Cyclocross as a winter bike
trickytree1984
Posts: 71
Hi there all,
I'm looking at getting a new winder bike. I use a Bianchi Sempre Pro Ultegra 6800 as my summer bike and i currently use a Specialized Allez upgraded to 105 5800 as my winter bike. I don't like the fact i can't fit proper mudguards to it and the cantilever brakes are shocking in the wet, hence looking for a new winter bike (with disc brakes).
I have in my mind that a cyclocross bike with slicks would be the perfect companion for this. For a bit of background, i ride 100-150 miles per week. Some commuting on the Specialized (15 miles each way) and a couple of club runs, anything from 40-80 miles. I ride the fast group in the club runs to 17-19mph on the Sunday run. Ill need to be able to keep up, but most switch to proper winter bikes as this time of year.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is it a good idea or will i find it too heavy\slow? I am specifically looking at the 2016 Cube Cross race as it has the brand new 105 hydraulic disc brakes. Its about £1100. Link on Tredz http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Cross-Race-Pro-2016-Cyclocross-Bike_84861.htm.
Other options considered:
I'm looking at getting a new winder bike. I use a Bianchi Sempre Pro Ultegra 6800 as my summer bike and i currently use a Specialized Allez upgraded to 105 5800 as my winter bike. I don't like the fact i can't fit proper mudguards to it and the cantilever brakes are shocking in the wet, hence looking for a new winter bike (with disc brakes).
I have in my mind that a cyclocross bike with slicks would be the perfect companion for this. For a bit of background, i ride 100-150 miles per week. Some commuting on the Specialized (15 miles each way) and a couple of club runs, anything from 40-80 miles. I ride the fast group in the club runs to 17-19mph on the Sunday run. Ill need to be able to keep up, but most switch to proper winter bikes as this time of year.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is it a good idea or will i find it too heavy\slow? I am specifically looking at the 2016 Cube Cross race as it has the brand new 105 hydraulic disc brakes. Its about £1100. Link on Tredz http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Cross-Race-Pro-2016-Cyclocross-Bike_84861.htm.
Other options considered:
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Cannondale CAADX (Mech disc brakes)
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Giant TCX (Mech disc brakes)
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Cube Cross Race
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Kenisis Cross Light (i'd have to do a full build and cant get on C2W scheme
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Comments
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Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.0
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Plenty of tailored disc equipped road bikes around now, so why buy a cross bike and convert it?0
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Do you have any examples of those with hydraulic and mud guard mounts. I'm open to any optionsPlenty of tailored disc equipped road bikes around now, so why buy a cross bike and convert it?0 -
Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
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Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
Sorted!
As for the other comment, I think you've got to want to do the occasional bit of green laneing at least to make it a good option. Otherwise the Giant Defy disc was my other option; similar price but with a carbon frame (mecha discs though I think).0 -
Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
Sorted!
As for the other comment, I think you've got to want to do the occasional bit of green laneing at least to make it a good option. Otherwise the Giant Defy disc was my other option; similar price but with a carbon frame (mecha discs though I think).
Nice but the Defy would be out of my range in carbon (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-Advanced-2-2016-Road-Bike_84155.htm)
The alu may work with mech discs0 -
You'll be absolutely fine then.Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
One potential issue to avoid is that some CX wheel rims aren't specced to withstand road tyre PSI levels, but with the fulcrums I'm sure that's not a problem.
I was on my Crosslight Pro6 on the clubrun yesterday and I did just fine. Perfect for the roads and conditions - didn't miss the TCR at all.
Still, as with any bike purchase, I'd recommend a test ride to confirm fit and feel suits.0 -
You'll be absolutely fine then.Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
One potential issue to avoid is that some CX wheel rims aren't specced to withstand road tyre PSI levels, but with the fulcrums I'm sure that's not a problem.
I was on my Crosslight Pro6 on the clubrun yesterday and I did just fine. Perfect for the roads and conditions - didn't miss the TCR at all.
Still, as with any bike purchase, I'd recommend a test ride to confirm fit and feel suits.
If i cant find anywhere to do the Cube on C2W (considering it £100 over) then i might consider the cross light build. Trez have already refused
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Hi, I asked myself the same question and ended up going for the Rose DX 2000 (it's in the in the post!) which is a bit cheaper but has mechanical discs. The CUBE looks great and is a good price. You'll obviously need different tyres for the club runs. I guess the only issue might be the 46 front ring, which is why I went for a compact chainset on the Rose.
