Which bike should I get?

[SFoix]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could help me choose a bike. I have my selection limited to the following three. I'm not a cyclocross racer. I ride rocky/dirt trails and do some road biking. I can't afford two bikes.

http://www.feltracing.com/06/06_cyclocross/spec.html

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12393

http://www.fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=136

Thanks in advance for the help!!
Susan

[rideabike]

I have the cross comp, not the cross pro and I like it. It takes a nice beating and holds up for me. I ride some trails, a lot in the city - potholes, etc.

[flipped4bikes]

I'll pimp for the Specialized Tricross Comp. If you don't have a carbon fork fetish yet, you will when you see this one. And the Pave wheelset is as bombproof and lighweight as they come...I use mine for all riding: commuting, road rides, dirt roads. I haven't done any singletrack yet, but the geometry is relaxed, similar to a hardtail MTB, so I'm guessing offroad riding should be fine, but prolly not as comfortable as a suspended MTB. You can fit tires up to 38c.

BTW the Tricross has rack and fender eyelets front AND rear. So light touring can also be done with it. I don't know what size you are looking at, but the Specialized also has semi-compact geometry, making it a little easier to mount/dismount.

[SFoix]

Thanks for the responses so far... I am trying to get the best bike for around $1500 or so. I've tried the Felt and the Tricross. Haven't tried the Fuji yet. Does any particular brand have a better reputation than the other? A sales guy told me that the Felt's have good components-but the frames have a bad reputation. I have no idea if this is true or not.

I tried the Bianchi Concept as well and loved it! But I don't think I want to part with 2200 bucks. I don't think I need the functionality of the Concept considering the type of riding I do. I usually do a couple 30 mile rides during the week (pavement) and on the weekend a 40-50 mile bike ride on a wooded trail that is rocky and muddy in areas.

[flipped4bikes]

Seems that Specialized is the new Trek. It also looks like they put quite a lot of thought into the Tricross. And their marketing too. Hard to resist that sexy, shaped tubing frame!

The Felt has no eyelets. Is that important to you? And what about tires? I got the Tricross because you can put fat tires on as well as skinnies. I could be wrong, but I think the Tricross' wheelset is better than what's on the other two. Important if you are bashing around offroad.

[AggieWheeler08]

what about the Bianchi Axis? I think that one runs about 1300.

[badhat]

another vote for the cross sport.

i like the paint job on the sport better than the comp anyhow, and the sora/105 combo is fine with me for the time being. i'll probably goose everythign up to 105 eventually but its not a huge priority for me yet.

i enjoy commuting and running around on the cross w the burroughs tires and sora guts all week and then hopping on my allez comp on the weekends and feeling weightless and invincible. nice feeling.

but honestly if i could only have one bike i'd probably just upgrade the tricross sport to 105, by a second set of wheels and some slick tires for fast touring/weekend rides and call it a day.

[chairmandave]

I built up a 2005 Felt F1X frame and love it (this is my first 700c-wheeled bike, so I have little to compare it to). My only caveats are:

1) lack of eyelets: I used some P-clamps and zip ties to mount full-coverage SKSs fenders, but it would have been nice not having to cobble it together.
2) Integrated headsets: Other than ease of installation, I heard it isn't as durable as a conventional design.
3) Matte paint: looks cool but scratches easily

Have you looked at the Kona Jake (800 bucks) or or Jake the Snake (1200 bucks)?:

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=352&parentid=253

[Ih8lucky13]

Thanks for the responses so far... I am trying to get the best bike for around $1500 or so. I've tried the Felt and the Tricross. Haven't tried the Fuji yet. Does any particular brand have a better reputation than the other? A sales guy told me that the Felt's have good components-but the frames have a bad reputation. I have no idea if this is true or not.

I tried the Bianchi Concept as well and loved it! But I don't think I want to part with 2200 bucks. I don't think I need the functionality of the Concept considering the type of riding I do. I usually do a couple 30 mile rides during the week (pavement) and on the weekend a 40-50 mile bike ride on a wooded trail that is rocky and muddy in areas.
Never trust a sales guy unless he has earned your trust over time, I personally would go for the felt, I have never had a problem with my Felt frames one an F4C road, another an RXC mt bike I love both, I was going to get a Felt, until i bought My Guerciotti frame.

