what is a cyclecross bike

[terry_gardener]

might be a daft question but what is a cyclecross bike and how does it differ from a hybrid bike.

 

[mcshroom]

A CX bike is a road bike that has been made stronger to allow racing in muddy off-road conditions. It will have clearance for wider tyres, disk/cantilever brakes and usually slightly lower gears.

Hybrids are a bit difficult to define as there is a wide spectrum from flat-bar road bikes through to trekking bikes but in general they have flat bars.

Here's a bit of Cyclocrossing


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6flFc-JGTrc

 

[Cuchilo]

Oooooooooo I like those !

 

[SpokeyDokey]

might be a daft question but what is a cyclecross bike and how does it differ from a hybrid bike.

Apart from previous answers a CX bike will usually have more relaxed geometry than a road bike ie the forks will lean back slightly more thus making the wheelbase longer. It will also usually have longer chainstays which also makes the wheelbase longer. This equals a more comfortable ride but a slightly slower steering response.

A CX bike does not necessarily get a lot of love on general cycling forums but I'd wager a lot of road bike owners would be perfectly happy and possibly happier with one.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Want one after watching the video, will it make me faster?