Hybrid or Cyclocross? -- from a newbie

[trailrunner]

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!

[velogirl]

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!!!

[miffy'sFuji]

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.

[Bad JuJu]

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!

[trailrunner]

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 : how are disc brakes different from conventional brakes? I definitely don't have the mega hills that SF has, that's for sure!

[WrensMom]

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.