds like you want to do a lot of very different things with one bike. A hybrid definitely isn't your answer. For one thing, you mention road racing, and a hybrid will typically have a flat bar (not a drop bar). You can race with a flat bar bike (it's against USCF rules). Also, a hybrid isn't meant to ride off-road except on the mildest trail conditions.

A cyclocross bike is a can-do bike! If I had only one bike, it would be a cyclocross bike. For the road, throw a set of slicks on it and you'll keep up with the road bikes, except maybe on descents (depending on gearing). Want to commute? Many cross bikes come with braze-ons for racks. A little off-road riding? Cross bikes can ride most mtn bike trails, with the exception of the very steep (the gearing is more like a road bike than a mountain bike) or the very technical (no shocks and the tires aren't as wide as mtn bike tires). Loaded touring? Probably, again depending on gearing -- might not be enough to carry lots of weight.

Cross bikes rule!!!

A cyclocross bike will also be a lot lighter than a hybrid, possibly by a few to several pounds. That will help if you do any hill climbing. Velogirl gave some great examples of why cyclocross bikes are fun. I've taken mine on mtb trails, and while there aren't any nice shocks to absorb the bumps, the bike is so limber that it is a whole different beast on the trail. For commuting, I'd look at the terrain you'll be doing. I can climb short distances at 15% on 38-26 on my 'cross, but I can't do any of the steeper hills in my city with it (yet anyhow). I like the wider tires when commuting too. I haven't put any road tires on there yet, but I have a plan to at some point.

If you find that you're going to do a lot of trails and commuting with the bike (and not races) you might want to look into a model with disc brakes. My only complaint about my cross is the brakes. I don't feel too safe descending in the city..but I have a lot of hills to contend with and you might not.

Bianchi makes their Volpe, which they advertise as a cross/touring bike, in some pretty small sizes, with proportional geometry and proportionally downsized components such as shorter cranks and narrower bars. Check it out:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_volpe.html

Also, I've noticed that some LBSs now have 2005 models on sale--always a plus!

Thank you all...I was leaning toward a 'cross, so the positive responses made me feel much better!

Here's a question from an obvious newbie :o : how are disc brakes different from conventional brakes? I definitely don't have the mega hills that SF has, that's for sure!

Here's my obvious newbie answer to your obvious newbie question;) --disc brakes stop NOW! I tried out a bike when I was test riding a bunch of different ones that had discs on it, and WOW, they were really different. I squeezed the brake levers with the amount of force I would have for regular brakes, and nearly went over the handlebars. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but those puppies really worked, that's for sure, and I did pitch forward some. I kind of liked them, once I got used to them, but the bike I ended up with has regular brakes on it.

Definitely go with the cyclocross bike. I have one and have taken it on and off road. One of the reviews I read had taken in through a tough mtb trail and said it handled really well. And of course it does great on the road. I only have one bike and use it for everything from a two mile ride to the pub to a 40 mile sunday ride. The plan is eventually to use it to ride the CA Aids Ride which means I'll be doing century rides on it.

As for the breaks, what I've been told is that disk breaks work much better in wet conditions than normal breaks. I've never had disk breaks and I've never had any trouble stopping regardless of road condition (sleet, rain, snow, dry, mud) but they may let you stop quicker than normal breaks.

I have disc brakes on my mtb and really appreciate them in city riding. I can stop on a dime. My 'cross usually skids to a stop, and sometimes never a complete stop and I have to put a foot down if I really need to stop (at stop signs, etc.). Part of this might be the brake pads? I'm not certain, but do know that I feel so much more secure riding with disc brakes. Lemond, for one, makes a cross model with discs. A negative point is that they are heavier than cantilever brakes, and might not be legal in some races. I don't know how they compare in terms of getting clogged with mud. It's never that muddy here....oh, but it is wet due to the fog sometimes. The cantilevers will slip in moist conditions and the discs will still work well.

If you can only afford one bike get a cyclocross bike. It is the most versatile bike. Let the shop know that you might want to race it as a road bike and they can set it up with the proper gearing for riding road; but, be certain what you want to do with this bike - If road racing is just a thought in the back of you mind and you intend to take it off road a lot, tell them that and don't try to gear it for the road.

It will never make a GREAT road race bike. So if you get into road racing you will inevitably buy another bike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spokewench

It will never make a GREAT road race bike. So if you get into road racing you will inevitably buy another bike.

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Actually, I know some top-level local racers who use their cross bikes for road racing (complete with cheater brake levers). One of our local guys is at road nationals right now and got 15th in the time trial and 4th in the crit (both in fields of about 150 guys) -- on his cyclocross bike with cheater levers.

I've done early season crits on my cross bike as well.

I guess it just proves that it's the engine that truly wins races.


If you do go with a cross bike, here's a tip for you:

During cyclocross season, I ride my cross bike on the road (and my road bikes collect dust). Rather than switch tires all the time, I just have two sets of wheels -- one with cyclocross tires for trails and races and one with road tires for road rides.

Thank you all for your wonderful input!

Yes, considering my interests, I will more than likely use the bike for commuting and off-road riding. I'm set on a cross bike!

Now...I've looked at some of the WSD models, including the Bianchi Bad JuJu suggested, but I'm wondering if I should invest in a custom bike? I am a newbie, but I also love the outdoors, and don't think the bike will collect dust. I want a bike I can keep for a long time, so I almost wonder if it is better to throw down more $$ now rather than buy a stock frame or bike.

What have most of you done? It sounds like everyone has more than one bike, but I will likely stick with one unless I get really serious about cycling...which may happen! :p

Hmmm...that's a tough question.

I would say a custom bike is the best thing in the world, but if this is your first bike, I'm afraid about you not know exactly what you like, and possibly wasting a whole bunch of money. A fit system can only do so much, after that, there is personal preferance that plays a part in fit. For example, I love being stretched out on a bike. My DH couldn't believe I wanted a slightly longer stem on my mountain bike, but I love feeling stretched out. A good friend of mine is completely opposite. He likes a frame a little small and feeling tighter on a frame. Totally personal preference that I really don't think a fit system could capture.

If you have some time on a bike and have an idea of what you like/don't like, I would say go for it!!!

Another option could be to purchase a nice frame (not custom) and then work with a shop to create a custom build to fit your needs.

Thanks, SalsaMTB. I think I may have to think a bit more. I have ridden a road bike a number of times, more for recreational purposes, but long enough (up to 3-4 hours) to know I didn't care for the fit. Actually, the biggest thing was how far my hands had to stretch to brake and change gears.

But I'm guessing I can customize a stock frame to fit me better, as you recommended?

Yes. There are a couple versions of customization. You can get a nice frame, that comes in standard sizes, and building your bike from scratch. Or, you can go full custom, have the frame geometry design for your body and then build the frame up from scratch.

If you have some time on the bike though, you have an idea of what you like/dislike and you really want a full custom, go for it! I would recommend finding a really good lbs that has a nice fit system and is willing to spend a good amount of time with you finding the perfect frame geometry. Once you find that right fit, they're oh so comfy! I have a custom mtb frame and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

I agree with Salsabike.
But buy something like a Bianchi, because they hold their value, so when you are ready to buy "THAT PERFECT" bike, you won't take a total loss on your
old bike.