Here are the top seven best cyclocross bikes in 2018. There is a pair of options each from three noteworthy cyclocross bike manufacturers. Your list follows a reverse rating order, finishing with the top pick. In general, cyclocross bikers need a bike that can attack a variety of terrains. They go from paved surfaces, over trails, across the grass, plus up and down steep hills. There are constantly changing obstacles during every ride. That’s why the best cyclocross bike must be able to handle these obstacles, as you will see. Moreover, riders navigate over obstructions, often by dismounting quickly to carry their bikes. As such, this makes lightweight a significant quality. However, there are other important features mentioned as well.
7. Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike
Recommended for: Adult cyclocross and mountain bikers – beginner to intermediate Standout features:
- The Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike has enough features for any novice cyclocross rider, but a price that won’t drain a limited budget.
- There are smart looking, Vitesse Alloy rims that are durable and stylish.
- This is an excellent bike for beginners or advanced riders who want an extra, inexpensive second bike.
The first selection on your list of the best cyclocross bike choices is a Takara model a handcrafted, lightweight Chromoly frame. It received the lowest overall rating but it also has one of the more appealing price tags.
| Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross and mountain bike |
| Frame | 22.5 and 25-inch frame sizes (57 and 63.5 centimeters) |
| Fork | Threadless Uno Alloy fork and stem |
| Suspension | Sealed bearing and hubs with easy-ride suspension |
| Shifters | Precision16-speed Shimano STI shifters |
| Speeds | 16 speeds |
| Wheels | 700cc |
| Derailleur | Shimano RD2300 rear derailleur |
| Rear | Shimano RD2300 |
| Front | N/A |
| Brakes | Integrated front and rear disc brakes |
| Weight | 36 pounds/16.3 kilograms |
6. Retrospec Bicycles AMOK-16 Cyclocross 16 Speed Bike
Recommended for: Cyclocross competitors, mountain bikers, and commuters. Standout features:
- The bottom bracket and hubs are sealed so that bearings are protected from the weather.
- This bike has Kenda small block-8, multi-terrain tires to handle all types of surfaces and road conditions.
- The frame is hand-built and uses double-butted connecting points for added strength.
This is a fantastic bike for commuting or competitive cyclocross. It will allow you to attack any terrain. The Retrospec Bicycles AMOK-16 Cyclocross 16 Speed Bike is the first of two Retrospec options to earn a place on your list of the best cyclocross bike models.
| Retrospec Bicycles AMOK-16 Cyclocross 16 Speed Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross and heavy commuting |
| Frame | Aluminum Alloy -19.7 and 22.8-inch styles (50 and 58 centimeters) |
| Fork | Tig-welded, Chromoly alloy |
| Suspension | Sealed bearing and hubs |
| Shifters | Standard 9-speed thumb control |
| Speeds | 16 speed Claris STI |
| Wheels | 700cc double-walled |
| Derailleur | Shimano Claris STI 16-Speed Derailleur |
| Rear | 2400 Claris drivetrain |
| Front | N/A |
| Brakes | Promax center pull cantilever brakes both front and rear |
| Weight | 34 pounds/15.4 kilograms |
5. Raleigh RX24 Complete Mountain Bike
Recommended for: Small cyclocross riders and mountain bikers Standout features:
- This is a smaller version of the Raleigh cyclocross bikes that provides improved control over rough terrain, for smaller riders.
- While it is a size fitted for younger ages, it is also a viable cyclocross bike for anyone up to 5’9″ tall.
- The Raleigh RX24 Complete Mountain Bike has an SRAM Apex 1×10 speed drivetrain for optimal speed and excellent control.
The next best cyclocross bike is the first choice by Raleigh, a long time respected maker of all styles of bicycles. While this is a mountain bike by description, it has every feature needed for serious cyclocross bikers. It is a great commuter bike as well.
| Raleigh RX24 Complete Mountain Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mountain bike with cyclocross design |
| Frame | Chromoly alloy -24 inch/61 centimeters |
| Fork | Steel with reinforced connections |
| Suspension | Standard |
| Shifters | Standard thumb control |
| Speeds | 10 speeds |
| Wheels | Steel alloy with Kendal cyclocross 24-inch x 1 3/8 inch tires |
| Derailleur | Shimano Altus 10-speed derailleur |
| Rear | Forged rear drop |
| Front | N/A |
| Brakes | Promax mechanical disc brake system |
| Weight | 22.1 pounds/56.1 kilograms |
Related: Best Kick Scooters for Commuting – Top 7 in 2018
4. Retrospec Bicycles AMOK V2 Cyclocross Bike
Recommended for: Cyclocross and off-road mountain biking Standout features:
- Both front and rear bearing hubs are compression-sealed, less pedaling resistance and reduced maintenance.
