Road Vs Cyclocross

torturedsoul

Hi there,
Apologises in advance if this topic has been discussed already. I have trudged through pervious posts and failed to find it, if its there.

Basically heres my story

Started back cycling two months ago, im averaging 100Km a week (some better then other weeks). IM HOOKED and I want to keep pushing myself to get quicker, faster, better etc etc

Im currently cycling a really crap "handmedown" mountain bike on the roads of Cork and Kerry. As ye know Irish roads can be very good too absolute pants. I want a new bike and I'm willing to spend up to 1500. But im finding myself swamped by the range available.

Firstly cyclo cross or Road? Im thinking Road but I do enjoy the mountains on the boarder by coolea so would Cyclocross be a better option?

Here are some of the ones I was looking at

www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Mares_Pro_2010/5360045316/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Mares_Expert_2010/5360045315/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Verenti_Rhigos03/5360048370/

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fisher_road/ionsuper/

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/pilot/pilot20wsd/

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fisher_cyclocross/erwin/

The last three are what im inclined to go for.

Any advice would be great and really really appreciated if ye can help me.

Thanks

Fionn

TinyExplosions

Most of the roads are fine on a Road bike (they aren't as fragile as a lot of people think), so I'd say to go for one of them.

As for which one, I'll say one word... Planet X -the average Boardsies steed of choice!

IM0

at least your living up to your username anyway.

Lumen

torturedsoul wrote: »

Hi there, Apologises in advance if this topic has been discussed already. I have trudged through pervious posts and failed to find it, if its there.

Have a look through a few of the previous cyclocross threads.

If you don't need to cycle off-road, a cyclocross bike is generally overkill; although some are quite practical for road use (having clearance for mudguards and often mounting points for racks) the on-road performance will not be quite up to a dedicated road bike.

torturedsoul

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Most of the roads are fine on a Road bike (they aren't as fragile as a lot of people think), so I'd say to go for one of them.

As for which one, I'll say one word... Planet X -the average Boardsies steed of choice!

Compared to Wiggle? Which one is best? My un-trained eye seems to lean to planet X but why?

Thanks for the advice, links and suggestions. I think the Road bike is the way to go alright.

cheers
notsotortured fionn

blorg

Some cyclocross bikes can be versatile if you want mudguards or a rack to go touring, that sort of thing, but there are compromises compared to a road bike and they are a speciality item. They are also NOT suitable for serious off-road like singletrack while a road bike is more than up for any road in this country.

Get a Planet X, your instinct is the right one, it is the best. Lightest bike with the best components you will get for the money.