Cyclo-Cross Bike vs. Full-Suspension Mountain Bike – A Detailed Comparison


You’re looking for a new bike, but you’re not quite sure what to pick yet. You’ve done your homework and you’ve narrowed it down to two types of bicycles that interest you: cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes. Which of the two bikes makes for the better pick?

While cyclo-cross bikes weigh less, they can’t go as fast as full-suspension mountain bikes. Both bikes are similar in terms of terrain, safety, and cost, with full-suspension mountain bikes maybe somewhat cheaper. That changes depending on the model you’re considering, though.

In this detailed comparison, we will explore both cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes in more depth. We’ll discuss things like price points, safety, terrain riding, and more. We’ll even share a couple of our favorite bikes at different price points with Amazon shopping links. Making your decision about which bike is best for you will be easier than ever.

What Is a Cyclo-Cross Bike?

Let’s begin with definitions of both types of bicycles, shall we? A cyclo-cross or CX bike is one made for cyclo-cross bike racing. This cold-weather racing involves cyclists riding over a variety of terrain, including grass, wooded trails, pavement, and more. Cyclo-cross bikes can also handle steep hills with aplomb.

Since cyclo-cross riders often have to get off their bikes to climb over obstacles, these bicycles possess a lighter frame than what you’d find on other types of bikes. The shape of a cyclo-cross bike is interesting as well, as it has oversized tires (up to 34 millimeters) for traversing through debris and mud as well as a wide clearance in its frame geometry. The bikes also lack rear stay bridges.

Instead of being built with a bottom bracket, cyclo-cross bikes have a top tube with derailleur cables passing through it. This controls mud accumulation, preventing it from caking up the components of the bicycle. If you shop for specialist versions of this bike, it’s possible to get one with better clearance due to the raised positioning of the bike’s bottom bracket.

While most cyclo-cross bikes were made of aluminum years ago, these days, manufacturers have switched to carbon fiber for professional cyclo-cross racers. Clipless pedals prevent the cyclist’s feet from getting clipped as they hop back on the bike in the middle of a cyclo-cross race.

With a lengthy wheelbase, a cyclo-cross bike provides a sense of security when riding, even if that’s over jagged paths and terrain. The frame geometry has fewer upright angles, which lends the bike greater stability as well.

What Is a Full-Suspension Mountain Bike?

Next, we’ve got full-suspension mountain bikes, which we’ve talked about on this blog before. These bikes boast both rear and front suspension. When you inevitably hit bumps on your bike then, the design of this mountain bike type can absorb the impact so you don’t feel each slam and bump. That makes a full-suspension mountain bike a great choice for terrain riding.

Not feeling each painful bump makes riding on one of these bicycles quite comfy. You’ll notice less biking fatigue after a day out. You’ll also feel less pain that day as well as the next, which is always a plus. If you’re looking for a bike that lets you ride greater distances or longer periods while maintaining a fast speed, you’ve found the right one.

Another benefit of having rear and front suspension with a full-suspension mountain bike is the freedom to gather and gain speed while on your bike. Even if you’re riding more difficult trails and terrain, you should find your speed isn’t negated.

The handling and traction of a full-suspension mountain bike is ideal thanks to the dual suspension systems included. If you ride steep hills and other tough trails, this bike can keep right up with you.

Which Bike Can Handle Different Terrain Better?

Now that we’ve defined both the cyclo-cross bike and the full-suspension mountain bike, let’s dive right into our comparisons.

One of the best parts about owning a mountain bike is having the freedom to go off the beaten path…literally. No longer are you relegated to street or sidewalk riding or leisurely trips in the park. If you want to challenge yourself and work your body pedaling up a tough uphill path or through a rock garden, a mountain bike gives you that freedom.

Of the two types of bikes we’re covering in this guide, which is better for difficult terrain? Honestly, either one works here.

As we just talked about, full-suspension mountain bikes with their rear and front suspension can handle bumps, turns, bounces, and other impacts without you feeling each and every one of them. They can ascend, they can descend, and they can ride over sand, dirt, rocks, and tree roots without losing their handling or traction. They’re also made for you to ride in comfort without fatigue or pain, extending your ride by hours, miles, or both.

