Cyclocross commuter?
#1
we be rollin'
Thread Starter
Cyclocross commuter?
Specialized TriCross
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
#2
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
Or something like this? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...iberty_cxd.htm
or thishttps://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
I have a friend who upgraded from a hybrid that was constantly in the shop to that one and he really likes it.
I have the second one and have put over 1000 miles on it this year alone. great riding/ commuting bike.
or thishttps://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
I have a friend who upgraded from a hybrid that was constantly in the shop to that one and he really likes it.
I have the second one and have put over 1000 miles on it this year alone. great riding/ commuting bike.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,541
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, ANT 3-speed roadster, New Albion Privateer singlespeed, Raleigh One Way singlespeed, Raleigh Professional "retro roadie" rebuild, 198? Fuji(?) franken-5-speed, 1937 Raleigh Tourist, 1952 Raleigh Sports, 1966 Raleigh Sports step-through
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times
in
18 Posts
Bianchi Volpe!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sherwood, OR
Posts: 1,279
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Liked 309 Times
in
180 Posts
Interruptor levers can be installed on any bike, so I would not limit yourself to bikes with cross-top levers pre-installed. I find for a commuter that they are not that useful, and get in the way of the other things that are nice to have in the handlebars (lights, computer, etc.).
I have two cross bikes and a touring bike that I commute on - I would definitely add the Kona and Surly offerings to your list, although most people already know about those. Soma, Gunnar, Rock Lobster, All-City, and many others make nice cross offerings. Marinoni as well, as you are in Canada. If you are buying a cross bike to use as a commuter, make sure that it also has seat stay and fork eyelets in addition to eyelets on the rear dropouts. You'll want fenders on that thing.
I have two cross bikes and a touring bike that I commute on - I would definitely add the Kona and Surly offerings to your list, although most people already know about those. Soma, Gunnar, Rock Lobster, All-City, and many others make nice cross offerings. Marinoni as well, as you are in Canada. If you are buying a cross bike to use as a commuter, make sure that it also has seat stay and fork eyelets in addition to eyelets on the rear dropouts. You'll want fenders on that thing.
#5
Ghost Ryding 24/7
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Canada/604
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Giant Defy with Dura Ace group, & Ksyrium SL's,Specialized Allez Shimano mixed/mashed,2011 Opus Sentiero,2008 Kona Jake the Snake,Custom built track/fixed,Stumpy Hartail,Kuwahara/ET bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
My CX commuter is Opus Sentiero.
I've upgraded to a CF fork & seat post, its heavy compared to my other CXers, but it serves me well.
I've upgraded to a CF fork & seat post, its heavy compared to my other CXers, but it serves me well.
#6
Banned
Brands selling one ? , [back to the I got an [X], and it's great thread ]..
It's a Popular Market Segment Now, hard to find a major Brand without one.
well, if they think they can sell a lot of them, to make it adequately profitable , its Possible ..
It was a FRENCH utility bike wheel size ..Like Porteurs hauled Bundled Newspapers to sales Kiosks.
over beautifully laid down cobbled streets ..
styling after a CX race bike is another thing entirely
It's a Popular Market Segment Now, hard to find a major Brand without one.
What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
It was a FRENCH utility bike wheel size ..Like Porteurs hauled Bundled Newspapers to sales Kiosks.
over beautifully laid down cobbled streets ..
styling after a CX race bike is another thing entirely
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-10-13 at 10:49 AM.
#7
Senior Member
My wife and I have Fuji Cross 3.0 as our commuters.
#8
Ghost Ryding 24/7
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Canada/604
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Giant Defy with Dura Ace group, & Ksyrium SL's,Specialized Allez Shimano mixed/mashed,2011 Opus Sentiero,2008 Kona Jake the Snake,Custom built track/fixed,Stumpy Hartail,Kuwahara/ET bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Like I always say...
CXer's are what hybrids should've been.
Not sure what they were thinking when they came up with hybrids?
They do all exceptionality well.
CXer's are what hybrids should've been.
Not sure what they were thinking when they came up with hybrids?
They do all exceptionality well.
Last edited by Ghost Ryder; 12-09-13 at 11:51 AM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#10
Senior Member
Charge looks good too.
https://www.chargebikes.com/bicycle-collection/plug-4
I think PerformanceBike carries this brand.
https://www.chargebikes.com/bicycle-collection/plug-4
I think PerformanceBike carries this brand.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,862 Times
in
1,439 Posts
You missed my favorite, the Kona Jake:
The 2013 model has a triple, but they switched to double for 2014.
The internal cable routing is a nice feature. I've got about 2200 miles, lots of them in the rain, and I'm still happily using the original cables. I think Tiagra is the sweet spot for commuting components -- very good performance at a reasonable price.
Regarding 650B wheels, if I manufacturer did that, I'd think they were crazy. It limits tire choices and for commuting wheel size really isn't such a critical issue. The only advantage I see of smaller wheels is that it allows better fit for smaller riders. If that's an issue, maybe look into the Salsa Vaya, which has 26" wheels in its smallest sizes.
The 2013 model has a triple, but they switched to double for 2014.
The internal cable routing is a nice feature. I've got about 2200 miles, lots of them in the rain, and I'm still happily using the original cables. I think Tiagra is the sweet spot for commuting components -- very good performance at a reasonable price.
