A cyclocross bike is going to let you use wider tires vs. the skinny ones you're limited to with a straight road bike. While they don't have quite the long wheelbase of a true touring bike, they have a longer wheelbase than a typical road bike which allows the use of racks. Also, many 'cross bikes come with eyelets.
Bianchi used to make the Strada, which was the same frame as the Volpe but with flat handlebars vs. drops. Eyelets for racks and you can use wider tires. And the frame is steel, so more comfy for longer rides.
As far as handlebars--a big advantage of drop handlebars is that you get lots of hand positions. Not a big deal for a short ride, but can be a lifesaver if you're touring and getting a lot of miles in.
[Edited to add: Check this bike out. Steel frame road bike with flat bars and fender eyelets. You'd probably take a 52cm http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cafe_noir.htm]
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10-11-2008, 08:12 PM #1
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Last edited by ilima; 10-12-2008 at 01:05 PM.
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10-13-2008, 05:18 AM #2
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If you're looking at a 'cross bike as a combination tourer/all-around bike that will let you ride dirt or paved trails, I'd suggest a Surly Cross-Check. I got one of these back in the summer with the intent of using it as a fast(er) commuter, and have pretty much fallen in love with it.
Surlys are steel, and may be a little heavier (mine, with a Delta cargo rack and a Brooks saddle, weighs 24 pounds before I put anything else on the rack), but I've been very pleased with the ride, as well as that it does well on both pavement, the scratchy stuff that passes for pavement in big parts of this town, and dirt roads pretty well.
They're offered by Quality Bike Products (QBP), and just about any LBS with a QBP account can get one for you.
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10-13-2008, 05:22 PM #3
Ooo, talk tri to me!
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Jamis Coda. Not a cross bike but it's steel, has near mtb gearing (30/32), and can take racks and fenders. Comes with 28mm tires.
I'd rather be swimming...biking...running...and eating cheesecake...
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2008 Cervelo P2C Tri bike
2011 Trek Madone 5.5/Cobb V-Flow Max
2007 Jamis Coda/Terry Liberator
2011 Trek Mamba 29er
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10-13-2008, 05:31 PM #4
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Specialized Tri-cross
I just bought a Specialized Tri-cross and I love it. I tried it out at the Specialized store in Denver when I was visiting a friend there, the only place where I could actually try out the bike in MY size. I absolutely loved it. It has eyelets for racks, handlebar brakes as well as regular brakes. It has MTB gearing with a 12-34 on the rear. The components are Tiagra which are not as high a level component as I would have liked but they are really feeling good now that I have ridden some.
The bike is a bit heavy but I don't race or anything!! It comes with 32 tires and it has a really smooth ride. I can take it on the road and on a rail trail if I want. Oh, it does have dropped handle bars!
Good luck choosing! TRY THEM before you BUY them!!!
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10-13-2008, 05:40 PM #5
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Nice suggestion. Comes in various varieties to suit your budget, too.
Originally Posted by MDHillSlug
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