I was thinking of getting a cyclocross bike for our winter shop rides on the C&O canal, and then to do double duty as a touring bike. My wife and I are planning on riding the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. this spring. So it's off-road touring, and I thought the Cyclocross would be a good ride for it. Thoughts???
Cross bikes make excellent touring bikes. They have the frame and brake clearance to run fenders, can support a wide range of tires and usually have plenty of eyelets to attach things to.
A touring bike would be a fine addition to the stable, but for now I'm looking for something to also use for the C&O Canal shop rides. These rides are fast and there's no way I would be able to keep up on my mountain bike; same is true of a touring bike. So to answer your question: versatility.
I would think a cyclecross bike would make a great touring bike, I'm with you as well.. I love the cyclecross bikes, and if it wasn't for my cycling money being tight thats what I'd have using as a commuter
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CX is an excellant option. If you do go down that road make sure the bike has a crank with at least a 50 tooth chain wheel. You may have a hard time keeping up with a smaller chain wheel on the group rides.
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