[SFoix]

Well, I am no longer interested in the Fuji because the dealer in town doesn't have any in stock. I'd have to buy it to try it. I did test the Jake the Snake though. Cool bike, but it seemed a little stiff to me. I noticed every bump in the road and it didn't shift very well. Maybe the bike chain needed adjusting...

So I've narrowed my selections down the Felt and the Tricross. The eyelets don't really matter to me.

I haven't completely forgotten about the Bianchi Concept yet. Could it be $600 better than the Felt or the Tricross? It seemed to handle and shift very well. But it is expensive! I keep trying to rationalize with myself that I have an old car and might as well have something really nice :)

I was very interested in the Axis, but the dealer said they stopped carrying them because of complaints. He didn't go into detail.

[IXXI]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this... but I'm compelled: get none of the above.

One of the most fun/interesting/freeing things about these great rides called cyclocross bikes is the rare chance to have a bike that truly does many things very well--that ALSO offers a bit of individual appeal; ie. you can get a bike (for the amount you're looking to spend) that "not everyone" has. Take this opportunity to get a bike (frame, really; most use relatively the same components) with some s-o-u-l.

The three bikes you listed are good; all three are fine. But note that all three are from "big" (relative, in this category) companies. There is nothing at all wrong with that inherently. But in this category especially, you can sport a ride from a smaller, more "personal" or maybe slightly more, gulp, "interesting", builder. It's going to have just >this< much more appeal-- for no one else maybe than the bike geeks out there, and hopefully, more importantly, to >you.<

Gunnar. Kelly (soon to be extinct, sadly.) DeSalvo. (Yes, I'm a fan of steel, because it 'feels' better to me, both in ride characteristics (from the right builder) and in actual performance.)

FWIW I commute/train on a Gunnar Crosshairs, and "race" (I suck) on a single speed Kelly Knobby X.

Good luck in your search-- and no matter what you end up with, a cx bike is one of the more rewarding all-around rides you'll ever have (even if it is from a big company.) No offense intended, really, just giving you what amounts to my perspective after years of speculation and trial with just about every make and model of bike...

Ride on.

[chairmandave]

I somewhat agree with IXXI about getting a bike with 's-o-u-l', but at the ~1500 price point, it's kinda hard to find a stock bike with 'character'. Even though I knew they weren't the most unique, I got a Felt just to see if I liked riding a 700c bike. Now that I dig it, and were to go the 'boutique' route for a future ride, I'd go for an affordable yet custom Curtlo ($720.00 custom steel frame and Dimension fork, and a $906.00 105 gruppo, no pedals).

[古強者死神]

the all look nice, I see you narrowed your choices down to a very much cyclocross theme.

Since your not racing you may also want to check out what other companies might call a "hybrid" it should do what you want it to + more.

I think they may not be as fast on the road but more solid, perhaps cheaper, and abit more off road able.

Since I have been riding various Gary Fishers latley you may think the more moutnain bike style like the 29'rs http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/series.asp?series=trail-29er

or the more street focused type like this one http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=dualsport&bike=Montare

Just a heads up ^^ alot of companies sell similar products under a diffrent "theme" so you may find somthing to suit youself better if you keep looking around.

[flipped4bikes]

Yah, the Cross Concept looks like a sweet ride. The geometry is bit more aggressive than the other three. I would test ride until you get a good feel for the difference. As for paying $600 more, the components are definitely better, but overkill if you are going to spend most of your time offroad. I can't speak for 10-spd, but I would imagine it'll get a bit finicky when things get grimy and muddy...my take on the Concept is that is more a road bike than the others but you can offroad it. If you got the money to burn.

[gobes]

I'll cast another vote for the tricross. I ride the bike everywhere... street, trails. I haven't yet used the eyelets but I'm glad that they're there in case I need them. Some day I hope to go on a tour or two and I think the tricross will work well.
I wasn't thrilled with the Felt because I didn't like the high bottom bracket.
I haven't seen the fuji.

[SFoix]

I would love to come up with a one of a kind bike that no one else will ever have. However, I would know where to start! The bike shop that I've been dealing with is ordering in a Tricross that is 54cm for me to try out. I'm starting to think this might be too big for me though--I am 5'6", inseam is 32"?

I'm going to try out the Concept again tonight. Will bike shops deal on prices?

[flipped4bikes]

I'm 5'6", inseam 30-31" depending how tall I feel :D and I have the 52cm Tricross. I could stand over the 54cm, but just felt it was a bit big. The 52cm feels just right: standover, reach, overall positioning. HTH :)

[Milice]

Have you looked at the Trek XO1? 2006 models are runnning about 1200 i think.

