Do you know what a cyclocross bike is? This is a road model that is adapted for racing on dirt and ground, but with foot sections. Cyclocross in Russia is not as popular as abroad. Nevertheless, if you like riding on such a vehicle, then you are obliged to get to know the cyclo-cross bike closer. He is often confused with an ordinary roadster due to a slender silhouette, a rigid fork, and the presence of 622 mm wheels. But if you look closely, the differences are still noticeable. The frame of the cyclo-cross bike is designed for thicker tires (in this case, up to 45 mm, while for road racing - 28 mm). The “angry” off-road rubber, a set of additional brake levers, mounts for full wings and a trunk on a fork and frame also catch the eye. And most importantly, the cyclo-bike has other brakes - disc.
Such transport and the geometry of its frame is excellent for low speeds, for carrying it on the shoulder. A low-speed cross bike is better than a thoroughbred roadster. And what about the transmission? In cyclocross bikes, it is road racing (i.e. 2x9 or 2x10 speeds). But there are models with a special system of stars of smaller diameter. It turns out that the cyclo-cross bike is very similar to the one called highway, but at the same time it will ride better on the ground, and for everyday trips it is more convenient and versatile.
Cyclocross bikes are a mix of classes. They are between the hybrid and the road, if we talk about the possibilities. When driving on asphalt, they will be as fast as a racing road. But at the same time, they certainly do not save in front of dirt and soil, due to their low weight and toothy tires. No one will catch a cyclocross in mud with foot sections. This is truly his element.
Are cyclocross bikes disadvantages? Reviews claim that comfort is their weakness. It’s quite difficult to ride them on the geyder. But on the highway, thanks to the steering wheel, it’s really possible to get a solid increase in speed. Due to the low landing, a headwind will not be felt. But there are also disadvantages. Low landing leads to poor visibility, and the load on the hands is high. In addition, the possibilities of cycling in the snow and in the sand are limited. All these disadvantages can be safely attributed to highway models. You just need to remember that if you win in one, then you lose in the other. Inevitably.
If you have a cyclo-cycling bicycle and its mountain capabilities are important to you, it does not matter. Just replace the
transmission ratios with more high-torque ones. If you have a dual system, replace the rear derailleur and cassette with “mountain” ones. The chain will need a longer one. So your cyclocrosser will become almost the same in capabilities as the mountain model.
As for the area of application, the cyclocrosser is suitable for asphalt tourism in civilized countries, for fast driving on our roads with cuts on the ground, for driving on highways with walking and mud areas, on even primers and parks. But there are also applications for which such bicycle models are completely unsuitable. This ride in the sand, snow, city, pavers, geyder, leisurely and relaxed.
The simplest model of such a bike will cost about 30 thousand rubles. An example is the Merida Cyclo Cross 3 bike.