12-26-2017, 10:20 PM
A CX bike is definitely closer to a road bike than a mountain bike, but there are a few key differences. Principally clearance for larger tires (33mm max per UCI rules, but often more if you're not racing), different brakes (traditionally cantilever, but now almost always disc) for clearing mud, and generally easier gearing. There are also some differences in geometry as well, but that can vary quite a bit depending on the bike.
Rather than try to explain what cyclocross is, I'll just link a video. They've become popular as all-rounder bikes, but a lot of brands now have dedicated gravel-grinder models that are probably more appropriate for most people. The main point in my post above was that you don't necessarily need a MTB to go on MTB trails, though it certainly helps.
Rather than try to explain what cyclocross is, I'll just link a video. They've become popular as all-rounder bikes, but a lot of brands now have dedicated gravel-grinder models that are probably more appropriate for most people. The main point in my post above was that you don't necessarily need a MTB to go on MTB trails, though it certainly helps.