- The Retrospec Bicycles AMOK V2 Cyclocross Bike has a slanted top tube that makes this cyclocross bike easy to carry.
- By using lightweight, straight handlebars you can exert maximum force for intense power riding.
The 4th best cyclocross bike model is the second choice made by Retrospec. This is a slightly higher-end design best suited for the serious cyclocross enthusiasts, or the beginner who doesn’t want to waste time with a lower-end bike.
| Retrospec Bicycles AMOK V2 Cyclocross Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross, commuting and mountain trails |
| Frame | Chromoly 4130 ultralight, high-tech steel |
| Fork | Double-butted connection with Chromoly alloy fork |
| Suspension | Standard |
| Shifters | Micro shift thumb control |
| Speeds | 9 speeds |
| Wheels | 700C double-wall rims with Kenda small block-8 tires |
| Derailleur | Shimano Altus 9-speed derailleur with a micro shift thumbcontrol |
| Rear | Forged rear drop |
| Front | N/A |
| Brakes | Cantilever brakes, front, and rear |
| Weight | 24 pounds/10.9 kilograms |
3. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo Alternative Road Bike
Recommended for: Cyclocross and mountain biking adventures Standout features:
- This third highest rated choice for the best cyclocross bike model uses road disc alloy fork for precision control.
- The Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo Alternative Road Bike has a frame that handles the rough terrain, but lets you feel relaxed when you ride.
- There are mountain-bike style handlebars with a straight top for cyclocross maneuverability.
Diamondback makes a series of affordable, but quality cyclocross and alternative road bikes. The Haanjo can handle the harshest trail riding conditions. It is a fast bike, yet durable enough for the tough cyclocross conditions.
| Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo Alternative Road Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross, alternative road bike |
| Frame | 6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame – 22.8 inches/58 centimeters |
| Fork | Sturdy aluminum, TIG welded fork design |
| Suspension | Standard |
| Shifters | Handle mounted thumb control |
| Speeds | 18 speeds |
| Wheels | Kenda 700 x 40c on aluminum alloy rims |
| Derailleur | Shimano 9-speed cassette (11-30t) |
| Rear | FSA Gossamer Cross double FSA crank |
| Front | Double front chaining |
| Brakes | TRP disc brakes |
| Weight | 34.1 pounds/15.5 kilograms |
2. Raleigh Bikes RX 2.0 Cyclocross Bike
Recommended for: Cyclocross and off-road mountain biking Standout features:
- With a 40-tooth chain ring, the Raleigh Bikes RX 2.0 Cyclocross Bike will tackle the most difficult slopes.
- This model has 5 different sizes, beginning with a 52-centimeter frame and four others in two-centimeter increments.
- Weighing only 21 pounds without pedals, this is the lightest bike on your list.
This is the second bike made by Raleigh. The RX 2.0 earned nearly a perfect customer rating. It is deemed one of the highest quality cyclocross bikes available.
| Raleigh Bikes RX 2.0 Cyclocross Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross rough terrain commuting and mountain biking |
| Frame | Superlight Butted 6061 Alloy in 5 sizes – 20.5 to 24.5 inches/52 to 62 centimeters |
| Fork | Aluminum alloy fork with TIG welded connection |
| Suspension | Standard |
| Shifters | Micro shift thumb control |
| Speeds | 18 speeds |
| Wheels | 700cc Kenda small block-8 tires |
| Derailleur | Shimano Altus 9-speed derailleur with dual sprocket |
| Rear | 40-tooth chainring with 11–32 cassette |
| Front | N/A |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre Dual Actuated Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Weight | 21 pounds/9.5 kilograms |
1. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo EXP Carbon Alternative Road Bike
Recommended for: Off-road and competitive cyclocross Standout features:
- The Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo EXP Carbon Alternative Road Bike is a 27 speed, exceptionally durable bike for any and all conditions.
- While this is one of the strongest frames on the market, it is one of the lightest.
- This is one of the Ready-Ride bikes that are shipped 95% assembled and ready to ride.
