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Difference between Cyclocross, Touring, and Road Bikes?

5 min read

Asked by: Sarah Johnson

Touring bikes often vary in trail between 64-74mm with the tendency to be on the higher side, while cyclocross bikes often sit between 66-70mm with the tendency to be on the lower side. Given the fork trail overlap between between cyclocross and touring bikes, steering (on average) is largely similar.

Can a cyclocross bike be used for road?

You can absolutely ride road on a cx bike. Many of the components are actually road components, including the wheels, so slap a pair of 700×23’s on the stock wheelset and off you go.

Whats the difference between a road bike and a cyclocross bike?

Cyclocross and road bikes are both designed to traverse across different terrains. Therefore, their geometry, gears, wheels, tire sizes, and comfort levels vary greatly. Cyclocross are designed for performance on rough terrain, whereas road bikes are designed for speed on flat roads.

Is a cyclocross bike more comfortable than a road bike?

A cross rider often feels more comfortable on off-road, muddy, and off the beaten tracks. Consequently, their ride is designed to offer them a different level of functionality. It is optimized for technical terrain, whereas a road bike is optimized to ensure endurance and comfort.

What is the purpose of a cyclocross bike?

Cyclocross bikes are designed to be raced on cyclocross courses, which can often include a variety of terrains such as mud, sand, rocks, and even snow. They also include run-up sections that require racers to dismount their bike, as well as barriers that must be jumped over either by dismounting or bunny-hopping.

Can a cyclocross bike be used for touring?

When it comes to frame geometry alone, cyclocross bikes will actually handle the demands of bicycle touring very well. With the occasional exception of chainstay length (for riders with large feet), the rest of the angles and measurements will likely go unnoticed.

Can cyclocross go off road?

Yes – they are really an alternative. A bigger tyre gives more cushioning but your choice is limited by frame/fork clearance. I’ve had my CX/tourer down the Blue route at Glentress a couple of times and it’s really good fun.

Are cyclocross bikes good for winter?

Cyclocross bikes can make ideal winter bikes



Snow-packed roads, gravel dumped by snowploughs, and black ice can be a bit too much for your race-ready roadie.

Do cyclocross bikes have suspension?

In general, cyclocross purists will not have suspension on their bikes if they are used for competing. However, there are many cyclocross bikes available with suspension, and these are excellent for longer rides or more relaxing leisurely off-roading.

Can you use a cyclocross bike for a triathlon?

If you have the budget for only one more bicycle you cannot go wrong with a cyclocross bike, you will be able to race CX in the fall (typically after triathlon season) and you can get some fenders and slick tires for road rides in winter/spring and take the fenders off when the weather turns nice for Triathlon season.

Which is better on the road cyclocross or gravel bike?

Gravel bikes slot in best between a traditional road bike and a cross country mountain bike. They generally are more rugged than a cyclocross bike due to added tire clearance, but the endurance-road geometry of gravel bikes make them better suited for long rides or events, like Unbound.

What does CX mean in cycling?

Cyclo-cross (cyclocross, CX, cyclo-X or ‘cross) is a form of bicycle racing.

What’s the difference between a gravel and a cyclocross bike?

Most gravel bikes feature a more relaxed geometry than cyclocross bikes, designed for days of riding rather than an hour or so, and for tackling rougher trails. This enhanced emphasis on comfort tends to give a shorter reach and more upright body position.

Which bike is best for long distance touring?

5 Best Touring Bikes in India

  1. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220: This is one of the most stylish and affordable bikes out on the market. …
  2. Bajaj Dominar 250: Bajaj Dominar 250 offers an engine displacement of 250cc, a single-cylinder engine with a 4-valve head. …
  3. Bajaj Dominar 400: …
  4. KTM Duke 390: …
  5. KTM 390 Adventure:


Can you use a cyclocross bike for Bikepacking?

For bicycle touring you’re likely to need your gearing range to go relatively low. Many low to mid-range cyclocross bikes now spec something like 36-44 tooth chainrings or 34-42 tooth chainrings. These can give you a relatively good range of gears for touring if you’re not carrying extremely heavyweights.

Is gravel bike same as touring?

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Can you use a cyclocross bike for a triathlon?

If you have the budget for only one more bicycle you cannot go wrong with a cyclocross bike, you will be able to race CX in the fall (typically after triathlon season) and you can get some fenders and slick tires for road rides in winter/spring and take the fenders off when the weather turns nice for Triathlon season.

Can I put road tires on my gravel bike?

Road tires can be added to gravel bikes successfully if you want to ride them on the road. A gravel bike with road tires will combine the sturdiness of a gravel bike with some of the speed of a road bike. A pair of road tires could mean you could commute on the same bike that you go off-roading on at the weekend.

Is a road bike faster than a gravel bike?

Because road bikes are designed mainly for competitive cycling, they are faster than gravel bikes. If you ditch your gravel bike for a road bike and you ride with the same power and efficiency, you should get 1 or 2mph more on the bike.

Are gravel bikes good for touring?

Are gravel bikes good for touring and long distances? Yes, If you ride a gravel bike that is adventure ready it can be the perfect bike for your next tour. These bikes often have a stack/reach ratio of over 1.5 and mid length chainstays, around 430 to 445 mm are ideal for a well balanced gravel bike for touring.