[gobes]

I'm 5'7" and ride a 52cm tricross. If I had to guess (without seeing you) I would say that a 54 is a bit too big.

[7rider]

I was very interested in the Axis, but the dealer said they stopped carrying them because of complaints. He didn't go into detail.

I wonder if they're just out of stock of the Axis since it's such a popular bike, and this is an excuse to sell the Cross Concept. I love my 2004 Bianchi Axis, and it's my commuter bike since I can put full fenders on it. I did some off-road riding with the 35 mm tires, but one time down the Canyon Trail made me switch back to my Seven Sola with 2.1 Panaracer Pros and a RockShox SID since I was bouncing around so much. I'll admit the climb up Montebello road was very nice compared to a MTB with fat tires, but the downhill on the rocky parts of the trail killed my hands and kidneys. The Axis also has a cute "Chick Designed" sticker on it if you want to show some support for girl power.

The design director for Bianchi USA is Sky Yaeger. The "Chick Designed" decal on some of the US bikes is a reference to her. In the United States, only the Reparto Corse range are still produced in Italy. Non-Reparto Corse models are not available elsewhere.

From the Wikipedia Bianchi link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bianchi_(bicycle_manufacturer)).

That TriCross Comp looks cool though, and I would definitely consider it if I was buying a cross/touring bike right now.

[Spiritchaser]

I can't speak for all of the bikes you're looking at, but I can speak for the Felt F1X, which I have. In my humble opinion, it is a great bike – smooth ride, responsive, quick, and, yes, a damn fine sight. :D

As for finding a unique bike and supporting a smaller company, I'm all for that, and, in fact, thought that's what I was doing with my Felt before I came to these forums. :p For what it's worth, I life in NYC, and I've yet to see another F1X – and very few Felts for that matter, either.

Anyway, best of luck – you're about to have a ton of fun whichever bike you go with. ;)

[cohophysh]

okay, big dumb question, why do cyclocrosses have cantilever brakes (at least the majority that I have seen). why not linear or the same as a road bike?

[Ih8lucky13]

okay, big dumb question, why do cyclocrosses have cantilever brakes (at least the majority that I have seen). why not linear or the same as a road bike?
Regular road brakes do not work to well caked with mud.

[ericthehalfab]

I was looking at the 2006 Tri Cross to replace a 2001 Jake the Snake. However the 2006 Major Jake (2006) and an Ultgera build kit came to about the same price. You would have to add a fork to that price if you don’t have one. That would be a nicer ride for me. However the 06 Major Jake is in short supply, or so I am told. The 2007 Major comes with carbon stays and back to Easton Ultra Lite tubing. So I am still undecided
! No a fan of carbon for the type of riding and traveling I do, but I may wait and see the frame...my 2cents

[SFoix]

I ended up getting the Bianchi Cross Concept. A little more than I wanted to spend. But the dealer knocked some money off the price and threw in a pair of 50 dollar sunglasses.

I got the 52cm which seems to fit right.

Thanks for all your help...

[IXXI]

you'll love it.

keep us posted!

[7rider]

I ended up getting the Bianchi Cross Concept. A little more than I wanted to spend. But the dealer knocked some money off the price and threw in a pair of 50 dollar sunglasses.

Man, I'm jealous! That will be one sweet ride. If the front brakes start squeaking and you can't get rid of the squek, you should splurge on some Paul Neo-Retros. They would be fitting brakes for such a nice bike.

[Ih8lucky13]

I ended up getting the Bianchi Cross Concept. A little more than I wanted to spend. But the dealer knocked some money off the price and threw in a pair of 50 dollar sunglasses.

I got the 52cm which seems to fit right.

Thanks for all your help...
Have fun and enjoy the bike.

[waynesworld]

Post some pics of the new bike!

[Fonk]

I'd be curious to hear what complaints that dealer heard about the Bianchi Axis. I just picked up a Bianchi Axis last week (2005 model), and LOVE it. I've ridden it on the road, towed by kid behind me on it, and then beat the hell out of it on mtb trails and fire roads over the wknd - this bike does it all, and does it well. And it didn't completely lighten my wallet either. I'm looking forward to racing it in the Fall.

[fallsjay]

so what made you go the bianchi? it sounded like you didn't want to part with the coin and kona jts was good and felt was good. i am thinking the similer as you so please help.