Cyclocross specs

[JohnL1979]

Looking for a cyclocross bike to do C2C on. Total novice as far as specs go.

Two bikes same price at £999 cannondale caadx tiagra 2018 cyclocross Versus cube crossrace cyclotrail.

Anybody have either of these or any thoughts as to which may be better. Ideally wanting something that will be ok on the uphills on the c2c and sturdy enough tyres to cope with tracks...

Would appeeciate any thoughts on these bikes?

Thanks

 

[pclay]

Would this be your first drop handlebar bike?

 

[JohnL1979]

Would this be your first drop handlebar bike?

Yes

 

[vickster]

Make sure you have a good test ride before spending any money

 

[Soltydog]

A 'cyclocross' bike might be a bit overkill if it's just for the C2C. Might be also worth looking at road bikes/tourers that can take mudguards & have rack mountings, or even a hybrid? As Vickster says, get for a good few test rides on different bikes & see what you prefer.
I did the C2C years ago on a hybrid with 28mm Marathon+ tyres, but have since done similar routes on my winter road bike with 25mm Durano + tyres & so long as tracks aren't too wet & muddy it copes fine

 

[Cycleops]

On paper the Cube has the higher 105 and it's red as opposed to black but apart from that I'd say there's little to choose between them. View them in the metal and ride to decide.

Good point by @Soltydog , you could change the tyres but that's an added expense. You could do the trip on any bike. Tourer geometry is similar.

 

[Venod]

I can't comment on the Cube but have owned a Cannondale CAADX a very capable bike for a bit of rough stuff as well as the road, the only downside being the Promax brakes.

The Cube looks the better spec and they have a good reputation.

If the frame is as good as the Cannondale, if I was buying I would probably lean towards the Cube.

 

[Nibor]

Tourer geometry is similar.

I disagree most CX bike have quite an aggressive race geometry and he might be better looking at one of the "Gravel" type bikes with a more relaxed front end.

 

[Cycleops]

Yes sorry @Nibor , you're right, I was thinking they were adventure bikes, they would have a more aggressive geometry..

 

[pclay]

Be careful with your terminology

A cyclocross bike would traditionally have no mounts for mudguards,, bottle cages or rear rack. also a CX bike would have more aggressive geometry, meaning head down. This can result in a sore neck and shoulders over time.

A road bike with 28mm tyres might be the way to go - Giant defy or Cannondale synapse would be a good starting point.

If you want wider tyres, you can consider an adventure road or gravel bike. An example might be the Pinnacle Arkose from Evans, which can take 40mm tyres plus.

Just some thoughts....

 

[Nibor]

The Arkose has rack mounts and retains a relatively tight rear triangle making climbing better

 

[Venod]

The geometry of the Cannondale that I had was not that aggressive and it had mounts for guards & rack, so not really a specialist cross bike, I don't know the spec of the latest models though. .

 

[Hacienda71]

My CaadX is not particularly aggressive (Way less than my race bike) and has eyelets for mudguards. It would be worth double checking current specs re eyelets etc.

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

I did a LEJOG last year on a CAADX fitted with road tyres last year and it was perfect.

Graham