Decision making has never been my forte, especially when shopping. So the question of whether I should buy a cyclocross or a mountain bike makes my head swim just a little. I mean is there a difference between a cyclocross and a mountain bike? Is a mountain bike a better deal than a cyclocross? What am I going to do with the bike? Can I afford a new bicycle? All questions worthy of answers. So let’s get to it.
A cyclocross bike is designed for the harsh conditions of a cyclocross race. The cyclocross bike is versatile. It can be used for just about any endeavor. A mountain bike is a bike with a sturdy, lightweight frame, deep tread tires and multiple gears. The mountain bike was originally designed for riding on mountainous terrain.
The main questions are what do I intend to do with my new bike? Is there a specific terrain I will be riding over consistently and of course how much can I afford to spend in both time and maintenance? Now I just have to figure out what is a cyclocross race and a cyclocross bike and how is it different from a mountain bike?
What is Cyclocross?
We can thank our friends in Europe for the emergence of cyclocross racing. It started in the 1900s as a way for road racers to keep fit during off-season.
A usual cyclocross course is an intense 1.5 to 2-mile loops on a mix of paved and off-road surfaces over flat-to rolling terrain. The races usually last an hour plus a lap. The course is challenging because it will always include obstacles that force the riders to dismount and run while carrying their bikes. The race itself is a combination of running, scrambling over obstacles while carrying your bike, and cycling.
The Cyclocross Bicycle
According to bigshark.com a cyclocross bike is a road bike with slight frame and component modifications for cross racing. It has the drop bars and 700c wheels of a traditional road bike but has cantilever brakes for better stopping power and additional clearance for wide, knobby tires and any mud the tires pick up. The tires have tread patterns that hook up in the dirt and mud, while having low rolling resistance on pavement.
Gearing is usually easier than on traditional road bikes. Cyclocross bikes are light and fast. And the bikes can be used for road riding and touring just by changing tires and gearing.
The pedals are usually the dual-sided mountain bike clipless pedals.
The bikes are light and fast. They can also be used for road racing and touring by just changing the tires and gears.
While our objective may not be to compete in a cyclocross race (or is it) a cyclocross bike is still an option depending on our ultimate goal for the bike.
The Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes are made to ride under rugged conditions. They usually have a more upright frame. The frames are either made of steel, aluminum or carbon fiber. The most expensive mountain bike frames are made from titanium.
Their wheels are wide knobby tires that give you better grip and traction on different surfaces, including gravel, rock and sand.
If you are planning on predominately riding on slower pavement, the mountain bike is not ideal. However, the mountain does go easily over different surfaces. The bike has an upright riding position giving you a comfortable ride, especially if your ride takes you across gravel, dirt, rocks and uneven terrain.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Bikes
Pros
- The bike is designed to take a lot of abuse
- It is built for steep, loose climbs
- Small wheels 26 inches allow the bike to take the hits on rocks and potholes
- The suspension allow more control because tires remain intact
- The frame suspension allows the bike to take hits saving your body
- The tires provide control and traction in loose dirt and mud
Cons
- Heavy making climbs tougher
- Smaller wheels have more “rolling” resistance
- The wheels have “snow tire” effect on the roads
- The suspension robs some efficiency from pedal stroke
- Slower and requires more effort on roads and paths
Pros and Cons of Cyclocross Bikes
Pros
- Better brakes that give better stops
- Studier frame
- Lighter than a mountain bike
- Can handle rough pavement
Cons
- Less aerodynamic because it has wider tires and wider clearance
- Have skinnier tires than mountain bike so have less grip so when going over rocks and roots less control
- Cost
Should I Buy a Mountain Bike or a Cyclocross Bike?
The first question you need to ask is what are you going to be predominately using the bike?
Cyclocross bikes are better on off-road riding. When you are riding on gravel or racing in the grass or dirt in a cross race. Cross bikes are similar to road bikes with modifications. Think of a cross bike as a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike.
Where a mountain bike is at its best when it is traveling over rough terrain. This includes trails in parks and other outdoor areas.
Similarities and difference
Both bikes come with knobby tires for traction and riding through mud. But the mountain bike tires lend more control when riding over rocks and roots.
Cross bikes have a drop-bar handle bars and shifts that are similar to a road bike. Cross bikes are also more versatile than mountain bikes. With just a minimal change of tires and gears you can make your cross bike into a reliable commuter bike or a road bike.
Mountain bike is a mountain bike, if you are thinking of using it as a commuter bike it is great on potholes and gravel.
For Fitness
If you are purchasing the bike for fitness it may depend on how lofty your goals are. Are you thinking of competing in a cyclocross race?
You might think that this means you should buy a cyclocross bike. But that is not necessarily the case. A mountain bike can be converted into a cyclocross. If you have a hardtail you can change out your fork and make the bike fully rigid, making it lighter. Cyclocross rules prohibit bar end, so if you have those they have to be removed. You might also want to put in narrower tires with lower profile knobs.
Whereas if you have a cyclocross bike there is no need for additional adjustments.
Pros for mountain bike: The mountain bike can be easily converted to cyclocross bike with minimal cost.
Cons for mountain bike: If your ideal of fitness is a cyclocross race, the mountain bike will be heavier making it harder to carry over the barriers.
Pros for cyclocross bike: You already have the necessary bike.
Cons for cyclocross bike: Expensive
For Commuting
Do you need the bike for commuting back and forth to work or school?
The choice here depends on your route.
Is the route pavement and smooth roads with a little bit of roughness here and there? Are you constantly in a hurry? Cyclocross bikes are lighter than mountain bikes and therefore will be faster on the road. They are also capable of handling the occasional pothole.
But if the route is littered with potholes and gravel. If you can take an alternate path through the park while bouncing over curbs and around pedestrians, the mountain bike is ideal.
Should I Buy a Cyclocross Bike or a Mountain Bike
Once again, the choice is personal, but there a few things you should consider.
Money, cyclocross bikes tend to be expensive. If your budget is tight you can find a reliable hardtail mountain bike that can easily be converted to a cyclocross bike for the time you decide to dabble in cyclocross races for enjoyment and exercise.
If you are serious about cyclocross and you need a bike to commute you can find a cyclocross for under $2000, that has aluminum frame, carbon forks and basic wheels that are durable and heavy. The bike will not a cyclocross super-bike, but it will get you in the race and to work.