Cyclocross bikes differ from regular road bikes in a few ways. The frame's rear triangle and fork are designed to allow greater clearance for wider tires and to help decrease mud buildup. The bikes use cantilever brakes for better control in messy conditions, as well as to better handle mud. In terms of weight, cross bikes are typically somewhere between road bikes and lighter weight mountain bikes. Cyclocross bikes are specifically designed to handle messy conditions. They also allow rides to having to dismount/remount frequently and are built to handle the abuse a cyclocross course dishes out.
Swobo Crosby
The Crosby is unique in that it can be adapted for the various rides, from a fixed gear to full cross bike. The aluminum frames top tube has a flat underside for easier shouldering. The SRAM torpedo hub is designed to convert from fixed gear to to free wheel without the need to remove the wheel, which easy and efficient. This is a great bike for just under $1,000 dollars.
Specialized Tricross Comp Double
The Tricross is a great all-around bike that can handle it's share of mud. The bike is akin to a racing horse, it has longer stays and wheelbase, a more slack head angle and a lower bottom bracket, which makes it a mellower ride to handle. It also comes with mounts for either a fender or a rack. Specialized designed the bike to be durable, handle well and take on any challenges.
Stevens Bikes Carbon Team Ultegra
Stevens is a German-based company that is well known for it's cross bikes. The Carbon Team features a carbon frame with a low bottom bracket for handling tight corners, short chainstays for quick changes of speed, and a top tube that is a touch slanted to help with quick dismounts/remounts as well as shouldering. The frame is a tad on the heavy side at 1,235 g, but Stevens is factoring in heft and durability to account for the weight.
Cannondale CX Red
The CX Red is a true cyclocross high-end racing bike featuring top quality components. It has a Hollogram Si SL BB30 cyclocross crank, SRAM Red drivetrain and Mavic Ksyruim tubular wheels. The frame is alloy aluminum, so it will not cost an arm and leg to repair. A unique feature is the CX comes in seven fits not five like most major brands cross bikes.
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