This article originally appeared on BikeRadar
The Trek Boone, Cannondale SuperX and Focus Mares are the best cyclo-cross bikes of the 2016-17 season. As with any type of bike, you can buy at a number of price ranges, but here we've focused on high-end cyclo-cross race bikes. For about £3,200 / US$4,000, you can get a top steed with hydraulic discs and usually a SRAM Force CX1 or Shimano Ultegra drivetrain. Many brands also offer the same frames as below with more affordable groups as well.
Our testers rode, raced and scored these six bikes. The Boone 7 Disc earned top marks for its bump-deflecting IsoSpeed Decoupler frame and race-ready details, from the Force CX1 hydraulic group to the tubeless wheels to the integrated Garmin mount. The plush framesets of the new Cannondale SuperX and Focus Mares impressed us, too.
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While hydraulic brakes for road bikes remains a debated issue, it's really a no-brainer for cyclo-cross. Compared to 'cross cantilever brakes in dry conditions, the huge difference in power and modulation is laughable. And in wet conditions, comparing hydraulic disc to cantilevers is like comparing air travel to walking; it's not really fair. So with that considered, discs are the standard for 'cross bikes; it's just a question of your preference for Shimano or SRAM.
We put six bikes through their paces in riding, training and racing
Similarly, some riders prefer 2x systems to 1x for cyclo-cross. We appreciate elements of both. It's nice to be able to make a big change in gearing with a single action at one shifter (at the left), such as right before a hill. But a 1x system simplifies your options; there's no worrying about gear ratios or crosschaining — you just shift one lever up or down.
Trek Boone 7 Disc
- Bump-eating IsoSpeed Decoupler frame
- Force CX1 brakes and drivetrain are a plus
- It's a shame that the bike is fitted with standard clincher tires
Focus Mares Force 1
- Great 'cross race geometry in comfortable carbon layup;
- The wide-range gearing with clutch derailleur is great for 'cross
- The head tube might be too short for some
Cannondale SuperX Ultegra
- The SuperX's premium carbon frame offers excellent ride quality and great handling
- The slimmed down fork is another improvement to this year's bike
- It's a shame that the stock wheelset is not tubeless compatible
Foundry Flyover
- The Foundry Flyover is a responsive, stiff and smooth ride
- Proper specs and a gorgeous finish befitting of titanium
- It's not the lightest or most aggressive bike
Giant TCX Advanced Pro 1
- The TCX Advance Pro 1 is a light, stiff and smooth carbon frame
- Ultegra Di2 shifting is included
- The front brake hose routing is slightly odd
Ridley X-Night SL Disc
- The Ridley comes with a solid parts spec and stiff frame
- Performance is agile particularly on tight courses
- There is a bit of brake rub present
Also consider — Specialized Crux
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