CX vs. gravel BB height
#1
CX vs. gravel BB height
I've been chatting with a customer rep about BB heights on their CX and gravel bikes. I'm confused as to their replies. Per our conversation, their BB are lower on the CX frames. I thought they would be higher for clearance on CX and lower on gravel for stability.
#2
Senior Member
Yeah that doesn't sound right. Which manufacturer? Maybe you can look up their geo charts to confirm?
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,863
Bikes: too many of all kinds
Liked 415 Times
in
335 Posts
Well, the current fashion is always changing, but typically what I see is
road bikes ~70mm.
CX bikes <70mm,
Gravel bikes >70mm drop (i.e. lower than CX)
(track bike 50mm).
low long and slack is the current trend in mountain bikes, and gravel bikes seem to be following suite...
road bikes ~70mm.
CX bikes <70mm,
Gravel bikes >70mm drop (i.e. lower than CX)
(track bike 50mm).
low long and slack is the current trend in mountain bikes, and gravel bikes seem to be following suite...
#4
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331
Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2
Liked 407 Times
in
255 Posts
Make sure you keep straight BB "height" and "drop". I could believe a gravel bike would have a higher BB than a CX bike. How? Tire size.
You make 2 frames both with 65mm BB drop....but one fitted with a 700x33mm CX tire, and the other with a 700x40 or 700x45mm gravel tire. Ta-da. The "gravel" bike has a (much) higher BB as measured from the ground. Why? Because bigger tire lifts the BB higher off the ground.
BB clearance/height is all about the tire size used when measured.
You make 2 frames both with 65mm BB drop....but one fitted with a 700x33mm CX tire, and the other with a 700x40 or 700x45mm gravel tire. Ta-da. The "gravel" bike has a (much) higher BB as measured from the ground. Why? Because bigger tire lifts the BB higher off the ground.
BB clearance/height is all about the tire size used when measured.
#5
Senior Member
Make sure you keep straight BB "height" and "drop". I could believe a gravel bike would have a higher BB than a CX bike. How? Tire size.
You make 2 frames both with 65mm BB drop....but one fitted with a 700x33mm CX tire, and the other with a 700x40 or 700x45mm gravel tire. Ta-da. The "gravel" bike has a (much) higher BB as measured from the ground. Why? Because bigger tire lifts the BB higher off the ground.
BB clearance/height is all about the tire size used when measured.
You make 2 frames both with 65mm BB drop....but one fitted with a 700x33mm CX tire, and the other with a 700x40 or 700x45mm gravel tire. Ta-da. The "gravel" bike has a (much) higher BB as measured from the ground. Why? Because bigger tire lifts the BB higher off the ground.
BB clearance/height is all about the tire size used when measured.
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird