[moostapha]

Just a question. It doesn't quite make sense to me, but I'm sure there's a reason…because not only do they all seem longer than road…they all seem about the same +/- a few millimeters regardless of price or maker.

Just curious. You guys know more than I do.

 

[Miles E]

Why doesn't it make sense? It's not necessarily something builders/designers set out to achieve, but there's no way around the basic math that slacker heat tube angle + longer chainstays = longer wheelbase.

 

[krisdrum]

Why doesn't that make sense? Wider/larger tire + slacker angles is going to necessitate a longer wheelbase. Besides, longer wheelbase usually equals more stable, an attribute usually wanted while riding over uneven terrain.

 

[moostapha]

cool. those are the things that I didn't think about. Makes sense now.

 

[pigpen]

And longer chain stays will allow for wider than roadie tires.
More comfort too.

 

[moostapha]

cool…thanks. answered. though i'm not sure why comfort matters for cross…if you're riding a road bike off road and getting covered in mud on tires at 30psi, who cares if the back end vibrates more or less…

 

[krisdrum]

cool…thanks. answered. though i'm not sure why comfort matters for cross…if you're riding a road bike off road and getting covered in mud on tires at 30psi, who cares if the back end vibrates more or less…

Improved comfort can lead to decreased overall fatigue. if you are comfortable, you can push your body that much further.