Cyclo-Cross Bicycle vs. Road Racing Bicycle

The main differences lie in the frame of the bicycle itself. Cyclo-cross bikes have wider clearances and are equipped with cantilever brakes. Because there is a segment in cyclo racing that requires the biker to man handle the bike over portage sections, the upper right side of the top tube is also installed with a rear brake cable not found on your generic road racing bicycle. While the latter bikes are equipped with front brakes connected to the left brake, the opposite is true for the cyclo-cross bicycles which have the right brake as the front brake.

The tyres on cyclo-cross bicycles are also relatively knobbier at about a mere 700c width to allow better movement on unpaved roads and unmarked trails. Other than that, one other differing factor is that cyclo-cross bicycles also come installed with lower gears to help in steep climbs and high altitude areas.

carbon road bicycle wheels

clincher wheels

tubular wheels