I am confused about sizing for a CX bike. How do you work out frame size as I am given to believe frame sizes are not the same as for road bikes... but I have made little progress trying to find out what to do.
I have posted on ukcyclocross but they aren't as active as STW.
IME the sizing is the same i.e. a x cm bike will have a x cm top tube and seat tube (c - c).
As for what works, the head tube will be taller as the bb is higher. I've heard it said that you should get a smaller frame than normal for standover height and a slightly more upright position.
Odd that most cx frames have horiz top tubes, I guess it's a conservative area of cycling.
Horizontal top-tube to ease shouldering the bike - no good with a compact.Hardly think that cross riding is conservative!
most cross frames have horiz top tubes to create more space making it easier to get the bike on your shoulder.
for racing, the frame should be as close as possible to your road frame, especially the top-tube length. for general off road use, a size smaller is common, but not more than 2cm otherwise the bike will feel cramped
EDIT: D'oh should have typed quicker.
modern cross isn't that conservative either.... (caution, willy waving)
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i ride same as my road bike infact road is 550mm and my two cx are 555mm and 560mm but they have shorter stems on than my road bike so both cx are a little shorter in reach but not much
Same-ish size as my road bike (since brand differ) - key thing is the top tube which is abou 1cm shorter on my cx but the stem is also about 3cm shorter.
My road bikes have TTs that are 59 and 60cm c2c. The bike I have been lusting after has a TT of 59 cm in a 64cm frame and 585 in a 62cm. It was suggested that I go for the 64cm as the head tune is much taller for only a tiny difference in TT length.
[url] http://www.cube.eu/road/x-race/x-race-comp/ [/url]
Any thoughts?
I guess it depends on use, I wouldn't want a higher frame, I wouldn't race though so not shouldering.
230mm headtube on the 64?!!
how tall are you? I'd suggest the 62cm unless you are taller than about 6'5"
About 10-15mm shorter top tube than your road bike is normal. I've just built up a new frame to replace my bmc which I've never been happy with. First race tomorrow :o)
My frame doesn't look too conservative either with triangular carbon tubes...
Similar size to me I guess. I'd go smaller on the basis that the 64 will look like a complete gate and offers no real advantage for me at least.
leggyblonde I am a shade under 6ft 4ins. Shorter leg/longer body configuration... but not that short!
Wow 230mm headtube - that will give you vertigo!
The 62cm frame with a 180mm headtube sounds better to me.
Edit; Thinking that must an error in the specs as it's totally out of proportion with the other sizes.
Well spotted Coleman. I went "next door" to the more expensive version [url] http://www.cube.eu/road/x-race/x-race-pro/ [/url] and the measurements are quite different.
Looking more like a 62cm now really!
Good looking bike there slowjo.
I think the 64cm specs are all wrong, as it also has a shorter seat tube than the 62cm.
Don't worry about the sloping top tube. I ride a Giant with semi compact geometry and is ok to shoulder.
Ride a 56cm Road Bike, and a 54cm CX..
120mm stem on the road bike, and 90mm on the CX..
Could hardly describe what I do as "Racing" mind... 😳
i ride a 19inch mountain bike (hardtail) a 56cm CX bike, 56cm fixed gear road bike (long cranks) and a 61cm road bike. I'm 6ft 1 an have 34 inch leg.
As above CX normally a little smaller than normal road bike, think more like mountain bike if fitted properly (not a bit small but with the seat up like we all ride!)
I have just been on the 'phone to the guy in the shop. He agrees that the figures look a little strange. I'm erring strongly towards the 62cm now.
Thank you chaps.:)