Cross bike on a road course

I have a heavy steel cross bike that would suck for racing but I think a lighter one would be fine for one race. I love my cross bike for commuting, sloppy weather and dirt roads.

While I can't speak to how it will work on the Alcatraz course, a guy I ride with, who is a cyclist, has done just that with his Crux. He swaps out wheels for cx/gravel and for road riding - and it hasn't slowed him down any.

And as for getting a cross bike, for me it was one of the best bike-related purchases I've made. It's my favourite bike to ride. It works as a commuter, I do cx in the fall, and I'm crushing gravel with it for the majority of my long rides (other than the few obligatory spins on the tri bike to keep my aero muscles more or less happy).

bought a cross bike off of CL a few years ago. I've got two wheel sets and three set of tires depending on where I'm riding. Probably use my road set for 80% of my riding.

From what I have read of that course, I think you will be fine. I have a Specialized Tricross comp, the higher end of the lower end cross bikes. It's a 2009, I think, and I believe they had yet to release the Crux. It has Ultegra components. It is an awesome all around bike. I did my first tri on it (an Oly, swapped 25mm tires for it), I did a cross race for the first time last fall (swapped back to knobbies), and I ride it all over town and on long rides as well. I have a Bianchi road bike and the cross bike isn't as fast or responsive, but it is such a great bike and bulletproof. Mine has carbon chainstays in addition to the fork, and an aluminum frame. It's comparatively very light.

I will add to the CX love. I have a Cannondale Caadx and use it for everything from towing my son in a Chariot to road cycling with extra set of wheels and tires. Best cycling investment I have made. I love the versatility.

I love my cross bike. I have an 09' Specialized Singlecross. I wanted something for quick rides, errands, relaxed spins with the gf, and something I could beat up and not feel bad about leaving some dirt on it.

I wish I had disks but I'd say go for the cross bike, I went single speed for the simplicity and low maintenance, it's the perfect bike for what I wanted and if can still hit the less technical off road trails!







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Other than a track bike, my only bike is a Ti cross bike. I got it for long distance rides since it's tough and can take racks/fenders if needed. I've used it for 40-mile club rides up to 1000K rides and it's been a champ.

When I got into Tri's back in Sept of '12, I just used it (it's got clip-on UCI style aerobars) for my races. While I'd like a TT/Tri bike, I've just never gotten around to getting one. I've been in one 140.6 and six Olys and have been FOP for the bike legs and actually placed 2nd and 3rd in two of the Olys.

I might've done better w/ a TT bike, but it is what it is. I must admit a sort of childish pleasure in passing guys on $5K bikes with disc wheels, however.

Get the cross bike. They really can be made to do just about anything. Ride a lot and work on the engine.

You all have me convinced! Now, I just need to convince my wife!! She doesn't understand the bike formula N+1.

Count me in as another person with a cross bike as my only bike. I'm not into cycling enough to have more than one bike, so this one is great for casual riding, commuting, and triathlons. I don't care if I lose a few km/hr of speed. I would even do up to a half-IM on this if I get that far (next distance goal is an olympic). (And I passed a guy on a fancy Cervelo in my last tri! )

I have enjoyed this thread a lot. I haven't purchased a bike and have only been borrowing for the tri's I've done. Had been wondering if a CX would be best up front with a latter investment in a TT if I move up in distance or get competitive.