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How to choose a gravel bike for cyclocross
With road bike manufacturers now focusing on gravel bikes, the choice of cyclocross bikes has become narrower. In this issue, we summarize how to choose a gravel bike that can also be used for cyclocross.
Modified at: 2023.7.4Posted at: 2023.1.6
Table Of Contents
Differences between gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes
Gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes differ in bike design philosophy due to their different uses.
Cyclocross bikes are designed for racing (cyclocross racing), while gravel bikes are designed for cycling and adventure riding. In other words, the main difference is whether they are race-oriented or not.
The main differences between the two are as follows
- difference in geometry
- differences in the parts installed
While race-oriented cyclocross bikes have a geometry similar to that of road bikes, gravel bikes have a slightly more upright geometry and are designed with wider clearance and wheelbase (distance between wheelbases) to accommodate larger tires such as 40C.
However, there is no dramatic difference, and since both are based on road bikes, it is possible to use a gravel bike for cyclocross.
Tips for choosing a gravel bike that can also be used for cyclocross.
Consider clearance.
In cyclocross racing, UCI rules limit tire width to 33 mm (33C). In contrast, some models of gravel bikes have wider clearances to allow for much larger tires, such as 45C.
Considering that cyclocross races only allow up to 33C, the clearance for 45C is unnecessarily wide, so a frame with a maximum tire size of 35-38C is ideal for cyclocross.
From a gravel bike’s point of view, a clearance of 35C is a bit insufficient, but if you switch to 650B wheels only when riding gravel, you can fit 45C or larger tires.
wheels to consider.
Lightweight aluminum wheels are often chosen over carbon wheels for gravel, where uneven surfaces and foreign objects are often encountered, but carbon wheels are actively used in cyclocross, where the course is known.
Some lightweight carbon wheels weigh less than 1,300g front and rear, making it possible to reduce the weight of even heavy gravel bikes considerably.
Also, if you are using gravel wheels for cyclocross, tubeless wheels, which are increasingly being introduced for gravel wheels, can be optimized for the rough terrain of cyclocross, and you can also aim to save weight for the tube.
Weight also matters.
In road biking, “lightness is justice,” and the same idea applies to cyclocross racing. In gravel bikes, “sturdiness is better than lightness,” but if you want to use a cyclo-cross bike, lightness is also important.
In cyclo-cross, it is normal to carry a bike during a race, and you will have to stop and start repeatedly, so weight will take away from your strength.
In addition, cyclo-cross is a narrow, circular race, so weight reduction is more important than aero effect.
In this sense, if a gravel bike is to be used for cyclocross as well, it is best to use a carbon frame gravel bike with lightweight 650B aluminum wheels for gravel riding and lightweight 700C carbon wheels for cyclocross racing.
Gravel Bike Lightweighting Guide
This is a lightweighting guide for gravel bikes, which have a higher body weight than road bikes, to make them lighter and ride more like road bikes.
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If you want to "lighten up your ride" on a gravel bike with a heavy body weight, the best way is to lighten the body weight. We have compiled a list of ways to lighten the weight of your gravel bike and cost-effective upgrades.
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