Best Cyclocross Bikes of 2023 | 9 highest rated CX bikes (2023)

These are the best cyclocross wheels to buy in 2023 as rated by our expert testers.

cyclocross raceIt has been around since the turn of the century and CX is now a very well established sport.

But as far as bicycles go, it has never stopped evolving, especially in recent years, with the explosion of ever more advanced carbon fiber constructions becoming more and more popular.disc brakesand a change totubeless tires.

Lower priced cyclocross bikes were often seen as not only racing machines but also general workhorses, with shared rack and fender mounts, often more street-facing gearing, and occasionally compromised styling. when walking. It's all about flat CX racing.

However, when it comes to overall versatility, thebest gravel bikesThey have largely replaced cyclocross bikes now, and this has also restored some of their racing purity to some of the newer CX bikes. Take a look at our complete comparison guide.Schotterräder vs. Cyclocrossfor more.

Of course you can still easily convert a CX bike for training,tripÖdrive gravelUse with an exchangecyclocross tiresmore appropriatelygravel tires.

cannondale superx apex

• £2,500 as tested (TBC international prices)
• An ideal bike for the first race
• Top-Kit
• ordered box

Although this frameset was released a few years ago, it remains one of the most successful cyclocross bikes thanks to its range of specifications perfectly suited to modern cyclocross racing.

This particular model has been discontinued with a Shimano GRX-equipped model taking its place, but the frame remains the same as before.

Relaxed geometry (71-degree steering angle) inspires confidence over rough terrain or long, fast descents.

Overall, the bike's fantastic frame and very affordable price opens the door to excellence and the bike is a great starting point for upgrades.

• Read the full Cannondale SuperX Apex review

Gigante TCX Advanced Pro2

Cycling Plus

• £ 2299 / $ 2995 / $ 3499
• convenient and fast
• Rennen ready for use
• team evaluated

The TCX has been around for several years, offering race-grade technology at a more affordable price due to the trickle-down effect.

The TCX has a serviceable-looking fork and frame, and is equipped with CX kit like SRAM's Rival 1 shifter, Apex 1 brakes, and a mix of Giant-branded components.

The frame profile gives the bike flexibility and stiffness where it's needed most. The slim top tube profile and triangular chainstay increase comfort and flexibility over rough terrain.

Overall, the bike has great balance and its performance is easy to tune. It's a bike you just want to keep riding: a true performance bike.

• Read the full Giant TCX Advanced Pro2 review

Specialist specialized in CruX

• £4,250 / $4,700 / AU$ N/A
• particularly light
• Clearance for 40 mm tires
• excellent specification

Specialized uses the same FACT 11r carbon frame and FACT 11r carbon fork as the other carbon models in the lineup, and claims its 56cm CX frame weighs just 900g. This is an impressive number and is 400g lighter than the previous model.

It is equipped with a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain mated to Praxis Zayante carbon cranks. The wheels are also carbon, Roval's C 38 rims are mated to DT Swiss 350 hubs, and with this component spec, the bike's total weight is 7.72 kg.

The bike's geometry walks a fine line between stability and agility, and small changes in riding position don't cause big changes in trajectory. Tire clearance is perfect and you can even fit a 40mm tire if you like.

• Read the full Specialized CruX Expert review

Vitus Energie EVO CRS

• £ 3499 / $ 4299,99 / € 3999,99 / AU $ 5999,99
• Great value for money
• super versatile
• Excellent 'cross construction'

Vitus has redesigned its Energie EVO cyclocross bike for 2021 and this top-of-the-line Force eTap model is a very capable bike, with a quality build and versatile frame that can be used in just about any discipline.

The spec is perfect for cyclocross racing, but with great ground clearance the bike will make a perfect gravel bike too. Add in bumper mounts and Vitus has a winner.

• Read the full Vitus Energie EVO CRS review

Boardman CXR 9.2

Cycling Plus

• £2399/$N/Z/AU$N/Z
• at a reasonable price
• Fáhig out of the box
• SRAM Force transmission and disc brakes

The redesigned CXR frame gives the bike more tire clearance and better handling. All bikes in the CXR range share the same C10 carbon frame and construction.

The bike comes with a 1x SRAM Force 1 drivetrain and 160mm disc brakes, but the frame is compatible with 2x systems if you're so inclined.

The 11-36t cassette is paired with a 40t chainring and we find this setup perfectly suited to conquering anything a CX course can throw at you.

With a total weight of 8.23 ​​kg, the CXR 9.2 is as fast and willing as any competent CX racer. It's a well-equipped, light and agile road bike that won't break the bank.

• Read the full Boardman CXR 9.2 review

Merida Mission CX8000

• £3,600 / $N/A / AU$5,000
• Excellent driving quality
• Serious race-ready performance
• added versatility

Merida's Mission CX 8000 doesn't offer the best value for money on this list, but it is a serious race bike that offers great ride quality with precise handling and excellent stability and control.

A competitive 7.76 kg weight, ample tire clearance and a set of premium DT alloy wheels add to the Mission's appeal.

The gear ratios on its SRAM Force 1 groupset are perfect for serious cross racing, but with fenders installed and minor tweaks, the Mission 8000 CX could be useful for much more than treadmill time.

• Read the full Merida Mission CX 8000 review

Ribble CX SL Pro

• £ 3.249/3.462$ / 5.800$
• Clean, race-ready construction
• good tire clearance
• beautiful clean lines

The Ribble CX SL is available in three different versions: Sport, Enthusiast and Pro. Each model shares the same £1,200 frameset, with each trim tailored to different price ranges.

We tested state-of-the-art Pro construction, designed specifically for life between course marker tapes. This includes tube tires that sacrifice comfort but are a must have for traditional cross riders.

• Read the full Ribble CX SL Pro review

Ribble CX5

• £2,104 (as tested) TBC international price
• Decent for road use
• great value
• customizable specifications

The Ribble CX5 is an affordable and capable dirt bike with added street versatility thanks to the fender mounts.

The build we tested included SRAM's Force 1 groupset, Mavic Aksium Disc wheels, and the Deda trim kit, though you can configure a build to suit your needs and budget. Our big CX5 test bike tipped the scales at a respectable 8.39kg.

If we're being picky, our test bike's 42-ring 11-32 cassette was a little high for most dirt riders, but fine for street use.

• Read the full Ribble CX5 review

Trek Crockett 7

Cycling Plus

• £2,500 / $2,929 / AU$ N/A
• excellent specification
• large aluminum frame
• impressively light weight

The all-aluminum Crockett frame is mated to an IsoSpeed ​​carbon fork, which is one of Trek's most proven designs and adds just enough flexibility and stability to the bike's pedaling.

The bike features SRAM's Force 1 groupset, though Trek replaced the cranks with a set of Praxis Albas and a direct-mount narrow-and-wide 40-tooth chainring. The rest of the bike kit is handled by Trek's internals brand, Bontrager.

The Crockett feels like a tight road bike, but the 72-degree head angle and 73.6-degree seat angles help make it comfortable almost anywhere.

The light weight of 8.6 kg is impressive for an almost all aluminum bike, and the Crockett will have you considering the relative merits of more exotic frame materials.

• Read the full Trek Crockett 7 review

also consider

• Focus mothers 6.9
• Specialized Crux E5 Sport
• Check out all our latest cyclocross bike reviews