That doesn’t mean cyclo-cross bikes are anything to sleep on. You have to remember, these bikes are made for a vigorous and tough type of racing known as cyclo-cross racing. This involves riding up steep hills, hopping off the bike, navigating obstacles with the bike by the athlete’s side, and then jumping right back on and pedaling once again.

Since cyclo-cross racing trails have a variety of terrain, including wood, sand, mud, pavement, and grass, it goes without saying that cyclo-cross bikes can ride this terrain and more. Further, their very design is meant to avoid getting the bike bogged down with mud.

While many more of the factors we’ll talk about will be more definitive, if you’re a terrain cyclist, a cyclo-cross bike or a full-suspension mountain bike will serve you well.

Which Bike Goes Faster?

The thrill of bike riding gets lost without hitting higher speeds. If you want heart-pounding excitement and dizzying speeds on your mountain bike, which should you choose: a cyclo-cross bike or a full-suspension mountain bike?

As we said, there will be definitive winners in more sections, and here’s our first one. If you have a need for speed, then undoubtedly, you have to choose the full-suspension mountain bike. The rear and front suspension, in their shock absorbing duties, prevent you from slowing down as you accelerate on your rides. Given the stability and handling of these bikes as well as the comfort, you can maintain your speed for longer without exhausting yourself. In fact, it feels quite easy for some riders to stay at the same speed for a long while.

Cyclo-cross bikes lack speed by design. While cyclo-cross racing is indeed a race, it’s not all about acceleration, acceleration, acceleration. Instead, athletes will participate in a race through obstacles. Since they’re on and off their bikes a lot throughout any given race, cyclo-cross bikes don’t have to cross as great a distance as say, a full-suspension mountain bike does.

While these bikes handle well and feel comfortable, you won’t get the same kind of awesome speed you can on a full-suspension mountain bike. In fact, you’d want to use lower gear ratios on a cyclo-cross bike so you can go purposefully slower. This lets you control the bike better, which could be the difference between winning or losing in a cyclo-cross race.

Of course, if you don’t ride a cyclo-cross bike for cyclo-cross racing, then it’s easy to be disappointed in the lack of speed these bikes possess, especially when compared to full-suspension mountain bikes. Don’t worry, though, as it’s not all bad for cyclo-cross bikes. Not at all.

Which Bike Weighs More?

Of the two bike types, full-suspension mountain bikes clock in at a higher weight. On average, these bikes can weigh up to 30 pounds. That’s quite hefty. Part of what contributes to their weight is their full suspension components. Hard tail bikes, which full-suspension mountain bikes often get compared to, tend to weigh less.

Okay, but what about cyclo-cross bikes, the other type of bike we’re discussing in this guide? The heavier ones maybe weigh 18 pounds, so they’re already over 10 pounds lighter than a full-suspension mountain bike.

That’s done on purpose. As we’ve said a few times already, cyclo-cross bikes get used in cyclo-cross races. These aren’t straight-across races, but rather, the athletes constantly get on and off their bikes to finish the course. When they’re not riding their bike, they have to carry it with them or keep it close at hand.

Could you imagine lugging a 30-pound mountain bike through a cyclo-cross course? The athletes would get fatigued in a jiffy and be unable to finish the race. That’s why the favored material for cyclo-cross bikes was once aluminum, to keep weight down. Nowadays, it’s carbon fiber, which still doesn’t push the bike over the 20-pound mark, at least for most models.

Which Bike Looks Better?

Looks are purely subjective and come down to one’s personal style, so it’s hard to pick a winner here. We can say that full-suspension mountain bikes and cyclo-cross bikes don’t look very much alike, so you’ll probably have a style preference one way or another.

Full-suspension mountain bikes are somewhat taller with curvier angles. They also have visible cables running from the handlebars to the rest of the bike. Cyclo-cross bikes are more straight-across and less angled. Their rounded handlebars are another standout. In terms of stylishness, both bikes look good, we’d say.

Which One Is Safer to Use?

We don’t want to put the wrong idea in your head. Whether you choose a cyclo-cross bike or a full-suspension mountain bike, you’re safe either way. You should still wear a cycling helmet no matter which bike you buy. Even if you rode a completely different type of bike than these two, we’d still advocate for wearing a helmet. That’s the best way to ensure your safety when cycling on a bicycle.

