For bike racing, the road bike has long since been the monopoly in the market. Now, cyclocross bikes are proving to be just as formidable as you can use it both off-road and on-road. So, which between the two is the best for you?
Hi there. When I started to look for a bike to get my fitness going, I was pretty confused seeing the cyclocross bike and road bike. They are eerily similar that it can be hard to choose between them. They are also both built to be a good fit for both amateurs and fitness enthusiasts.
Luckily for you, I went ahead and did a thorough analysis of both these bikes to help you pick out the best for you. While they do have their similarities, they are also subtly different as you are about to see. When it comes down to it, it can be quite easy to find which one is the best suited for your own needs and skills.
What are the key differences between the Cyclocross Bike and Road Bike?
Model |
Cyclocross Bike |
Road Bike |
Size of tires |
30mm to 40mm |
20mm to 28mm |
Weight |
Around 20lbs |
Around 35lbs |
Brake system |
Disc brakes and cantilever |
Caliper brakes |
Handle bars |
High and wider handlebars |
Lower and narrow handlebars |
Availability |
Cyclocross Bike vs. Road Bike – How do they differ?
Performance
The riding experiences you get with these bikes are quite different. First, cyclocross bikes are designed for hour long races on both paved roads and mud trails while road bikes are designed for rides on roads or paved surfaces for several hours.
Secondly, cyclocross bikes are fitted with 2 types if brakes- the cantilever and disc brakes which both make braking on muddy or wet areas easy. The rear brake lever is on the left hand side which allows you to apply with one hand and lift the bike with the other hand through the front brake lever. On the road bike there is only one type of brakes: caliper brakes. This makes it prone to wearing down on muddy trails or causing a delay when braking on wet surfaces. The rear brake levers are also positioned on the right and the front brake lever on the left.
Cyclocross is the better performer because it works the best in rough terrain and still delivers on a smooth ride on paved roads.
Speed
For the road bike, it has higher gears which helps provide high speeds during road racing. It also has a narrow gear range ensuring any rapid shifting is done easily. Its tires also make it faster as it is usually fitted with narrow tires (between 20mm to 28mm) that also have slick treads. This size of tires ensures there is less contact between it and the ground maximizing on speed.
Cyclocross on the other hand has lower gears which just make it easy to maneuver around. It also has wider tires measuring between 30mm to 40mm with knobby treads. This causes it to have more contact with the ground ensuring better traction. The wider clearances at the front and also the rear triangle are for accommodating the wider tires and prevent any blockage.
Cyclocross and road bikes are both designed to deliver on fast speeds making them the best buy for races with cyclocross being better for off-road races.
Set-up
The cyclocross bike has drop handle bars with longer widths which offer better handling. They are also higher to allow you to vary your weight on the front wheel. For road bikes, they have lower and narrower handlebars. Together, you get better aerodynamics and faster speeds because of less wind resistance. The cyclocross is not fitted with bottle holders but it does have attached racks and panniers to hold whatever you may want with you. For road bikes, they have bottle holders fitted but you do not get space for carrying stuff.
Cyclocross Bike vs. Road Bike – A Comparison Overview
Cyclocross Bike – Overview
[amazon box=”B01MUBVBG0″ template=”horizontal” ]At first glance, the Cyclocross bike looks a lot quite the road bike. However, they have their own differences. First, cyclocross bikes are built to handle the tough terrain like the hillside. They are designed with knobby tires, large clearance in the frame and enough space to fit wide rims. Together, you get a machine that is stable enough for the off-road.
The cyclocross also has a design that accommodates both speed and maneuverability on off-road conditions. It is designed with a focus on maximizing speed, aerodynamics and keeping it light in weight. It also has a sturdy frame with broad tires and disc brakes. All of this makes the bike significantly heavy but still specially engineered to make it a comfortable ride.
To add, cyclocross bikes are designed for maneuvering and comfort rather than speed. For instance, it has a higher positioned saddle to you sitting upright and comfortable while riding. You also get more control with the cyclocross as the handlebars are also high enough for easy use with minimal strain. These bikes also come with attached fenders in order to keep out any road debris or mud.
Pros
- Strong and durable for both on-and off-road rides
- Built for comfort and ease of maneuverability
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- Not as fast as the road bike
Road Bike- Overview
[amazon box=”B01N5XTB94″ template=”horizontal” ]You have probably seen a road bike but let me get a bit technical about it so that you know exactly what you are getting. A modern road bike is designed with efficient transfer of power from your riding to the drive train while also maintaining a firm stance for aerodynamics. Simply put, if you want to challenge yourself and ride your bike hard without wobbling about, go for a road bike.
For a professional feel, go for a lightweight road bike that is still designed with heavy-duty materials. Most road bikes have a lighter frame with narrower tires and a single braking system for an even faster experience.
Some of the quality features to look out for are carbon fiber, aluminum and titanium that all reduce how bulky your road bike will feel. The only imperfection with this bike is that you get better aerodynamics and speeds if you ride while crouching forward. If you make this a habit, it can be strenuous for the neck and back.
Pros
- Sleek and fast for pavement rides
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with a water bottle holder
Cons
- Not typically designed to handle rough terrain
Conclusion: So, which is better- Cyclocross Bike vs. Road Bike?
When you are looking for the best bicycle for you, you need to consider your personal riding style. If you are the more adventurous type, a Cyclocross works good for both on-and off-road cycling. Road bikes work best for racing on paved roads. Since you might want to only have one of these, I would recommend going for the Cyclocross. It is still well-designed to hit the pavement as well as the mountain side whenever you want.
FAQ’s
Can the cyclocross bike be used on gravel racing?
Yes. They are designed in a way to be able to maneuver easily through any types of roads. The wider tires and knobby treads ensure more contact making it stable and better traction. Also, the different braking systems help in easy braking on any road of any condition.
Can you use the road bike for racing?
Yes. As a matter of fact, this bike is also called the racing bike. It is lightweight enough for maximization of your speed with better aerodynamics.