Cyclocross for a Winter/Touring bike

[steveindenmark]

I am looking for a new Winter/Touring bike for Jannie.

Her regular touring bike is a Trek Lexa SL with 25c tyres.

I am thinking of getting her a Koga cyclocross bike to take the place of her Lexa and Trek Winter bike. She likes drop bars and never uses the granny ring on the Lexa. Jannie will only ride with drop bars.

Would a cyclocross bike make a decent light weight Tourer and Winter bike?

I am thinking that they are about the same weight as a Lexa but have wider tyres for snow and forest tracks.

 

[MikeW-71]

Yes to both. My CX did a great job on a lightweight tour running on 28c tyres. Masses of tyre clearance, could fit full guards and disc brakes. It's a great commuter too.

 

[Venod]

I ran a cross as a winter bike with mudguards, plenty of clearance for decent tyres and very lively ride, this could be the only thing against it being a tourer it had a very short head tube, designed for short cyclocross races.

 

[steveindenmark]

I see there can be a problem with the chainstay length if you intend to carry panniers. Not a problem with a16 ltr seat post bag though.

Where can you get a TREK 520 or was it only made for the USA. That may fit the bill.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Surly Long Haul Trucker, perhaps? Available in bot 700c and 26" versions. A Cross Check may be a sportier alternative.