To the casual observer, a cyclocross bike will appear very similar to a road bike. Both have skinny tires, several gears, low-profile seats and fairly light-weight frames. If you are contemplating buying a cyclocross or road bike, consider your riding goals and the bikes' differences in function, frame, features and cost.
Function
A cyclocross bike is meant for cyclocross riding --- racing which involves fast speeds on technical, off-road terrain including hills, muddy trails and tight tree-lined paths. Cyclocross bikes are meant to be strong and minimalistic. A road bike is meant only for riding on smooth, usually paved surfaces. Road bikes are designed to carry riders at high speeds over long distances. Cyclocross bikes can be used on the road, but it is a waste of their features, the CoachLevi website warns. Road bikes should never be used off-road because it can damage their more sensitive components.
Frame
A cyclocross frame is usually made out of steel and designed for maximum strength. This strength is required to deal with the impact of crashes, bumps and jumps. A road bike frame is usually made out of either thin steel or aluminum. Road bike frames are designed to be as lightweight as possible so the rider's power is not wasted propelling extra frame weight. Riding a cyclocross frame on the road will cost you speed and power; riding a road bike frame on a cyclocross trail may crack or dent the frame.
Features
Because they are meant for different purposes, road bikes and cyclocross bikes have very different feature sets. Road bikes have mounts for water bottles, fenders, racks, lights and reflectors. Cyclocross bikes neglect these mounts, CoachLevi explains, because the equipment is not necessary during cyclocross races and the mounts can make the frame weaker. Cyclocross bikes generally use larger tires, special raised brakes and shorter crank-sets to improve ground clearance. Cyclocross components are usually heavier and more sturdy, while road bike components are lighter and more precise.
Cost
One of the biggest differences between road and cyclocross bikes is cost. Cyclocross bikes are for a specific purpose --- namely, cyclocross racing. Because of this, companies that make cyclocross bikes outfit them to be race-ready, with high-quality components and beefy materials. Road bikes are used by a far wider customer range, from world class athletes like Lance Armstrong to newspaper delivery boys. While road bikes can start as low as $300, it's unusual as of 2011 to find a cyclocross bike for less than $1,000. If you are interested in cyclocross bikes, consider a light mountain bike as an affordable alternative.
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