Cyclocross

[Pete502]

Hi folks can do with some adivce.
I'm 5ft 11 and I am looking for a cx bike. I've been advised that I should go for a
Size smaller than my road bike due to the geometry difference in the frame build.
Can anyone help with this query .
Thanks,
Pete

 

[S-Express]

A lot will depend on the purpose. If you are actually planning to race CX, then that is probably correct. If not, then it doesn't really matter. Why not try some bikes yourself and decide?

 

[Pete502]

I have got the chance of a cannondale at a good price and I really didn't want to spend a lot.
I just don't want to waste money as it's cheaper but didn't want to miss out .
I had a seat on it in the shop and the reach felt fine , seat might need to go up 1/2 inch.
Would like to race for the experience but maybe next season

 

[vickster]

@outlash does CX and has a C'Dale IIRC

There also a dedicated forum area for the discipline

Can you get a decent test ride on the bike to see if it's comfortable on the roads as presumably that'll be part of its use (as well as the muddy stuff)

I think C'Dales do indeed come up big for their designated size (due to how the sizing is determined) compared to some other brands, such as Cube, so that advice could well be correct. What do you have at the mo, and have you compared the geometries side by side? TT and stack are important measurements to compare

 

[outlash]

I used to have a CAADX until recently and yeah, they do come up a little taller than a road bike (I have a CAAD8 with the same frame size). I'd take a stab at the bike being a 56. I'm 6' 3" and I had a 58 which fitted me well.

 

[Pete502]

I'm sure it's a 54, I ride a Specialized Allez road bike which is Large , but as I said the reach felt fine on the Cannondale

 

[outlash]

If you're happy, then go for it, the CAADX is more of an all rounder (but still a decent race bike) than my new crosser.

 

[Pete502]

Sure it's a 54, I ride a large specialized Allez road bike , just not sure the difference
In geometry between the 2 different types of bike and what it means

 

[ayceejay]

The bottom bracket height is greater on a cyclocross bike, I don't know about what is now being marketed as CX, what this means is that the standover height will greater on a crosser with the same frame size as a road bike.

 

[Pete502]

Thanks for all the advice guys