Advice please: Cyclo-Cross or Hybrid??

[seadragonpisces]

I am sure this has been done to death but I wanted to start a topic that was specific to my needs:

I have a new cruiser bike which looks awesome but not practical in the least (no surprise there) but I already have another retro cruiser, so dont need 2 of them. I have put my Ellsworth Cruiser on ebay but am want to make sure the next bike I buy is practical for me. I live in a village so I would want to use cycle paths, but mostly they are walking and bridle paths, so I need a bike that might take a bit of punishment on the paths but yet be able to be relatively speedy if required on the road. I would prefer a light bike so I dont have to work too hard.

I want a bike that will suit the purpose, do all I need but at the same time it must look good. I am not a serious rider, but I love the aesthetics, beauty of the bikes just as much as anything else.

I have been looking at the following bikes but am open to others suggestions/views.

Bianchi Camaleonte Cinque (5).
Genesis Croix De Fer
Genesis Day One Alfine
Cooper T200 Reims

All constructive views appreciated :-).

Thank you.

 

[Norm]

Genesis Day 01 Alfine

 

[david1701]

decide whether you want drops or flat bars, that basically makes the hybrid vs cx decision for you

 

[seadragonpisces]

Actually thats part of the dilemma, I dont really care whether they are flat or drops but I dont want a bike thats not going to suit the purpose.

Thanks for the tips so far :-)

decide whether you want drops or flat bars, that basically makes the hybrid vs cx decision for you

 

[I like Skol]

decide whether you want drops or flat bars, that basically makes the hybrid vs cx decision for you

.....is just what I was going to say before I scrolled down and saw the comment above. I think from your described intended use that the hybrid would be the one to go for. I have no direct experience but isn't a CX bike an out and out race bike but built tougher for demanding conditions while a Hybrid is a bit more multi task depending on which one you choose?

I have to admit, I own a hybrid (see sig.) and be'gads it's quick enough for me. I can easily romp along at 20 mph or more and typical commute average speeds of around 17mph over 10 miles with panniers and mudguards. Having said that, my attention has recently turned to a racey road bike for the sunny days (like a convertible car that only comes out for a few months a year) but this would be an n+1 bike and would never replace my hybrid work horse or MTB.

 

[seadragonpisces]

Thanks. I am torn but I am sure I will make a decision soon. There are so many hybrids out there to choose from, am spoilt for choice. I had a Specialized Sirrus a few years ago and that was not bad.

I would like to use it as a commuter bike and although it would be a greater distance I would be able to do most of my trip to work and back off-road and would require a bike that can take a knock/bump/hole with relative grace.

Its so tempting to get a race bike but I know I would get bored of it in no time as I like to go offroad. The last bike I used off-road broke on me when I bunny-hopped from the pavement onto the road. The handlebar stem (if thats what its called) broke off as I landed. Needless to say I was holding onto handlebars that were no longer connected to the bike and I fell in the road, would have been worth £250 on 'You have been framed' for sure :-)

Ta

.....is just what I was going to say before I scrolled down and saw the comment above. I think from your described intended use that the hybrid would be the one to go for. I have no direct experience but isn't a CX bike an out and out race bike but built tougher for demanding conditions while a Hybrid is a bit more multi task depending on which one you choose?

I have to admit, I own a hybrid (see sig.) and be'gads it's quick enough for me. I can easily romp along at 20 mph or more and typical commute average speeds of around 17mph over 10 miles with panniers and mudguards. Having said that, my attention has recently turned to a racey road bike for the sunny days (like a convertible car that only comes out for a few months a year) but this would be an n+1 bike and would never replace my hybrid work horse or MTB.

 

[david1701]

I think it depends on the cx bike you buy, some have aggressive geometry and are very racey, some are a bit more relaxed, I know a lot of people commute on the tricross because it is more relaxed than a racer, nearly as fast and up for a lot of abuse (I hope all those things are true after a few hours in the saddle as I've got one coming )

I know if I hadn't wanted drops (my hands ache like hell after a few hours on my current flats) I would have had LOADS more choice with my other requirements (takes a rack, will take some track riding but not loads, lightish, fastish, comfortable)

 

[Jezston]

If you plan to put a lot of miles in, then flat bars might not be ideal as they don't offer you many hand positions - on long journeys you'll get uncomfortable unless you can move your hands about a bit.

A cyclocross bike does sound ideal for what you want to do as far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure Norm will agree

I wouldn't recommend the Cooper though unless you have money to burn - they are very pretty but you are paying a heavy premium for the prettiness and a fairly basic spec. Also track bars aren't going to be terribly pleasant for long or casual riding.

The Genesis bikes are pretty popular and I'm sure with good reason.

 

[Norm]

If you plan to put a lot of miles in, then flat bars might not be ideal as they don't offer you many hand positions - on long journeys you'll get uncomfortable unless you can move your hands about a bit.

This.

I have at least 4 hand positions on my dropped bar bike (drops, tops, hoods and what I've seen referred to as the "third position") and I use them all on most journeys, whether it's to get out of the wind, for comfort, for getting forward on a climb, to get the power down or whatever. Flat bars give one position, two if you have bar ends.

A cyclocross bike does sound ideal for what you want to do as far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure Norm will agree

Yes, I do.

From your list, I'd get the Day 01 Alfine, although that's mostly for the looks and the Alfine hub.

 

[Kevs-the-name]

I was struggling to decide on this choice; finally chose the KONA JAKE Cyclocross for the reasons that have been already mentioned.

I have taken it (gentle) off road and ridden on standard roads. can fit mud guards, rack and decent tyres. I tracked down a 2010 model for less than £500

I am very pleased with my choice as this was my first bike since childhood. I do often wonder though, if a Hybrid would be 'easier' on some of the commuting trails I ride but I think I made the right choice.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

From your list, I'd get the Day 01 Alfine, although that's mostly for the looks and the Alfine hub.

 

[Wardy]

Never thought I would see me recommend a hybrid, but after a couple of hundred miles on a Ridgeback Supernova I'm more than happy with it. I changed the standard grips to Ergons with Cane Creek bar ends and this combination is comfortable all day. The bike is fast but not twitchy and is easily the best I've had for hill climbing. I had to fit mudguards and I've added a Carradice Bagman which allows me to use my Nelson saddlebag. Gearing is very similar to a Dawes Galaxy and it has Shimano Deore equipment throughout. Conti Contact 700 x 32c's have allowed me to use it on both road and cycle track.

 

[bigdaz]

i have a giant tcx2 which is a cyclocross for the exact purpose you want it for. for me it feels the perfect bike it does have drop bars but i have 4 hand positions on it, i dont think flats would give you that scope for various riding positions. if you dont plan on cycling mount everest then in my opinion a drop bar cyclocross would be perfect and its very fast on the road too

 

[cyberknight]

CX you know you want one !

 

[DTD]

Have had a crosser for a couple of months – got it mainly as a road bike. Comfy and seems tank like – very pleased with it, so that's another +1