bjjoondo 

Just curious about how many in this topic area use a cross bike as a "all arounder" and not for racing?? I have two hybrids, one is set up for everyday utility usage and I've been thinking about trading it in on a cyclocross bike to use as my, everyday-utility machine. I'm 50+ shaped like a pear with two forms of arthitis so racing is not in the cards. So, LOL, just let me know I'am not the only weirdo doing this thanks!

Andy_K 

I've got several cyclocross bikes. One of them (2008 Kona Major Jake) is a full time CX race bike. Another (2008 Kona Jake) is mostly sticking around because I've got sentimental attachment to it -- I've used it for everything from CX racing to commuting to century rides. A third (2013 Kona Jake) is my full-time commuter.

It seems like the majority of people on bike forums who are interested in cyclocross bikes want them mostly as all-around/utility bikes. CX racers, however, are a fanatic and very vocal group. I bought my first CX bike for commuting, and only later discovered CX racing and became one of the fanatics. The key thing to recognize is that generally the entry-level CX bikes are better for all-around use than the pricier models.

Barrettscv 

I began using Cyclocross bikes for weight-loss and fun, I'm also 50+.

I don't race, but I do like Cyclocross bikes for all types of cycling. I've completed a few dozen century rides on Cyclocross bikes. I'll also take my Cyclocross bikes on gravel roads and trails. My Cyclocross bikes accept a wide range of tire sizes and will except fenders and racks.

Mostly, I enjoy cycling and I travel a wide range of routes and conditions;

KonAaron Snake 

You're not...my cross bike is my all arounder'. I find myself using the touring bike less and less as a commuter now that I have it.

caloso

My SSCX is my race it on Sunday, commute it on Monday bike. Can't beat it.

CliftonGK1

I have a 2008 Cross-Check set up as my distance/commuter bike and an RL Conquest Pro as my racer. The racer is all stripped down and as carbonified and light as I can make it. The commuter is all fendered and racked out with a generator hub and Carradice bags.
If that's "weird", then so be it, I'm a weirdo.

bigbenaugust 

I have two. One singlespeed, one geared. Who has time for racing?? I keep racks on both of them and use them for everything from errands to centuries, both on- and moderately-off-road.

Andy_K 

Them's some mighty fine looking roads you're riding on. I'm jealous. They keep paving everything around here that isn't being farmed.

fietsbob

I have a Cross Bike, never raced , but since what makes it a specialist Cross frame,
no mudguard or rack mount fittings,

I tend to ride the bike that fits mudguards
and has a rack to carry stuff.

there are Tons of bikes of various Brands that are using the Cross/touring type wheels,
But are fitted out to be a Practical daily Year around transportation bike..

That your race finishing Resume? all Firsts? color me skeptical

starjag

I approve the Kona Jake suggestion for a great all-around/utility. Great value!

johnread

I bought a Specialized Crux specifically for an all-around bike. I wanted the ability to run wider tires that would withstand knocking around on city streets but was still fast enough to be a good fitness bike. I have been very pleased. It's light, responsive, and pretty bulletproof around town.

starjag

Does it have eyelets for fenders?

johnread

The Crux does not have eyelets. But the Specialized TriCross might be an alternative. It has eyelets, a little more relaxed geometry, and is also a little less expensive.

bjjoondo 

Thanks all, looks like I'm in good company! I'm looking at a Jamis Nova Sport, their entry level model, that should do the job well and the wife will still love me, cost wise, LOL! Happy Holidays to all!

Dux89

Definitely an all-arounder here. Might try to get into a race or two next year, but in the meantime, my Jake has been great on the road and on trails.

How tall of a pear are you? If you're 6'1" or taller, Kona still had some 59cm 2012 Jakes in stock last I checked. You could probably get one with a big discount from a dealer if the factory still has any. I got mine for $900, MSRP was $1100.

IthaDan 

Four season commuter detail for my srampagano equipped motor bacon. Love this thing.

SnowJob

I use my cross bike for commuting, recreational road riding, and grocery getting. I also use it for racing.

When cross racing season rolls around I remove the Brooks b17 for a racier saddle, and I take off the T-servs and put on some cross tires. I also switch out my riser stem for a 0 rise. Cross bikes make great all-rounders!

Here's my traitor set up for recreational riding:

futuregrace

I have a 2010 Robin's Egg Blue Surly Cross Check that I have never raced, but ride all over town. I commute sometimes, ride with family, friends, off-road, gravel, mountain bike trails, everything. Love it so much. I call it my Country Cross Bike. It's comfy, speedy and tough as can be. You can check it out in this blog post I wrote about all the adventures I had on it this year.

https://www.houghfamilyblog.com/?p=5617

Edonis13

i have a work transfer going into effect on the first which will have me working 22 miles from home instead of 105 miles. my cx bike will be taking up commuter duties, so im in the process of getting it outfitted for the task.

bruce19

I am new to cross bikes recently having bought a Raleigh RX 1.0 for local rail/trails. It's the most fun I've had on a bicycle. I love my Raleigh and it looks cool too.

https://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2011-road/rx1-11/

Ghost Ryder

CX bike are the best "do all" bikes IMO.
I own 3, & I find myself on my CXers the majority of the year.
My roadie only comes out in the summer when I know I'll have long stretches of dry weather.
I'll pull out my 29er when the snow/ice gets too sketchy for the thinner tires.

CACycling

As others have noted, they make great all-arounders.

Nole302

Here's my all-arounder cross bike. Commuting, light touring, and hopefully a cross race or two just because.

frantik

I've been riding and have had lots of interest in old school rigid mountain bikes and converting them to road use. My 1986 Diamondback is set up more for road use than off-roading. My 1988 Univega might be called a "monster-cross" bike.. it's way too heavy to race in cyclocross but it handles most types of terrain without any problems.. pavement, grass, dirt, it's all the same.

Being interested in old mtbs, I'm used to and prefer cantilever brakes, horizontal top tubes and no suspension. One day at the LBS I saw this carbon cross bike. I hadn't seen a new bike with cantis in a while so I was surprised. I hella wanted that bike!

since then i've been searching CL for "cross" a little more often, and had been interested in finding a lightweight frame that took 700c wheels and cantis. I recently got a good deal on a single speed "cross" bike that can accept fat tires, a rack and fenders. I was thinking about setting it up as a utility bike but am not 100% sure since the other bikes I have are even better suited for it

Cross bikes seem to be the high end/race version of the "hybrid" segment..

marqueemoon

I have a Cross Check. It has different kinds of filth on it than my race bikes.