The highest rated bike on this list is the second model from Diamondback. It is the Haanjo EXP, deemed by hardcore cyclocross riders as the pinnacle in bike quality.
| Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo EXP Carbon Alternative Road Bike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cyclocross rough terrain commuting and mountain biking |
| Frame | DB carbon alternative road frame in 3 sizes –19.7, 20.9 & 23.2 inches/50, 53 & 59 centimeters |
| Fork | DB gravel disc Monocoque carbon |
| Suspension | Vibration dampening for long distance riding |
| Shifters | Shimano Dura-Ace BS77 with bar end shifters |
| Speeds | 27 speeds (3 x 9 speed) |
| Wheels | HED Tomcat rims – Schwalbe SmartSam high-performance 27.5 x 2.1-inch tires |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT M770 |
| Rear | Shimano XT M772 – Shadow, 9-speed |
| Front | Shimano Deore M591 Dual Pull 31.8 millimeter clamp |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre mechanical disc with 160-millimeter front and rear rotors |
| Weight | 22.3 pounds/10.1 kilograms |
Conclusion
These are the seven best cyclocross bike models available now on the market. Each one will tackle the roughest terrain, plus they have various features you may find more useful than others. These options also offer a wide range of prices to meet any budget. If you’ve ridden one of these cyclocross bikes, let us know how much you liked the ride. Tell us as well about any models we may have missed.
Disclosure:
There are affiliate links from Amazon in this article and our website may receive a commission for purchases made through the links we shared. This partnership does NOT affect the price of the product, nor does it influence our objectivity, as we only review products we consider
high-quality and ideal for all adventure-seekers.
Raleigh is a really good make and I would only stick with mountain bikes that are manufactured by them. They have also been around for a while and are quite trustworthy, and all of their products are extremely good from my experience anyway.
Hi, Ross! Thank you so much for your comment. Indeed, Raleigh is a great name in this industry, and while we were doing our research, we saw many people share this opinion. We can only be glad to gather together people who love the same products!
Really? I am not sure what to say about Raleigh but I can say that I am satisfied with the Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo Alternative Road Bike. It can handle rough areas and yet you are still having a pleasant ride. Not many bikes have that great feature.
Hi, Victor! While we agree with the advantage you presented for the Diamondback Bicycles bike, we saw some positive reviews for Raleigh as well. You can have a look at the pros and cons we included in the article and maybe you’ll change your mind as well. Let us know your thoughts about it!
I started to ride the Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike and I like it because it was easy to use, especially for a newbie and it is affordable as well. Many of these bikes are not even close to being affordable but this one is.
Hi, Ivan! Indeed, the Takara Genkai bike got great reviews from beginners. Moreover, many people love the fact that it has an accessible price, like you said. Have you got any other recommendations? You can let other people know about them as well.
I am a bike riding newbie and I got the Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike. I found it to be user-friendly and it is quite durable. I cannot compare it to any other bikes, but I am quite happy with mine.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Tile! This will surely help other people on their quest to find the bike that suits them best.
I am with Ross about the Raleigh bikes. They are an awesome make and I have had nothing but excellent experiences with their stuff. I am sure these bikes reviewed here are really good and once I save up a bit more I am going to invest in one.
That’s right, Adam, the Raleigh bikes are exquisite! And we’re saying this after researching and trying plenty of similar options on the market. We recommend you have another look at our list to decide on your next investment. Until then, all the best!
The Takara Genkai Cyclocross Bike is definitely well priced and well made, and very user-friendly. I agree with this review about it wholeheartedly. I wonder if many others feel the same way as many people will have different opinions about it.
Indeed, Bill, you’re right! Many people left a lot of positive reviews on the product, and we’re happy to hear you’re one of them as well!
The only bike I will stick with is the Diamondback one as it is the most durable and at the same time, very light and easy to use. The speed settings are also quite good. I would not trade it.
Rafael, we’re happy to hear your favorite bike is on our list! Indeed, it has received plenty of good reviews, so we’re not surprised you chose what’s best!
The Takara Genkai Cyclocross bike was already recommended to me, and I have not purchased it yet but from what I have read already, I see why some would really rave about this one. Thanks for the food for thought.
hi, Pete! Many people recommend the Takara Genkai Cyclocross bike, indeed. Let us know if you have any question about this or any other bike you saw on our list.
The Raleigh RX24 Complete Mountain Bike is a good bike, and I can’t say anything bad about it really. The speed settings are working well, and the bike itself is quite durable. I would most definitely tell others that are looking for a bike to get this one.
Hi, Shane! Glad to hear you loved the Raleigh bike! Your recommendation will be useful for others who haven’t decided yet, so thank you for the input!
I am going bike shopping right now and I am not sure which one to get, but this list is good and your site is quite good. It will take some time for me to really narrow down the one I want though.
Thank you so much, Sam! We’re glad you found the article useful. Before shopping, we would advise you to pay attention to the pros and cons we described for each bike. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us!