log in
register

Why are cyclocross bikes so much more expensive than similar hybrids?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • March 18, 2014 at 4:17 pm #20974
    dafyddp

    I’ve been looking at jumping on the cyclocross bandwagon recently, and spent sometime trawling the usual sites comparing specs and costs. It strikes me that fundamentally, there’s very little difference in the spec between, say, a £500 hybrid and a £800+ cyclocross. The main differences seem to be the straight vs drop handlebars and the choice of brakes/gear lever that this requires. With so many mainstream companies now producing cyclocross-type bikes, I’m struggling to believe the difference is purely down to the economy of scale…

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 9 replies - 16 through 24 (of 24 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • March 18, 2014 at 8:38 pm #781377
    0
    Super Domestique

    drfabulous0 wrote:Super

    drfabulous0 wrote:
    Super Domestique wrote:
    CX bike = cool.

    Hybrid, well, erm, not cool.

    :B

    A hybrid can be cool if you stick fat tyres on it and call it a 29er.

    ssshhhh I’ve got a 29er B-)

    March 18, 2014 at 8:13 pm #781375
    0
    Super Domestique

    CX bike = cool.
    Hybrid, well,
    CX bike = cool.

    Hybrid, well, erm, not cool.

    :B

    March 18, 2014 at 8:13 pm #781373
    0
    Super Domestique

    CX bike = cool.
    Hybrid, well,
    CX bike = cool.

    Hybrid, well, erm, not cool.

    :B

    March 18, 2014 at 7:40 pm #781371
    0
    mattsccm

    I was going to point for the
    I was going to point for the shifters for a start. Maybe better to compare bikes of the same price and see what you get.

    March 18, 2014 at 5:35 pm #781369
    0
    Dux89

    While a CX bike shares the
    While a CX bike shares the versatility of a hybrid, it is not a hybrid. It’s more of a subset of a road bike, just with a few special versatility-adding dimensions. The biggest difference in price between hybrid and ‘cross bike is coming from the latter’s road bike drivetrain. The CX bike posted above has integrated SRAM Apex shifters, which are on a different, more expensive level on than the thumb shifters on a hybrid.

    March 18, 2014 at 5:16 pm #781367
    0
    dafyddp

    @Gkam84 – hmm, see
    @Gkam84 – hmm, see below…

    @themartincox – that’s what I though originally, but compare these two offerings from Boardman:
    Hybrid – http://bit.ly/1j1q9WZ
    Cyclocross – http://bit.ly/1l0JsUR

    There’s a 0.8kg weight difference
    The CX has carbon forks vs alu on the hybrid
    The gearing is a bit different, but follows a similar combo (SRAM/Microshift)
    Same disc brakes
    Same hubs, different rims
    etc

    The CX might have an edge, but not convinced it’s £400 worth…

    March 18, 2014 at 5:09 pm #781365
    0
    oozaveared

    Keith Bontrager made his
    Keith Bontrager made his famous aphorism about mountain bikes:

    “Strong. Light. Cheap. Pick Two.”

    I think in Cyclo Cross it’s that with stilts on since you have to carry the damn bike up anything you can’t ride up and it takes some abuse.

    March 18, 2014 at 4:30 pm #781363
    0
    themartincox

    I would hazard a guess more
    I would hazard a guess more design work and testing, probably a better material, lighter weight, and probably nicer wheels.

    all potentially little details that can all add up

    March 18, 2014 at 4:30 pm #781361
    0
    Gkam84

    Your first sentence should
    Your first sentence should have explained it all.

    “cyclocross bandwagon”

    BOOM, there is your answer, while it is popular, people are going to cash in.

    Just like when carbon first came out, now the prices have come down.

    It is also because cyclocross bikes are perfect for winter bikes and commuter, this keeps the value up

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 9 replies - 16 through 24 (of 24 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.