That said, if hard-pressed to pick which of the two bike types is safer, we think it’s probably the full-suspension mountain bike. The rear and front suspension and its capacity for absorbing and reducing bodily impact when cycling is incredibly important. As we’ve said, this can prevent you from developing painful injuries when riding on rough terrain. Further, with less impact on your mountain bike, you have a lower likelihood of being thrown from the bicycle. That can happen if your bike bounces over every last little dip and curve.

That’s not to say cyclo-cross bikes are an unsafe option. Far from it. In fact, in some ways, they may be even safer than full-suspension mountain bikes. Their intended lower speeds put the control in your hands so you’re less likely to zip on by and crash into something or someone. As you recall, it’s very easy to obtain and hold your speed on a full-suspension mountain bike, which can sometimes to be to your detriment.

Besides the lower speed, cyclo-cross bikes have great stability and security thanks to the shape of their frame geometry and their wider, longer wheelbase. That also makes you feel safer as you pedal.

Which Bike Costs More?

Both cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes can cost upwards of $4,000. In the next section, we will share six bikes, three of each type, that cost at $2,000 and up. That said, the starting price points for the bikes does differ.

Full-suspension mountain bikes are available for around $1,500, but you shouldn’t have a hard time finding them for less money than that. Paying under four figures for a mountain bike almost feels like a steal.

Compare that to the cyclo-cross bike, where the cheaper ones are priced at about $2,000. Sure, that’s only a difference of $500, and yes, you can get a cyclo-cross bike for cheaper than $2k. Still, at least initially, they’re the costlier of the two bike types.

A Cost Comparison Between Cyclo-Cross Bikes and Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

By this point, you’ve read through all the comparisons of cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes. You may even be leaning more towards one over the other. One factor that can hold you back is the cost of the bike, and rightfully so. That’s why we thought we’d share some real-world examples of both cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes here.

The following six bikes fit into three pricing categories: bikes available for less than $2,000, bikes available for less than $3,000, and bikes available for less than $4,000. All bikes are presented courtesy of Amazon.

No matter what your budget, you can browse a cyclo-cross bike or a full-suspension mountain bike at a price point you can afford with the following listings.

Bikes Under $2,000

Cyclo-Cross Bike Under $2k: Colnago World Cup SL Disc 105 5800 Bike

If you’re seeking a cheaper cyclo-cross bike, the Colnago World Cup SL Disc 105 5800 costs less than $1,200. If you wanted the bike to come professionally assembled, that would cost you an extra $70.

This impressive cyclo-cross bike includes its own reinforcement tube. This connects between the top tube and the seat tube of your bike and can transfer frame weight to the cyclo-cross bike’s shoulder. You’ll notice an easier, more comfortable ride each time you hop on this great bike.

The bottom bracket comes raised for better clearance. Whether you participate in cyclo-cross races or not, you’ll appreciate the extra room. The base of the Colnago cyclo-cross bike is made of 6000 Series aluminum that’s double-butted. Also, the frame can support disc brakes for easy, quick stoppage when you need it.

Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2k: Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2 Mountain Bike

A durable, dependable full-suspension mountain bike that won’t break the bank, the Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2 is a solid pick. You can buy it for less than $1,400, unless you add expert assembly. Then it’s $70 extra. This bike comes in four sizes: small (for riders five feet, three inches to five feet, six inches tall), medium (for riders five feet, six inches to five feet, nine inches tall), large (for riders five feet, nine inches to six feet tall), and extra large (for riders six feet to six feet, four inches tall).

The hydraulic brakes from Tetktro Auriga let you stop even on dirty, sandy, or rocky surfaces. Raleigh Bikes narrowed the SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain as well as the CNC chain ring. This change lends the Kodiak 2 an even better gear ratio range. Each time you venture up a tall hill or coast down a steep one, you’ll have a much better time on this bike.

The 6061 alloy frame almost makes the bike feel like a cyclo-cross bike, it’s so light. Still, it can take you through mountainous trails, rocky terrain, and even roots with its impressive full suspension. Other features include a 27.5+ fork that provides more comfort when riding and a tapered head tube and thru axle from Raleigh themselves.

