Cooper Cx vs Modern Gravel

I’ve got a wandering eye lately. I’m riding a 6 year old Lynskey Cooper Cx which I enjoy, but I’m wondering if I’m missing out vs a bike with modern gravel geometry. Obviously many newer bikes can handle more than the 40mm tires I’m running and a sloping top tube would expose more seat post. Any strong opinions? Maybe I’ll try the geometry comparison tool against something like the new Lauf bike.

I had a Cooper CX about 8 years ago.  I don’t think you’re really missing out on much other than tire size.  The rear really only fit a 38, you could stuff a 40 in but the clearances were really tight.  A carbon bike like the Lauf will have a much different ride feel but not because of geometry.  

I previously owned three bikes that were “marketed” as ‘gravel’ bikes.  They all had clearance for large tires (650x2.1, 700x45), THAT one thing was a bonus.  Not sure what else made it better than a cx bike though.  I’m now riding a Surly Cross Check, which thankfully takes big tires, but is it a gravel bike?  lol For me, this bike feels, fits and handles much better than the other three bikes I mention.

If you like your Cooper CX and if you don’t need larger tires for your terrain and riding preferences than you may not be happier with a gravel bike.  Maybe take some for a test ride, or try out a friends to see if you’re missing anything.

Cheers

I have the Urbano which has the same geometry as the Cooper CX. I mostly ride it with 650b and it fits 650b x 47 with room to spare. I don't have a need to ride it with wider tires as my mtb takes care of that and the Lynskey rides great with 42-47 650b tires. I've been using Gravel King and currently have some Babyshoe Pass tires on it which are not quite 42. I also have a 700c wheelset for it but I like to use 700 x 28 or 30 on that. Factor in what your gravel is like. If you need wider rubber go for the new frame.

Don’t know about the Cooper specifically, but in general gravel bike geometry leans more toward stability whereas CX bike are designed more for agility.  Gravel bikes will tend to have lower bottom brackets, shallower head angles with more rake & trail, and longer wheelbases.  Some newer gravel bikes are adopting the MTB trend of longer front centers with shorter stems for better descending and to eliminate toe overlap.

Buckjazz wrote:I’ve got a wandering eye lately. I’m riding a 6 year old Lynskey Cooper Cx which I enjoy, but I’m wondering if I’m missing out vs a bike with modern gravel geometry. Obviously many newer bikes can handle more than the 40mm tires I’m running and a sloping top tube would expose more seat post. Any strong opinions? Maybe I’ll try the geometry comparison tool against something like the new Lauf bike.

I would rather have (and do have) a good CX bike (with good tire clearance and good compliance) than a gravel bike, as I like a light fast agile bike and typically ride 1-4 hours.  

The purer gravel bike is more of an endurance bike, and is great for long days in the saddle and stability.    Race geometry vs endurance.  Kinda depends on what floats your boat and the type of riding you do.