[JustBeginning]

I am looking for a new CX/touring bike, and I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 Novara Element, and a 2001 Trek XO1. I am already buying the Novara, but I am considering buying the trek also. Does anyone have an opinion on which one is better. I am looking for a bike that I can use for touring, while being used off road. I am not really going to be using it for racing, as I am recovering from an ACL surgery. Does anyone know if the Novara has mounts for a rack at all? Any input would be helpful.

Thanks,

David

[The BikeForums Team]

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[pinky]

The Novara's got rack and fender mounts, though the rear disk brake tabs get in the way a little bit (it just requires a little creativity with a spacer). The angles of the cross bike will be a little tight for long term touring, but you may find the more upright style useful (that goes for most if not all cross bikes), think jack of all trades master of none.

[arctic hawk]

I can vouch for the strength of the 2001 XO1 frame. I have had several racing & commuting "incidents" with it & it's one tough bike.
The frame has the holes for mounting a rack at the back but nothing in front or I have never noticed it as I have never toured with my XO1