What is a Crossbike?

A crossbike is a sporty bicycle for anyone who wants to ride both on the road and on unpaved paths. It combines the speed of a road bike with the ruggedness of a mountain bike—without being too heavy or overly specialized. This makes the crossbike ideal for people who want to stay flexible but aren’t looking for a fully equipped trekking bike or a purely off-road mountain bike.

The crossbike is one of the most versatile types of bicycles out there. In this article, you’ll learn what makes it special, who it’s suitable for, and what to look for when it comes to equipment.

Typical features of a crossbike:

• Lightweight frame made of aluminum or carbon – for an agile riding experience
• Wide, lightly treaded tires (approx. 35–45 mm) – ideal for road & off-road
• Sporty yet comfortable riding position – less aggressive than a road bike
• Derailleur gears with 18–30 speeds – perfect for hilly routes
• No fenders or racks – for maximum sportiness

Tip: Crossbikes often come without lights or fenders but can be easily retrofitted if you want to use the bike for everyday commuting.

Crossbike, Trekking Bike, Gravel Bike, Fitness Bike – What’s the difference?

Feature	Cross bike	Fitness bike	Trekking bike	Gravel bike
Usage	Road & light off-road	Road & fitness, occasional paths	Daily use & touring	Sporty touring & gravel paths
Weight	Light frame (aluminum/carbon)	Very light (mostly aluminum)	Medium (aluminum/steel)	Lightweight & aerodynamic
Position	Sporty but not extreme	Sporty and stretched	Comfortable & upright	More aggressive than crossbike
Tires	35–45 mm, lightly treaded	28–35 mm, slick or light tread	40–50 mm, often puncture-proof	35–45 mm, grippy for gravel
Equipment	No lights or fenders	No lights, fenders optional	Fully equipped for daily use	Minimalist, often carbon frame

Essential equipment for your Crossbike

The right gear system

Crossbikes come with derailleur gear systems offering a wide range of gears:

• 2x crankset (18–22 gears): Ideal for flat terrain and fitness rides
• 3x crankset (24–30 gears): Perfect for hilly routes and long tours

Which brakes are ideal?

Crossbikes come with two types of brakes:

• Mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes: Strong braking power, great in all weather
• V-brakes (rim brakes): Lightweight & easy maintenance, but less power in wet conditions

Tip: If you ride off-road or in bad weather, go with disc brakes.

Choosing the right tires

• 35–40 mm tires: Great for roads & light trails
• 40–45 mm tires: Better for comfort on gravel & forest paths

Tip: For winter use, consider wider tires with deeper tread.

How to equip your Crossbike for everyday use

Since many crossbikes come without fenders or lights, you can make them everyday-ready with these add-ons:

Mudguards: Keep you dry on rainy rides

Lighting: StVZO-compliant battery lights or hub dynamo

Bicycle racks: Easy to mount for groceries or touring gear

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Crossbikes

1. Is a cross bike a mountain bike?

No! A crossbike is lighter and faster than a mountain bike. It lacks a suspension fork and isn’t meant for rough trails.

2. Can I use a crossbike for long-distance tours?

Yes, especially if you add a rack and fenders. For pure touring, a trekking bike might be more practical.

3. Is a crossbike better than a gravel bike?

It depends on your use case. Gravel bikes are built for long distances on gravel, while crossbikes are more flexible for everyday use, road, and forest paths.

4. Do I need special clothing for a crossbike?

Not necessarily. For longer rides, padded cycling shorts and a breathable jersey are more comfortable.

5. What frame size do I need for a crossbike?

The frame size depends on your height:

• 1,60–1,70 m: 48–52 cm
• 1,70–1,80 m: 52–56 cm
• 1,80–1,90 m: 56–60 cm

6. What’s the difference between a mountain bike and a crossbike?

A crossbike is significantly lighter and faster than a mountain bike, ideal for sporty riding on roads, bike paths, and occasional forest trails. It features narrower, lightly treaded tires and usually skips the suspension fork, making it more efficient and lower maintenance. In contrast, a mountain bike is designed for challenging terrain—with wide, knobby tires, robust suspension (hardtail or full suspension), and a geometry tailored for maximum control on trails and downhill sections. While the crossbike is a sporty all-rounder, the mountain bike is a specialist for off-road adventures.

Crossbike – The ideal bike for versatile riders

A crossbike is the perfect choice for sporty cyclists who don’t want to compromise. It combines speed, comfort, and off-road capability—and can be flexibly adapted as needed. Whether you’re commuting, riding for fitness, or heading out on weekend adventures, a crossbike gets you to your destination reliably.