Find the best cyclocross bike for you: the definitive guide to what to look for when it comes to choosing a cross bike, plus top picks
Cyclo-cross bikes have been creating a real buzz in the industry for the last couple of years. Every serious brand has a cross bike or two in their line-up to deal with the demands of the consumer.
The cyclo-cross bike has evolved in the last five years faster than any other bike type. What was until very recently just a specialist machine, loved by those who were predominantly into racing around wet and muddy fields in the depths of winter, is now marketed to the everyman as a versatile, rugged and capable of going anywhere machine.
What are they for?
Being so adept, ‘cross bikes are pretty happy being ridden on every variety of terrain you can imagine, come rain or shine, whether it be off-road or on they offer a predictable, reliable and fun way of getting from A to B. Whilst some remain true to their roots and retain the hallmarks of specialist racing machines, many more have eyelets for the fitting of mudguards and a rack and so make great commuting or winter training bikes, or even light touring bikes.
Boardman CXR/9.4 Di2 cyclocross bike
What to expect
A cyclocross bike is just that. It’s a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It has (most of) the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the comfort and shredding capabilities of a mountain bike. But does the term really best define this genre of bikes? Is it too late to throw the word ‘adventure’ into the ring?
‘Adventure bike’ sounds so much more fun, implying a bike that is the love-child of a road bike and a mountain bike. It’s about creating something that is greater than the sum of its twin-genre inheritance, arguably better than either a road bike or a mountain bike.
Apart from looking like they’ve had a dose of steroids, at a casual glance most cyclo cross bikes don’t look that different to traditional road bikes, however there are a few subtle points that give the game away, and add to the idea that they are greater than their origins.
The clearances around the wheels and frame are bigger, to alleviate and slow down the build up of sticky momentum halting mud.
High clearance cantilever brakes
Many ‘cross bikes now have mechanical disc brakes, the superior stopping power they provide give them the versatility to be ridden anywhere, off road they’re powerful enough to slow you down on even the steepest of slopes, and on tarmac they are unsurpassed, especially in the wet when they offer modulation that’s second to none.
The frames usually suffer from a slight weight penalty, as strength has to be built into them to deal with the tougher conditions they may face and the stresses of disc brakes.
Manufactures usually fit an off-road tyre, although some offer chunky slick rubber instead, in the hope that any off-road riding won’t require too much in the way of tread, and that the width of the tyre will offer some comfort and puncture resistance. It’s worth considering tyre choice when you purchase the bike, having the right pair for the job can lead to a safer, easier and happier ride.
Boardman cross bike tyres
Like the tyre choice, brands spec their bikes on what they think the consumer wants, a traditional ‘cross chainset (usually 36/46 teeth) offers ideal gear ratios for riding and racing off-road, but may not be suitable on-road, offering neither high or low enough gears. Some fit a ‘compact’ (34/50 teeth) chainset to offer a wider variety. Again ask yourself where you think you’re likely to ride most.
Cyclo-cross bikes usually have shorter top tubes, meaning that a more up-right position is achieved, for those riding in traffic or not too concerned about going everywhere at top speed this can be a welcome thing, as can the greater comfort the position allows.
There are many benefits of cyclocross. The idea behind adventure cycling is to be able to take your bike to places you wouldn’t normally ride, taking advantage of being able to ride on road, trails, mud, hills and everything else in-between. This adventurous quality also extends to practicality, and cyclocross bikes can often make a fantastic commuting bike: built to resist even the worst potholes and awful weather. By mixing the best qualities of road and mountain bikes, we’ve created possibly the best do-it-all bicycle imaginable.
Best cyclocross bikes reviewed
Ridley X-Night 30 Disc cyclocross bike
November 13, 2014
The Ridley X-Night 30 Disc cyclocross bike is a machine that just shouts out ‘race me!’ …Continue reading »
Score 9
Canyon Inflite cyclocross bike
November 14, 2014
Canyon’s growing reputation for producing high-spec bikes at entry-level prices recently extended to the quirky world of cyclo-cross bikes with …Continue reading »
Score 9
Specialized Crux Elite Carbon 2015
November 13, 2014
The Specialized Crux Elite Carbon 2015 is made for racing, and didn't disappoint …Continue reading »
Score 9
Raleigh RX Pro cyclocross bike
November 15, 2014
Raleigh bring their 125 years of bike building experience to the cyclocross market with the Raleigh RX Pro cyclocross bike …Continue reading »
Score 8
Boardman CXR/9.4 Di2 cyclocross bike
November 12, 2014
The Boardman CXR/9.4 Di2 cyclocross bike is the Boardman Bike's all-singing, all-dancing, top-of-the-range cyclo-cross bike. …Continue reading »
Score 9
Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike
November 16, 2014
The Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike is the manufacturer's top-of-the-range, race-orientated aluminium framed model …Continue reading »
Score 9
Pinnacle Arkose Three Cyclo cross bike
September 16, 2014
Pinnacle Arkose Three Cyclo cross bike that takes care of tarmac or tracks for £999 …Continue reading »
Score 9
Boardman CXR 9.0 Cyclo Cross bike
August 12, 2014
Boardman CXR 9.0 Cyclo Cross bike - £1,599 A serious contender for the do-it-all crown …Continue reading »
Score 9
Fuji Sportif 1.1 Compact
February 21, 2014
Intriguing road offering from Fuji featuring disc brakes, £920 …Continue reading »
Score 9
Cannondale CAADX Tiagra Cyclo cross bike
September 16, 2014
Cannondale CAADX Tiagra Cyclo cross bike costing £999 is a great looking do everything bike …Continue reading »
Score 8
Specialized Crux Elite Cyclo cross bike
April 24, 2013
We test the Specialized Crux Elite Cyclo cross bike and find its to be a great all rounder …Continue reading »
Score 8
Boardman CX Team: First ride
April 25, 2014
Boardman’s latest off-road bike is loaded with CX appeal. It may be a UCI-certified beast, but it’ll also do you …Continue reading »
Ridgeback Advance 7.0: First ride review
April 1, 2014
Andy Lulham returns to his cycling youth on Ridgeback’s triple-chainset range-topper. On paper, it appears to balance the books, but …Continue reading »
Sensa Fermo Cyclo cross bike
February 19, 2014
Sensa's Fermo cyclo-cross offering, with aluminium frame and Ultegra components for £1040 …Continue reading »
Score 7
Eastway CX1.0: First ride review
March 11, 2014
The CX1.0 is the top-of-the-range carbon-fibre cyclo-cross bike from new British brand Eastway …Continue reading »