I welcome everyone's comments, but hope to here from Jon as I know he rides his cross bike a lot. I'm looking for a new bike that I can use to ride the gravel grinder rides in Kansas, as well as dirt roads around my home in Oklahoma. Would you recommend the Psychlo X for this type of riding? Do you know the max tire clearance for the Psychlo X. Also, I currently ride a 56 Vamoots and really like the geometry; particularly the taller head tube which provides a more upright comfortable position for me. I've noticed many cross bikes, including the Psychlo X have a longer top tube and shorter head tubes when comparing equal sizes. How do you size a cross frame? Would you look to the same size as your road bike or go down a size? I want to avoid a stretched out position on the bike, as well as tall stack height between the head tube and stem. Jon, if you're willing to share, how does the frame size differ between your road bike and cross bike? What would be your recommendations when sizing a cross bike in comparison to a comfortable 56 Vamoots?
-
29ner
MemberThis is an easy one and I hope Jon concours - don't get a 'size' bike, get the right sized bike. If you are comfortable on your current 56, match the top tube and head tube to the comparible crosser. (Which I believe you will find as a size smaller in the VaMoots). Comparing the Cross to the VaMoots is tricky as the cross (either model) is a performance oriented frame (long and low) - the VaMoots is more laid back for sure. A better comparison would be the CR or RSL. I think if you look at those two models, the specs will be much more 'even'.
Reading your description, I have absolutely no doubt a cross bike would be great fun on those roads - they scream 'cyclocross'.
I've no idea max tire clearance - a 34mm for sure - don't know about more than that.
Moots will put a longer head tube on (within reason - call them) for no extra. No change in geometry....just taller. Any geometry change inccurs an upcharge.
The wheelbase makes a huge difference, they are definately longer than any roadie. Canti studs or disc mounts, top tube routed cables, 's' bend stays, with or without the chainstay bridge, standard/BB30 (upcharge), 1 1/8" or 44mm headtube (upcharge on the regular cross???), DI2 routing if wanted. They rock - cross bikes do it all and Moots do it even better.
Back to the size - easy, match your VaMoots to what is available 'stock'. Any minor discrepancy is an easy saddle position, stem difference, etc. Also, look at the BB drop - that can play a big role in feel on the crosser vs a roadie.
Usually a bit higher brake/shift hood position, lower gearing, mountain bike pedals, (I like) wider handlebar, and (I like) a tad shorter stem.Custom is always an option - but if you fit a stock VaMoots, I'd bet the farm a stock cross will fit. Welcome to cross.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Mike,
Good questions and I believe I have some good answers for you.29er is correct is saying you should match you PX fit to that of your Vamoots. Some people say if sizing a cross bike you go down a full "size".....I don't subscribe to this method myself. I like to use my cross bike for everything, including racing, dirt roads, road rides, commuting... There are a couple of things to keep in mind....
If you are loving the current model Vamoots in a 56cm you would have a 56cm top tube. Easy enough to match that top tube lenght in what we call our 55cm PX. The head tube however is shorter, which you have to understand you will be adding a 1cm cable hanger under the stem right off the bat. That will get you closer to your fit you have now, but not exact....You could go up a size in head tube to the 14.5cm out of the 56. Again, you would run a cable hanger under the stem, or even if you do not and you go the route of the crown mounted stop, you will have a sane amount of spacers under stem to achieve the same fit. The 55cm PX would have a 55cm c-t seat tube which is not a huge concern....
Tire clearance....this all depends on the maker of the tire....a 34c tubular fits great, now I now most don't run tubulars for general riding, but this tire is very large and a good gauge of max capacity of the PX which will let you run most 34c to 35c clinchers without worry.
For the riding you are describing I could not think of a better bike for the job. I know some of those roads in northern Oklahoma as I went to OSU back in the day....
I hope this helps out... just writing about this type of riding has me looking out the window feeling the need to bag a huge gravel adventure....soon.
Thanks,
Jon@Moots
Posted 10 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.