You can get a 9KG cross bike with disc brakes that takes up to 50MM tyres, or 23MM road tyres, compact chainset 50 34 and a rear cassette of 11 - 25 so its pretty well set up for the road too. I would have bought myself one recently but ended up with a 8KG road bike simply as it was 150 quid cheaper and I am counting the pennies the last few years.
Cross bikes make a lot of sense, a little bit easier geometry so comfy enough. And with carbon fibre frames stiff enough for most peoples needs, lets face it most of us are getting on a bit and 1 kG more in bike weight is nothing compared to the extra kilos most of us carry , probably on our bellies (of course I speak for my self)
Put that way - they do make sense.
Without any front suspension travel, you can surely only do light trail work ?
Some of the routes I go through the front suspension is at full travel and the mtb bike gets a hammering, not sure I would even contemplate it on a cyclo-cross.
Will get a try on one regardless
