Cyclo-Cross Bikes

[-dan]

just wanted to let everyone know, cyclocross bikes fit differently than a road bike. If you ride a 56cm road, you probably don't ride a 56 cross bike. You could be a 54 or even a 52.

so...we have a full size run of Kona Jake and Jake the Snake cross bikes for everyone to try out. Also have a couple Cannondale 9's on the way.

even if you don't buy one, it is always nice to know.

eastsidecycles.com

[WadePatton]

Good article posted to another board by an expert in the field--Richard Sachs.

http://cycle-smart.com/articles/find.php?search=31

[Chewieez]

Good article posted to another board by an expert in the field--Richard Sachs.

http://cycle-smart.com/articles/find.php?search=31

Interesting read... but the site you linked to appears to be written by Adam Hodges Myerson

[-dan]

That is a good article, and Sachs is the man when it comes to building 'cross bikes. The only thing I disaggree with is the frame size thing. I ride a 57 (square) road bike, but you put me on a 57 'cross bike and I am so stretched out I can barely reach the hoods. Also many bike manufactures measure differently, so it is important to make sure you ride the bike (or one like it) before you purchase it.

[WadePatton]

Interesting read... but the site you linked to appears to be written by Adam Hodges Myerson
Sorry for the cross up. I sed "posted by" didn't mean to imply that Richard wrote it-only that he approves.:typing: MOF Richie says this about his link to that article:

this stays on top.
nothing else matters atmo.
no questions.
just do itmo.

Here's Richie's stuff: http://rscyclocross.blogspot.com/

[Chewieez]

That is a good article, and Sachs is the man when it comes to building 'cross bikes. The only thing I disaggree with is the frame size thing. I ride a 57 (square) road bike, but you put me on a 57 'cross bike and I am so stretched out I can barely reach the hoods. Also many bike manufactures measure differently, so it is important to make sure you ride the bike (or one like it) before you purchase it.


I wonder if this is because many manufacturers are making their cross frames measure out much differently than their traditional road frame. Which would require you to choose a size smaller to have the same top tube length.

Like the crosscheck. A 54 crosscheck has the top tube length equal to most traditional road frames size 56. So if you generally ride a 56 and then get on a size 56 crosscheck, it will probably be too long in the top tube for you.

Right?? makes sense to me.

sounds like in a perfect world of cross bikes were built with the same geometry as road bikes, than you would be looking for the same size bike, with a shorter stem, higher handlebar, but it appears that many manufacturers are using different geometry for their cross bikes.

[WadePatton]

The way I unnerstand it--and I'm about to draw up some 'cross frames--is you need your position for optimum power, same as ever BUT you're going to be out of the saddle quite a bit and need the controls a tad closer so you're not always on the tops/hoods. It's about optimizing without too much compromise and different makers go about that different ways. The big guys are going to lean toward production efficiency whereas the small shops are going to focus on the needs of the customer one at a time.

I wouldn't put too much stock in how trekalized does it and look more at the creations of Sachs (http://www.richardsachs.com/) and Mike Zanconato (http://www.zanconato.com/) for a couple of the top shelf examples. With maybe a nod to Sacha too (http://vanillabicycles.com/frames/cross/).

[Daniel]

just wanted to let everyone know, cyclocross bikes fit differently than a road bike. If you ride a 56cm road, you probably don't ride a 56 cross bike. You could be a 54 or even a 52.

so...we have a full size run of Kona Jake and Jake the Snake cross bikes for everyone to try out. Also have a couple Cannondale 9's on the way.

even if you don't buy one, it is always nice to know.

eastsidecycles.com

Funny that this came up. I seem to be experiancing this first hand this week. I picked up that Kona Jake from Booksy Wed. (My first cyclecross bike) It's a 56 and my road bike is a 58. I've just done one commute ride but so far after getting the seat hieght and position dialed in the fit feels great.

[-dan]

I know that if i was to put cross tires on a road bike it would be terrible. way too stretched out to attack technical terrain and not "twitchy enough" to make tight turns. Remember that you will probably not reach the speeds on a cross course that you would on the road.

Still doesn't really explain the sizing thing. Either way, make sure you ride the bike before you buy it and make sure it will work.

[Booksy]

Daniel,
Glad it fits! I ended up on another 56. The Kona felt too tight but the Specialized was pretty perfect. -dan's right, you've got to ride it, that's the only way you'll know.