Tips for buying first cross bike - Cyclocross Magazine2024-03-29T15:00:38Zhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/tips-for-buying-first-cross-bike?commentId=1198434%3AComment%3A152561&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI have ridden mini-v's (the T…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-05:1198434:Comment:1524852014-02-05T18:07:05.781ZCraig MacIntyrehttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/CraigMacIntyre
<p>I have ridden mini-v's (the TRP's), disc (hydro and BB7) and canti's. While I loved the TRP's they are pricey and if doing it again, I would go with narrow canti's. I believe one of the earlier CX Mag's did some comparisons but my experience is that if you set them up properly, something like the Shimano CX canti's will give you almost the same stopping power as mini-v's but with more mud clearance and better modulation. I rode in the Alps on LONG descents with canti's on a touring bike…</p>
<p>I have ridden mini-v's (the TRP's), disc (hydro and BB7) and canti's. While I loved the TRP's they are pricey and if doing it again, I would go with narrow canti's. I believe one of the earlier CX Mag's did some comparisons but my experience is that if you set them up properly, something like the Shimano CX canti's will give you almost the same stopping power as mini-v's but with more mud clearance and better modulation. I rode in the Alps on LONG descents with canti's on a touring bike and had no problems.</p>
<p>Disc's are cool ... they work (exclude the recent recalls) when they work. On a mountain bike they are the best thing ... I have had mixed experience on a cross bike. Nothing more fun then when descending and your brakes are GONE!</p>
<p>If I was starting out I would buy a good, canti equipped bike (there is a CAADX for about $1000). Then I would buy a descent set of wheels - probably tubeless. Finally, I would buy a saddle that works for me - never had a stock one fit the bill. Put the rest of your $1500 in the bank, ride and then spend on upgrades as needed.</p>
<p>Also, (don't flame me) Rival is a touch above 105 ... lighter, equally durable, blah blah blah. On a cross bike you are going to get mix and match components so don't focus on that. And as Andrew noted, make sure your gearing will carry you through the kind of riding you do.</p>
<p>Have fun.</p> On the road the bike will be…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-05:1198434:Comment:1526572014-02-05T17:19:25.780ZChad Pritchardhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ChadPritchard
<p>On the road the bike will be used for group rides only. During the summer I will probably try taking it on some trails that a co-worker takes his cross bike on. Thanks for the tips.</p>
<p>On the road the bike will be used for group rides only. During the summer I will probably try taking it on some trails that a co-worker takes his cross bike on. Thanks for the tips.</p> +1 on frame geometry being th…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-05:1198434:Comment:1525712014-02-05T14:37:36.196ZKurt Schauweckerhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/KurtSchauwecker
<p>+1 on frame geometry being the biggest difference between cross bikes. If you are logging a lot of road miles you want the lower style american BB geometry vs the Eurostyle higher BB. If you plan a lot of trail riding, the higher style Euro geometry has its benefits. </p>
<p>Disc brakes are really becoming the standard on cross bikes now, but we are really in limbo as hydraulic setups aren't really readily available. Mini V's are really superior rim brakes unless you are racing in Belgium…</p>
<p>+1 on frame geometry being the biggest difference between cross bikes. If you are logging a lot of road miles you want the lower style american BB geometry vs the Eurostyle higher BB. If you plan a lot of trail riding, the higher style Euro geometry has its benefits. </p>
<p>Disc brakes are really becoming the standard on cross bikes now, but we are really in limbo as hydraulic setups aren't really readily available. Mini V's are really superior rim brakes unless you are racing in Belgium mud. They will probably be an add on from the shop, but any decent shop should give you some credit for the canti's towards them. The cheap Tetro ones are just fine with better pads(kool stop), no huge need for the super expensive TRP setups for most people.</p>
<p>The good thing is that most cross bikes are setup for people in your situation, not really built for racing off of the shelf. A 46/36 chainring setup is fine for road riding outside of fast group rides and racing. A 50/36 or 50/34 maybe spec'd on certain lower end bikes and it isn't really cross gearing, but instead rec rider triple replacement.</p>
<p>Brand doesn't matter so much as the geometry of the given brand as some may have gaps around your size or if they have a BB height that isn't great for you. </p>
<p>Being that its your first cross bike you aren't going to really know what you want, it took me a half dozen road and cross bikes to understand what I really wanted, but I didn't care as much because I didn't know better.</p>
<p>If you were looking to only race cross on this bike, I would say buy a used frame and 1x10 it with a wide narrow chainring and mini v's grabbing all of the cheap tubular wheelsets that are floating around right now. The more you ride and race cross you find that your utility bike and cross race bikes are different breeds altogether.</p>
<p>One final thought is I have never had a cross bike that was comfortable to ride for 2+ hour rides regardless of terrain compared to a dedicated road bike. They are built to be stiff for short races and that isn't fun for longer rides.</p>
<p> </p> No problem Chad. When you say…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-05:1198434:Comment:1524302014-02-05T08:05:06.520Zandrewhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/cyclocross
<p>No problem Chad. When you say "as a road bike" what does that include? Group rides? Races? Gravel? </p>
<p>I'd say on thing to look for, if it's going to be a road/cx bike for you, is a low bottom bracket. And as blasphemous as it sounds, maybe you don't even need a cx crankset/gearing if more months are being spent on the road than racing cx. If you really get into it, you can always swap the rings for cx rings. Not sure how hilly it is where you are.</p>
<p>I'd also agree with some others…</p>
<p>No problem Chad. When you say "as a road bike" what does that include? Group rides? Races? Gravel? </p>
<p>I'd say on thing to look for, if it's going to be a road/cx bike for you, is a low bottom bracket. And as blasphemous as it sounds, maybe you don't even need a cx crankset/gearing if more months are being spent on the road than racing cx. If you really get into it, you can always swap the rings for cx rings. Not sure how hilly it is where you are.</p>
