Road frame v cyclocross?

Teach
Teach Posts: 386
edited December 2010 in Road beginners
Sorry I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this. I am looking at building a new bike for my son in the new year. I have come across a frame which is advertised as cyclo cross. He is a smallish 11 year old. What's is likely to be the difference between a road and cyclo cross frame? Is it geometry? Extra eyes for mudguard? If you are aware of children's bikes Isla bikes produce a lot of bikes for children and their bikes take the cantilever type brakes which are suitable for both cyclocross and road.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    CX frames have extra clearances to allow you to run CX tyres which are up to 40mm - the cantilever brakes are needed to give the clearance for tyres/mud. Most are set-up to be little bit more stable handling than a road bike, but with skinny tyres ride to all intents and purposes like a road bike rather than say an MTB.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    High-end cyclo-cross race bikes have no threaded eyelets at all (even water bottles) to prevent mud buildup. Some do away with the chainstay bridge.

    Lower-end CX bikes usually have more practical features for commuting/touring.

    Most CX bikes have a high bottom bracket for clearing obstacles.

    Most CX bikes use 700c wheels which are generally unsuitable for riders below about 5'2" (or therabaouts). You can get some CX/touring style with 26" MTB wheels which offer a much better geometry for smaller riders.
  • MikeWW
    MikeWW Posts: 723
    A CX bike frame could be a good option and would allow him to ride road or cross with a change in tyres. May of the youngsters do just that
    www.lichfieldccc.org.uk

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