When commuting 18 km by bicycle, many people seem to be torn between a road bike and a cross bike.

For a distance of about 5 km, I would recommend a mini-velo, but for 18 km, a mini-velo might feel a bit challenging.

Therefore, many people seem to consider the options of a road bike or a cross bike.

First, under the premise of "considering it for commuting," I will explain the features of each and the points to consider.

Features of Road Bikes

The biggest feature of a road bike is its "lightness."

To reduce weight, various parts are made thinner or lighter materials are used.

The weight is less than 10 kg.

"Thin tires" should also be noted.

The smaller the contact area with the road surface, the less resistance, and the more efficiently power is converted into propulsion.

In terms of commuting, this means you'll get less tired.

The valve shape is different from city bikes, so care is needed when inflating the tires.

"Drop handlebars" also cannot be overlooked.

Broadly speaking, there are three ways to hold them: top, hoods, and drops.

When riding long distances, there will be various rough surface conditions along the way.

You can change the position of the handlebars to match the situation, reducing the stress of maintaining the same posture.

Also, when holding the drops, you lean forward, reducing air resistance.

This also has the effect of making you less tired.

"Gear shifting" is also one of its features.

City bikes usually have 3 to 5 gears, but road bikes have 2 gears in the front and about 11 to 12 gears in the rear, allowing for very fine adjustments.

Although there are many gears, the riding style of keeping the gear low and pedaling fast is different from other bicycles.

Features of Cross Bikes

Cross bikes are a hybrid between road bikes and mountain bikes.

They combine the best features of each.

While not as light as road bikes, their frames are "relatively light."

Many are comparable in weight to road bikes.

Cross bikes typically weigh 10 kg to 13 kg.

City bikes weigh 15 kg or more, and electric-assist bicycles weigh 20 kg or more.

The frames are sturdy, so they can handle vigorous pedaling.

"Tires are larger and wider."

Most are 700C (roughly 27 inches when converted) with a width of about 28C to 35C.

You can ride comfortably even on rough road surfaces.

The valve shape is different from city bikes, so care is needed.

The handlebars are straight.

They are similar to city bikes, so they are easy to get used to.

It's easier to maintain a forward-leaning posture by raising the saddle, which makes long-distance riding more comfortable.

"Gear shifting" is also abundant.

There are usually many gears, with 3 front gears and 7 to 11 rear gears.

Differences between Road Bikes and Cross Bikes when considering commuting

Road bikes are made for riding, while cross bikes combine the best aspects of road and mountain bikes, making it difficult to choose between them.

Road bikes are lighter, but if you look for lighter models, cross bikes are not necessarily at a disadvantage.

Cross bikes' flat handlebars are easy to get used to, making them recommended for beginners, but for longer rides, the comfortable drop handlebars are appealing.

Many people ask if attaching drop handlebars to a cross bike will turn it into a road bike, but a cross bike cannot become a road bike.

The frame designs differ from their fundamental concepts.

Because the shapes and rigidity considerations are different, they cannot perform the same way.

The riding posture also won't be the same, making it unstable and difficult to ride.

Now that you understand the features, please consider the following when making your choice.

When choosing a bicycle, people often focus only on the frame and regret their purchase later.

Clothing and luggage issues

Road bikes, given recent trends, are often ridden in specialized wear or similar clothing.

Of course, you can ride in everyday clothes, but it feels a bit out of place.

Perhaps it's self-consciousness, but ultimately, people end up commuting in specialized wear.

Depending on the pedals, specialized shoes may also be necessary.

Also, if you're commuting in a suit, you'll sweat a lot, so I recommend wearing specialized clothing for riding.

In that case, you'll need a place to change.

Furthermore, road bikes typically have almost no space for luggage.

While a smartphone might be manageable, a shoulder bag for commuting makes riding difficult.

In this regard, cross bikes don't feel out of place with everyday clothes.

If you're sweating, it's better to have a change of clothes and a place to change.

Where will you ride?

Take a ride along your commute route once to check the road conditions.

If it's entirely asphalt and paved roads, either a road bike or a cross bike will be fine, but if the road surface is rough, a cross bike may have an advantage.

Theft issue

Both road and cross bikes are susceptible to theft.

When parking, if you don't secure it to a guardrail or pole with a wire lock, the bike can be stolen along with the lock itself.

Especially for commuting, leaving it in the same spot from morning until evening or night makes it a target.

Summary

In conclusion, it's difficult to decide based on just one factor.

After understanding the characteristics of each, consider the road surface, clothing, budget, and other factors to choose the one that suits you best.