I have a spare compact 52\34 ultegra crank at home and a set of 25c conti 4 seasons
Sorted!
As for the other comment, I think you've got to want to do the occasional bit of green laneing at least to make it a good option. Otherwise the Giant Defy disc was my other option; similar price but with a carbon frame (mecha discs though I think).
Nice but the Defy would be out of my range in carbon (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-Advanced-2-2016-Road-Bike_84155.htm)
The alu may work with mech discs
http://s-tec-essence.eshop.t-online.de/epages/Store4_Shop38023.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Shop38023/Products/GDAD2LTD201500 -
I started my winter bike search with exactly the same thinking, but I found the 'good' x-bikes were at best compact, but usually even smaller.
Do you have any examples of those with hydraulic and mud guard mounts. I'm open to any optionsPlenty of tailored disc equipped road bikes around now, so why buy a cross bike and convert it?
So that slowly moved away to a more gravel/adventure bike, see thread on this sub section.
Which in turn found me at the Cube Attain, which ticks every box except one - January delivery (at the earliest)
Finally I've ended up ordering the Focus Cayo 105 Al Disc.
Here's a few more from Road.cc ***spit***
http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/170168-2016s-hottest-disc-equipped-road-bikes0 -
I do the same thing, run a Caadx rival 22 as my winter bike. I swapped the chainring to a mid-compact and bought a new set of wheels (wheelsmith aero disc) which I put a set of conti 4s on (in comfy 28). I take the full guards off and swap the wheels for kids/cx duties.
Works really well, it's a nice, very versatile bike. The only downsides are (I) it's not light, but most winter bikes aren't and it's good training right
(ii) you get a big clearance between mudguard and road tyre (it's obviously spaced to take cx tyres), I suspect this isn't the most aero of combinations. 0 -
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/raleigh-rx-pro-cyclo-x-bike-2015/rp-prod139011?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=generic78888&awc=2698_1446496937_2966834b885ff92113550e28a40ba694
I think this Raleigh RX Pro is a steal for £999 from CRC (assuming a medium is your size?). Rival 22 hydro disc and I love the Matt dirty orange....
I haven't used my "winter trainer" so far this year as I reach for my Crosslight instead, changing out wheels / tyres as routes dictate. If I didn't have the Crosslight I think I'd go for the Raleigh.Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...0 -
I suppose that's one advantage of disc brakes: there's likely more clearance for mudguards. But do any of these cyclocross bikes have mudguard mounts/eyelets? Which ones?0
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Crosslight Pro6 for one.I suppose that's one advantage of disc brakes: there's likely more clearance for mudguards. But do any of these cyclocross bikes have mudguard mounts/eyelets? Which ones?
There's a bit of a divide in the market between 100% race dedicated CX bikes which don't have bottle cage mounts, never mind mudguard/rack mounts, and the more all-rounder type machines that are popular with commuters and those poor souls who aren't permitted N+1 and have had to economise!
This is exemplified by the new Kinesis CX Race which is the stripped down race-spec model, versus the old favourite crosslight pro6 (which they are continuing to sell - they aren't stupid!)
The other one that springs to mind is the Boardman CX Team, simply because there was a bit of a hoo-ha as the 2014 (or was it 2015?) model didn't have front mudguard mounts on it's fork, which Halfords then revised as so many people complained.
Beyond that you'll have to do your own research!0 -
I suppose that's one advantage of disc brakes: there's likely more clearance for mudguards. But do any of these cyclocross bikes have mudguard mounts/eyelets? Which ones?
Even if they have mounts there are reports of having to bend the mudguard stays to fit round the disc brakes on some models.[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0 -
Commuted in happily on my Planet X XLS this morning;running 32 Vittoria randonneurs on it and Axiom 'guards which fit via the axles and have clearance for calipers.
Not done a club run on it yet but will do some time soon to see how it goes.
Crappy phone pic showing it this morning in it's current 1X10 guise.Ridley Helium SL (Dura-Ace/Wheelsmith Aero-dimpled 45 wheels)
Light Blue Robinson(105 +lots of Hope)
Planet X XLS 1X10(105/XTR/Miche/TRP Spyre SLC brakes
Graham Weigh 105/Ultegra0 -
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the London Road yet:
http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road
There are a few devotees of this Planet X model around these parts - and you have plenty of choice as to what you want to spec it with, including Sram Rival Hydraulic for around £10000 -
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the London Road yet:
http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road
There are a few devotees of this Planet X model around these parts - and you have plenty of choice as to what you want to spec it with, including Sram Rival Hydraulic for around £1000
Not so sure about the London Road.