Bikes Under $3,000

Cyclo-Cross Bike Under $3k: Diamondback Bicycle Haanjo 7C

Although not a full cyclo-cross bike (Diamondback refers to it as “part road bike” as well), the Haanjo 7C from Diamondback is a more affordable option that costs about $2,700. You can choose from four sizes: SM/50cm for cyclists who are five feet, five inches to five feet, eight inches; MD/53cm for riders who are five feet, eight inches to five feet, 11 inches; LG/56cm for riders who are five feet, 11 inches to six feet, two inches; and XL/59cm for rider who are six feet, two inches to six feet, six inches.

It has a carbon frame that doesn’t weigh it down too much as well as the straight design and larger handlebars found with most cyclo-cross bikes. The fork is designed to weigh less as well for an easier, more efficient ride.

With Diamondback’s Endurance Geometry, you can ride on trails with dirt, gravel, and pavement for longer periods without exhausting yourself. Rack mounts let you bring snacks and drinks with you for those longer treks as well. Other great features of the Haanjo 70C are its HED tubeless wheels from Tomcat as well as rear and front thru-axles for better handling, as they add just the right amount of stiffness.

Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Under $3k: Diamondback Release 3 Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

Yet another exemplary Diamondback pick is their Release 3 full-suspension mountain bike. The smaller bikes do indeed cost under $3,000, but you may pay upwards of $3,300 for the larger sizes, so do be aware of that. Speaking of sizes, you can get a 15.5-inch small or medium bike, a 17-inch medium bike, a 19-inch large bike, or a 21-inch extra large bike.

With cranks from Race Face Turbine Cinch and a drivetrain from Shimano, you get the best of the best features with this full-suspension mountain bike. Did we mention it’s the Shimano XT drivetrain that comes equipped with the Release 3? That’s the one that has 11 speeds! You also get remotes from Southpaw with the KS LEV Si dropper post. Both components let you descend with greater freedom.

The Maxle dropouts, which are 148x12mm, stiffen the aluminum frame with hydro-framing for stability and handling. Also, the rear suspension with the Release 3 is quite generous, as it’s 130 millimeters thanks to the level link design.

Bikes Under $4,000

Cyclo-Cross Bike Under $4k: Raleigh Bike’s RXC Cyclo-Cross Bike

If you have a bigger budget for your bike that’s around $4,000, then look into Raleigh Bike’s RXC cyclo-cross bike. You can own this great bike for less than $3,200. If you wanted pro-level assembly, you’d have to tack on an additional $70 to the above cost.

This sleek white cyclo-cross bike has a slew of features that make it almost professional-grade. For instance, you get clement PDX tires (which are tubeless, by the way), hurricane disc wheels from American Classic, and a SRAM force 1x drivetrain. With this drivetrain, you can switch between 11 different gears for setting your own speed and riding conditions to an optimal level.

Another great included feature, the SRAM hydro disc brakes let you stop on a dime, almost literally. The carbon fiber edging of this mountain bike makes it a great fit for cyclo-cross racing or for traversing tough terrain. It comes in a slew of sizes, accommodating riders that are five feet tall all the way to six feet, five inches.

Full-Suspension Mountain Bike for Under $4k: Diamondback Release 4C Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

If you liked the Release 3 from Diamondback that we covered before, you can get the Release 4C for about $3,600. It’s even better in a lot of ways, from the shimmery silver paintjob to the wealth of features.

Let’s talk more about these features now. There’s a single-ring SRAM NX 11-50T drivetrain from Eagle that makes riding up those tall hills practically effortless. Again, you’ll love the rear shock absorbers on this full-suspension mountain bike, as you get 130 to 150 millimeters of suspension travel between the rear and front suspension. The rear shock absorbers are the DPS EVOL LV model from Fox Float.

The remote lever from Southpaw and the KS LEV Si dropper post make a return here, as does the stiffened carbon frame and the Maxle dropout.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between cyclo-cross bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes, you have a pretty tough choice to make. Of the two bike types, cyclo-cross bikes weigh less, but they’re also slower than full-suspension mountain bikes. Both have features to lessen impact and reduce fatigue for hours of comfortable, enjoyable riding.

With the information we presented in this guide and the shopping links we shared, you’re well on your way to picking out your perfect new bike. Good luck!

Mike Rausa

I'm a 42 year old married father of 3 that fell in love with mountain biking late in life. Mountain biking quickly became my go to fitness activity. I created this blog to help beginners to advanced riders with tips and strategies to improve your riding experience. More About Me... https://mountainbikinghq.com/mike-rausa

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