Cyclocross bikes - we need sub categories

[PaulSecteur]

Seems to me there are some problems with the term "Cyclo cross" bikes.

Speak to a cyclo cross racer or enthusiast about cyclo cross and understanabley they think you mean a purpose buit cyclo cross racer, where as most other people will consider anything with drop bars and tyres with nobbles on to be cyclo cross.

I think we need 2 categories...
"Cyclo cross" to mean race or performance orientated bikes

"Rugged road" to mean a drop bar bike with with nobbly tyres and is suited t tow path and trail riding.

How do you easily tell the difference between the two? If it has rack and guard eyes then its rugged road, if it dont then its cyclo cross.

 

[smokeysmoo]

If it's got canti's or discs it's a CX bike, simples

 

[CopperCyclist]

Also normally a flatter profile to the top tube making the bike easier to shoulder for a true cyclocross.

 

[Norm]

I've got cantis and a flat top tube (with the brake cable routed along the top of it, even!) so I must have a CX-racing bike.

I'm not sure about the need for definitions, although you do see some sub-categories in road bikes (race, sportive, TT, tri etc), it's not something that many focus upon. Especially when Halfords turn out bikes with "TdF" on the frames which, whilst very capable bikes, would not be much good for covering several hundred kms a day at those speeds.

I think CX does mean a bit more than "rugged road" (mud clearance, low gears etc) but I think the lines would be too blurred and the need for a distinction would be too limited.