Great commuter , good steady winter bike ,but, unless you have the engine of Sagan I would not recommend it for club runs , far to heavy even with slick tyres.
Happy as Larry to slog around on your own all winter , but if riding in a group is your thing , look elsewhere.
regards
ILG0 -
Condor Fratello Disc. Probably out of your price range though based on the above (although they will do part C2W and part cash).0
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Really? Is the frame made of boat anchors?Not so sure about the London Road.
Great commuter , good steady winter bike ,but, unless you have the engine of Sagan I would not recommend it for club runs , far to heavy even with slick tyres.
Happy as Larry to slog around on your own all winter , but if riding in a group is your thing , look elsewhere.
regards
ILG0 -
It's quoted at around 9.5-10kg which is pretty much in the normal range for a winter bike, no?I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the London Road yet:
http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road
There are a few devotees of this Planet X model around these parts - and you have plenty of choice as to what you want to spec it with, including Sram Rival Hydraulic for around £1000
Not so sure about the London Road.
Great commuter , good steady winter bike ,but, unless you have the engine of Sagan I would not recommend it for club runs , far to heavy even with slick tyres.
Happy as Larry to slog around on your own all winter , but if riding in a group is your thing , look elsewhere.
regards
ILG0 -
London Road. Considerably lighter than a Croix De Fer.
I still have a Strava segment (hilly) on a Croix De Fer. Big Mag is well down in about 30th.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
London Road. Considerably lighter than a Croix De Fer.
I still have a Strava segment (hilly) on a Croix De Fer. Big Mag is well down in about 30th.
Croix de Fers are lovely though. Alu frame is bound to be lighter, particularly than the cheaper Mjolnir Croix de Fers. Although if you're only looking at the cheaper bikes then you're probably right and the London Road is going to win on that one...
Equilibrium Disc?0 -
Have not read any of the replies, but to the OP's original question, I would not bother with a cyclocross bike unless you actually want to go off road.
I found it heavy and sluggish compared to my best bike, and ended up getting an actual winter road bike which works much better.
My cyclocross bike is now used for off road only, which is great apart from having mechanical disc's. They are rubbish on road, and even upgraded with TRP HyRd hydraulic callipers , rubbish off road.
A super light Hydraulic cyclocross bike might work as a winter road, but it would probably cost too much, that cost would probably only be justified if you used it off road, so it goes back to the are you going to use it off road question.0 -
I hope SMS of these replies are wrong, I've got a Rose DX 2000 on order and hopefully I can do smecgravel riding and club rides.0
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What tyres are you going to be using for 'gravel riding'?
If they fit on a road bike then there is no need for a CX bike is there?
I love the CX bike (apart from brakes) now that it has proper CX tyres on and I use it off road, but it was pointless as a winter road bike.
Will be good for commuting if the weather gets really bad though I guess.
To truly be able to do both things will mean tyre changes, and thats a faff.
You could use a hybrid tyre, but that does neither thing very well.0 -
I am speaking from a position of complete ignorance because I haven't got the bike yet, but it comes with racing Ralph's which look good for pour off road stuff and I've got a set of Sammy slicks ( recommended on here ) which hopefully will be a bit more road/off road capable. You'd never get 33mm tyres on a road bike. I'll swap over to 25 or 28mm slicks for group riding. I don't mind changing three once a week if necessary.0
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Not going to get into a slanging match over a bike, suffice is to say the OP was discussing a bike to commute , (London road to a t ) and a Quickish bike for club run ( choose another) .
This is my personal experience.
Lets say it is an independent real world bike review.
regards
ILG0 -
Surely a bike that weights 9.8kg (prob less with road tyres) would be perfectly good for a quickish club run? Especially in winter, where the OP points out that many others are on dedicated winter bikes, which I imagine would be similar in weight? For instance, mine is 9.5Kg (including pedals and mudguards, admittedly, but that isn't much) and I have no problems on club runs with that, and I am *definitely* no Sagan. 0
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My winter bike (a Fratello) comes in about 10.5kg with the mudguards and so on. Never hurt my ability on club runs!
My guess it's not to do with the weight - I've not ridden the London Road but it looks like it doesn't have very aggressive geometry etc. so that would make it feel slower compared to something more racey. Or heavy wheels make bikes feel dead IME, even if the bike overall isn't that heavy.0
