Bike buying advice · Public discussion

Cyclocross Search

Started by beefcakefx · · Last activity · 3 posts · 1,867 views

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Bike buying advice
Published
17 April 2007
Last activity
17 April 2007
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beefcakefx
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Topics
CyclocrossCommutingCantilever and V-brakesDisc brakesTouring

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  1. Original post
    beefcakefx
    Archived post
    #1

    I'm an active biker, though inconsistently so, but I've never specified in any particular style of biking. I own a Rockhopper that I've used for commuting, road travel, off road, etc. but I want the capability to do much more. I want to do some long distance touring, a more efficient (and less tire shredding) commuter, the ability to do some off-road exploring when I don't have my mountain bike, and the means to dabble with cyclocross racing and triathalons without embarassing myself. Essentially, I need a durable road bike and a cyclocross seems to fit the bill.

    I understand the value of Shimano componentry but I'm having trouble evaluating other comparing other bike components (frame, wheels, crankset, hubs, etc). Based on interest in Shimano components, rack compatibility for touring, weight, general impression, and price range, I've narrowed the vast list of cyclo bikes to the list below (ordered by preference, so far). I could really use help in evaluating further. Please take a look and offer any tidbit of advice, direction, criticism, etc.

    Bike.............................................. Retail....Comments
    Specialized Tricross Expert Double...$2,200.....best components, full rack mounts
    Jamis Supernova.............................$1,925.....b etter components, light (18.5lbs)
    Bianchi Cross Concept....................$2,350.....lightest (Scandium frame)
    Felt F1X (2006)...............................$1,600.....be tter components, price, 06 better than 07
    Specialized Tricross Comp Triple......$1,800.....better components, full rack mounts
    Trek X0 2........................................$2,200... ..better components, probably overpriced
    Redline Conquest Pro......................$1,000.....good components, price
    Fuji Cross Pro.................................$1,750.....bes t components, price
    Rocky Mountain Solo CXR...............$1,500.....good components
    Jamis Nova.....................................$1,300... ..good components
    Trek X0 1........................................$1,320... ..good components
    Cannondale Cyclocross Optimo........$1,250.....disc brakes, heaviest
    Redline Conquest...............................$800.....go od components, cheapest
    Novara Rivet....................................$1,600... ..good components, best crankset?

    Thanks, Mike

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  2. JIM WV
    Archived post
    #2

    Can't offer any advice on a particular bike, but I'd point out a couple of things. First, some cross frames offer no bottle braze-ons. Before buying/ordering anything, you ought to check specifically on this to confirm. Second, a frame with a "true" cross geometry will likely have a higher bottom bracket than one would want in a touring frame. Wheelbase may be somewhat shorter, too. This may or may not bother you (it doesn't for me but I don't use my CX bike for loaded touring at all) but you probably ought to consider this when comparing different models.

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  3. graphixgeek
    Archived post
    #3

    Too bad there isn't a bike that can do it all. 'cross bikes are higher bb versions of their road going cousins, so light-touring is within their range. The low slung ride of a touring frame is made to keep the weight of packs and such low for stability. The long wheelbase keeps the bike stable as well under load. Of course, nothing's better than a 'cross bike for cyclocross...As for triathalons, I can see a 'cross bike being used with a bit of modification. Just watch out for the bike snobs who may scoff at your v-brakes or cantilevers[img]cyclingforums.comrolleyes.gif[/img]...

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