<p>I'd also agree with some others that if you're also riding road a lot, maybe disc brakes are overkill and the added weight will be unnecessary on the road. Assuming you're also riding clinchers on the road though, you may look for a bike that comes with tubeless ready wheels. Certain wheels, with certain tires, can work great in cx setup as tubeless. That's another discussion entirely, but if you'd like to run one wheelset all year and be able to go low pressure, tubeless might be the way to go.</p>
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<p>There's some good tips in the mag, but whatever you pursue, good luck!</p> Thanks for the tips Andrew. I…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-05:1198434:Comment:1524282014-02-05T05:36:23.510ZChad Pritchardhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ChadPritchard
<p>Thanks for the tips Andrew. I have been meaning to check out the actual CX magazine so this would be the best time. </p>
<p>Even though I can't count the number of bikes I have had on one hand, this is the first one I have gotten to pick and buy myself. My plans are to list the bikes that could possibly meet my price point and specs in terms of components then find what is available locally. Now it's mostly down to calling around to shops and seeing what they have and then check them…</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips Andrew. I have been meaning to check out the actual CX magazine so this would be the best time. </p>
<p>Even though I can't count the number of bikes I have had on one hand, this is the first one I have gotten to pick and buy myself. My plans are to list the bikes that could possibly meet my price point and specs in terms of components then find what is available locally. Now it's mostly down to calling around to shops and seeing what they have and then check them out.</p> Of course we'd say this, but…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-04:1198434:Comment:1524742014-02-04T23:36:44.130Zandrewhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/cyclocross
<p>Of course we'd say this, but we had a great bike buying tips article in <a href="http://cyclocross-magazine.myshopify.com/collections/backcopies/products/issue-21" target="_blank">Issue 21</a> that would be really helpful in prioritizing your options while shopping. <a href="http://cyclocross-magazine.myshopify.com/collections/backcopies/products/issue-23" target="_blank">Issue 23's</a> study on geometry wouldn't hurt either. You can even get the box set and get them…</p>
<p>Of course we'd say this, but we had a great bike buying tips article in <a href="http://cyclocross-magazine.myshopify.com/collections/backcopies/products/issue-21" target="_blank">Issue 21</a> that would be really helpful in prioritizing your options while shopping. <a href="http://cyclocross-magazine.myshopify.com/collections/backcopies/products/issue-23" target="_blank">Issue 23's</a> study on geometry wouldn't hurt either. You can even get the box set and get them both. </p>
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<p>While those pieces will help you figure out what you really need, I would highly recommend you to not focus on brands or components but focus on what meets your needs, what fits you and your riding style, and what's available locally from a shop that will take care of you. Good luck!</p> I am also looking and am in l…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-04:1198434:Comment:1524202014-02-04T21:36:35.109ZMike Mohaupthttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/MikeMohaupt
I am also looking and am in love with the Kona Jake the Snake. It's a multi purpose bike. I plan on buying a frame and building one up with parts from my parts bin. You should give it a look!<br />
~M
I am also looking and am in love with the Kona Jake the Snake. It's a multi purpose bike. I plan on buying a frame and building one up with parts from my parts bin. You should give it a look!<br />
~M since this will also be your…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-04:1198434:Comment:1526512014-02-04T20:23:35.141ZChris Shttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ChrisS
<blockquote><p><span>since this will also be your road bike you might want to consider what brakes are best for your scenario. personally i would want disc or mini-V over cantis for better stopping power on the road</span></p>
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<p>I'm not sold on discs for cross yet (hydraulic being out of my price range, and I'm not fond of the mechanical setups), but I would echo this statement. I've never ridden canti's that I would want to rely on for pack riding, traffic hazards, or stopping…</p>
<blockquote><p><span>since this will also be your road bike you might want to consider what brakes are best for your scenario. personally i would want disc or mini-V over cantis for better stopping power on the road</span></p>
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<p>I'm not sold on discs for cross yet (hydraulic being out of my price range, and I'm not fond of the mechanical setups), but I would echo this statement. I've never ridden canti's that I would want to rely on for pack riding, traffic hazards, or stopping power on steep road descents. Mini-v's may be enough but I don't have any recent experience there.</p> My road bike is a Schwinn Le…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-04:1198434:Comment:1525642014-02-04T18:44:51.180ZChad Pritchardhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ChadPritchard
<p>My road bike is a Schwinn Le Tour from the late 90's. I definitely couldn't get much bigger than what I have on there now.</p>
<p>My road bike is a Schwinn Le Tour from the late 90's. I definitely couldn't get much bigger than what I have on there now.</p> I'd go with a rim brake cross…tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-02-04:1198434:Comment:1525632014-02-04T18:41:59.333ZChris Mayhewhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ChrisMayhew
<p>I'd go with a rim brake cross bike so you have a built in set of extra wheels off the bat.</p>
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<p>What tire size you can fit on a bike is mainly dictated by the frame. That is, how much tire can you shove in the fork or between the seat and chain stays? What road bike do you have?</p>
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<p>The narrowest you could go is 23, maybe 19. But really you don't want a 19 for any purposes so the functional answer to your question is 23 and/or "don't worry about it".<br/><br/></p>
<p>I'd go with a rim brake cross bike so you have a built in set of extra wheels off the bat.</p>
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<p>What tire size you can fit on a bike is mainly dictated by the frame. That is, how much tire can you shove in the fork or between the seat and chain stays? What road bike do you have?</p>
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<p>The narrowest you could go is 23, maybe 19. But really you don't want a 19 for any purposes so the functional answer to your question is 23 and/or "don't worry about it".<br/><br/></p>