Regarding 650B wheels, if I manufacturer did that, I'd think they were crazy. It limits tire choices and for commuting wheel size really isn't such a critical issue. The only advantage I see of smaller wheels is that it allows better fit for smaller riders. If that's an issue, maybe look into the Salsa Vaya, which has 26" wheels in its smallest sizes.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#12
Ghost Ryding 24/7
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Canada/604
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Giant Defy with Dura Ace group, & Ksyrium SL's,Specialized Allez Shimano mixed/mashed,2011 Opus Sentiero,2008 Kona Jake the Snake,Custom built track/fixed,Stumpy Hartail,Kuwahara/ET bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I believe Surly come in smaller sizes that fit 26" tires too.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#14
bored of "Senior Member"
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: MD / metro DC
Posts: 2,883
Bikes: Cross-Check/Nexus commuter. Several others for various forms of play.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 642 Post(s)
Liked 592 Times
in
453 Posts
Why in the world would you want a triple for your commute? A compact double is a magnificent thing.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
If you're into the SSFG thing, I would recommend my On-One Pompino. A lot of nice touches, including rack and fender bosses. The drawback is that you are limited to 120mm (track standard) rear wheels.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,862 Times
in
1,439 Posts
I want a triple because with a compact double I'm constantly shifting between the big and little rings as I start and stop, whereas with a triple I can leave it in the 39T ring for almost everything, just using the 50T in the rare cases where I feel like pedaling downhill and the 30T in the one case where I need to go up a very steep hill. A 50T ring isn't suitable for starting from a stop, and a 34T ring isn't suitable for my normal cruising speed. Not to mention, 34x28 isn't really low enough for that one hill I've got.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#18
Banned
People act like they cannot change parts, You can get the Bike Shop to upgrade and change things
And add accessories, even before you take it home.. .. service is the difference ..
And add accessories, even before you take it home.. .. service is the difference ..
#19
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
Specialized TriCross
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
I want a Cannondale CAADX. They are available with a higher component spec than some of the others on your list.
Don't forget Giant, they have a few bikes in this category too.
I could take or leave the interrupters and disk brakes, but I like the bigger tires and long wheelbase stability of my Paramount and would like to have them on a modern bike. It's kind of uncanny how the geometry of some of these is a ringer for old 10-speeds.
#20
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I use a CX bike for commuting and light touring (no rear rack but a large Carradice saddle bag). If anyone has found a way to use a handlebar bag with interrupter levers, I'd like to know how you did it. It's a minor gripe when commuting, but for touring a handlebar bag would be great.
--J
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#21
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
Really?
I want a triple because with a compact double I'm constantly shifting between the big and little rings as I start and stop, whereas with a triple I can leave it in the 39T ring for almost everything, just using the 50T in the rare cases where I feel like pedaling downhill and the 30T in the one case where I need to go up a very steep hill. A 50T ring isn't suitable for starting from a stop, and a 34T ring isn't suitable for my normal cruising speed. Not to mention, 34x28 isn't really low enough for that one hill I've got.
I want a triple because with a compact double I'm constantly shifting between the big and little rings as I start and stop, whereas with a triple I can leave it in the 39T ring for almost everything, just using the 50T in the rare cases where I feel like pedaling downhill and the 30T in the one case where I need to go up a very steep hill. A 50T ring isn't suitable for starting from a stop, and a 34T ring isn't suitable for my normal cruising speed. Not to mention, 34x28 isn't really low enough for that one hill I've got.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,742
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,862 Times
in
1,439 Posts
It just depends on overall gearing. If you have that 11-28 cassette with a 50-36 double then the big ring is too big and the small ring isn't small enough. It's race gearing, you're supposed to be pushing all the time. But a 11-34 cassette and a 36 bottom ring will get you about the same low gear you had with the triple.
Anyway, I'm not saying you can't make a compact work. I'm just saying a triple is better. I have yet to hear an argument that convinces me otherwise, with the possible exception of "I want to use SRAM and they don't make triples."
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#23
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,243
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,416 Times
in
2,525 Posts
22 comments and no mention of CrossCheck?
#24
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,341
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6200 Post(s)
Liked 4,198 Times
in
2,355 Posts
Specialized TriCross
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/road/tricross
Trek CrossRip
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/
Opus Spark 3.0
https://opusbike.com/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/spark3
Devinci Tosca S
https://www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_463_scategory_116
Mec 1971
https://www.mec.ca/product/5031-880/m...10+50002+50208
Miele Andiamo
https://www.mielebicycles.com/1242-an...road-bike.html
Schwinn CrossFit
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...l#.UqSTONKOTZM
The Schwinn CrossFit is a bit of an exception as it has a double crankset instead of a triple. However, for the price, you could change the crankset.
All of these bicycles have eyelets for a backrack. I decided to make this list because I find bicycles with cross-top or interrupter brake levers are more convenient than road bikes. And they can also fit larger tires with fenders.
But I have a question for you. What would you think if a manufacturer came out with a cyclocross commuter with 650b wheels?
Any of them would do the job. The Crossfit is probably the worst of the lot, however. Although I'm not a fan of disc, it is nice to see that all of the disc equipped bikes have the caliper mounted on the inside of the rear triangle. That makes rack mounting easier. Now if they would just change the location of the front disc to the other side of the fork so that the brake is pushed into the dropout instead of out of them.
One other caveat: Cross bikes have short wheelbases. If you plan on carrying panniers, you may run into problems with heel strike on anything but the smallest pannier. I only use a rack bag with my cross bike which isn't all bad since it limits the amount if stuff I can carry.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 596
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Unless I wanted to use the 11-34 with my triple....
Anyway, I'm not saying you can't make a compact work. I'm just saying a triple is better. I have yet to hear an argument that convinces me otherwise, with the possible exception of "I want to use SRAM and they don't make triples."
Anyway, I'm not saying you can't make a compact work. I'm just saying a triple is better. I have yet to hear an argument that convinces me otherwise, with the possible exception of "I want to use SRAM and they don't make triples."
The bike I have been looking at is a gravel grinder and I think it has a 48/34 in the front and a 11-36 in the back, which I think will give me a pretty good range.