Can someone tell me the difference between a standard roadie and a cross bike frame?

Tire clearance: Road frames have really narrow forks and stays. You pretty much are stuck with 700x28c or narrower.

Angles: Cyclocross bikes have slacker angles. A Cannondale CAAD9 Road frame has 73/74 degree head/seat angles (52cm) and the CAAD9 Cross frame has 71.5/73.5.

Strength: Cyclocross bikes are built a little bit stronger. I know that the fatigue life standards for cyclocross forks are more strict.

Compatibility: Cross bikes usually have v-brake posts, and some have disc brake tabs.

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There's a lot of shame on a road bike. -- evdog