John the Monkey said:The line is blurring because a lot of manufacturers are treating 'cross bikes as the new "Do it all" bike.
True crossers have race geometry, minimal braze ons, high BB and are designed to be ridden hard for about an hour or so (long term comfort, therefore, not really a consideration).
The Do It All crosser is likely to keep the high BB, but have mudguard eyelets, bottle cage braze ons &c. As you get further from the racing Cross bike, the geometry might tend to be more relaxed too.
Touring bikes are built for covering long distances while loaded. You'll find they have fairly low BBs, are long (long chain & seatstays in partcular) and stable as opposed to being responsive. Frame weight is less of a consideration because luggage adds so much to the weight of the bike that a "heavy" frame makes little difference overall.
My commuter is built from a Surly Long Haul Trucker touring frame - it's a super comfortable bike that will take up to 45c tyres with mudguards (I'm running 42c now).
If I did more challenging off road (as opposed to trail & towpath riding, which the LHT handles with no bother) a 'cross bike would probably be better.
gouldina said:...I don't think that they're really designed for major off-roading like a mtb for example - more for gravel and grass. I have a CX and I promise you that my previous fastish hybrid was far more at ease on bumpy stuff than the CX.
John the Monkey said:Better than a tourer though, let me assure you.
I don't think you are missing anything and I am assured that Specialized, for instance, see their Tricross (sold as a psycho-cross bike) as good enough that they don't need a separate tourer in their range.Jezston said:Yes it's stupid question time!
Thinking about my next bike. And, after looking at pictures, I must admit I can't tell the difference between touring and cyclocross bikes. Both seem to have similar geometry and spec.
I'm missing something obvious aren't I.
Norm said:I don't think you are missing anything and I am assured that Specialized, for instance, see their Tricross (sold as a psycho-cross bike) as good enough that they don't need a separate tourer in their range.
jimboalee said:You can tour on a CX bike, but try entering a Cyclocross on a tourer....
John the Monkey said:In neither case is the best tool for the job at hand being used though.
And there are CX bikes and CX bikes - a tour on a proper, racing crosser is not going to be much fun. similarly a 'cross race on an "adventure tourer" like one of Salsa's range would probably be doable.
That's not cheating, that's lateral thinking!jimboalee said:We cheated by taking the tents and sleeping bags to Wollaston post office on Monday morning and posting them home
Norm said:I don't think you are missing anything and I am assured that Specialized, for instance, see their Tricross (sold as a psycho-cross bike) as good enough that they don't need a separate tourer in their range.
I've posted this before, so sorry for repeating myself but I bought the Tricross as an all-purpose bike. I have a road bike when I head out for a road ride, an MTB when I head out for an off road ride, and the Tricross when I'm not too sure where the heck I'm going. It's great not worrying about hitting the tow paths or riding a few miles of gravel track, but not giving away too much when I get back onto tarmac.