Hybrid or Cyclocross? -- from a newbie

[miffy'sFuji]

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.

[spokewench]

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.

[velogirl]

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

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.

[trailrunner]

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!

[SalsaMTB]

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.

[trailrunner]

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?

[SalsaMTB]

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!!!