Comments on: What’s the Difference Between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:33:00 +0000

In reply to frankie galdorise. The Wolverine is a good decision! They're really popular long-distance touring bikes in Australia, so I can say with a fair amount of confidence that you'll like it for your trip too. The main downside is that they don't feel as laterally stiff as some of the dedicated touring bikes, but pack a few kilograms lighter on the front and you won't notice. Enjoy!

By: frankie galdorise

frankie galdorise — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:18:00 +0000

Hey Alee, planning a tour from New York to California with a buddy of mine this summer and I’m having lots of trouble deciding on a bike. Right now I’m leaning toward the Soma Wolverine 2.1. I’ve been riding a track bike in the city doing messenger stuff for a few years and I think I’m into the Wolverine because I can rock it single speed and use it as a second work bike when I don’t want to ride fixed. I’m just concerned about whether or not the Wolverine can handle this tour. Or rather, whether or not I can handle the Wolverine on this tour ha. Do you think it can handle the load for a cross country tour? We will be bringing camping gear, cooking gear, etc. Sticking mainly to paved roads. I just want to make sure I’m not going to wish I had invested in a dedicated touring bike. And if you feel that the Wolverine is a bad decision, could you recommend anything for my needs? Thanks a lot in advance Alee!

By: Al Taloma

Al Taloma — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 07:03:00 +0000

Nice article, but a few very important things appear to have been missed. The most important one appears to be apparent top tube-reach length. Some riders prefer an upright position and don’t do well with long top tubes, and many touring bikes now address that, including offering moderate top tube lengths and head tube lengths that place the handlebars above the saddle. Many hybrids and cross bikes seem to feature long top tubes, which strains some riders backs and necks if ridden many long miles over multiple days. Second on my list are toe clips and straps. Many touring riders prefer old school clips and straps, or just clips, versus clip-in pedals. Third on the list are handlebars, with many touring bikes offering either drop bars or trekking bars to gain multiple riding positions for one’s hands. Some bikes come with mountain flat bars and clip on extensions, but these only offer limited hand positions. Fourthly, handlebar grips also are important, with many tourists preferring large diameter foam or contoured grips to spread loads between hands and handlebars out and avoid carpal tunnel problems. I did like the comparisons of geometry and frame durability, but would offer that frame durability is also important for commuting, hence I recommend touring bikes for that use. The similarities between touring and commuting are very close, in that the bike has to take care of its rider, even when they are ill, tired, cold, wet, windblown, overloaded, dizzy, or with any other set of impairments one can think of.

By: Alee | CyclingAbout.com

Alee | CyclingAbout.com — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 21:07:00 +0000

In reply to Andy Morgan. It's a Trek Crossrip LTD from 2014/15. They're a polished aluminium bike.

By: Andy Morgan

Andy Morgan — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 21:07:00 +0000

In reply to Alee | CyclingAbout.com. Thanks Alee, new it look familiar but just place it!

By: Andy Morgan

Andy Morgan — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 20:43:00 +0000

Hey Alee, Any idea what the silver (ti?) bike with the single rear pannier is?

By: Alexander Shevyakov

Alexander Shevyakov — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:23:00 +0000

Thank you for the very informative post! I have been looking at TREK CROSSRIP 3 105 CYCLOCROSS vs TREK 920 as my main touring bike and thought finally to get the former – hoping, eventually, for speed factor. Yet now, I guess, I will take one more closer look to see if this is the choice I want to make.
Appreciate if you have anything to say about TREK CROSSRIP 3 105 CYCLOCROSS – worth for touring?
Thanks again!

By: Christina Beaverson

Christina Beaverson — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 05:54:00 +0000

I am not looking to tour with a weighted bike, however I am looking to pull a significant amount of weight in a trailer and therefore am looking for the ultra-low gear of a touring bike. Since I am not touring for long durations, I am not sure that I require the more relaxed geometry of a touring bike though. Would swapping out the drive train on a cyclocross bike to provide the greater gear ranges be a good option?

By: nest

nest — Thu, 04 May 2017 11:31:00 +0000

Great post! I’ll stick with a cyclocross model as I want to carry little load anyway on a light and fast bike that can handle road and trail as well.

By: Abdalla

Abdalla — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:57:00 +0000

In reply to Alee | CyclingAbout.com.

Thank you so much for the reply. I’m not sure why I haven’t received an email update, though.
I’ve opted for the SKS Bluemels Primus which come with an optional adaptor set -with shorter front u-stays – for mounting on CX/Mountain bikes. I’ve had to remove the fork-mounting bracket on the fender, cover the holes with electrical tape (and spray with waterproofing substance), and drill a new hole to suit the bolt position under the fork.
I’m just waiting for the adaptor to arrive, but so far it’s looking good!