Cyclocross - 1st cross bike

I'm looking at getting my 1st cross bike. What are your thoughts. I've been looking at the 07 Poprad disc.

I think a steel bike is the best for a newbie. Look at Surley and Gunnar as well. I think the Poprad is a good deal for the money. Are you going to race or just have fun?
I bought a Torelli from eBay and have been having a ball riding in the snow here in Colorado. Perfect substitute for road riding in the winter and the trails in the summer.

The Poprad is a nice bike. I never understood the need for disc brakes, but that's just me. It is also a bit pricier than other options, including Trek's own XO1.

I would also consider what your primary intent is. Some cross bikes lean toward racing, others toward commuting/light touring. Do you need rack mounts? Fender mounts? 1,2 or 3 chainrings? Steel? Aluminum? Carbon bits? Bottle cage braze-ons? There are lots of threads here debating these choices, poke around. That said, the Lemond falls somewhere in the middle, I'd say.

^^ I agree the Poprad is definitely a race worthy bike but also offers rack mounts ect... I'd say steel is a good choice for any cyclocross racer up to elite. In fact many elite racers ride steel.

I think a steel bike is the best for a newbie.

How? In what way is this statement true? This really just seems totally erroneous.

Depends what kind of budget you have.. Unlike Road or MTB, most manufacturers only have 1 or 2 models of cross bikes in there line.. I have a Surly Crosscheck and just love it. You can usually get one fully equipped for around 900-1200.. That is pretty cheap.. Some of Bianchi's offerings are very nice and run twice as much..

Really depends if this is just for fun or if you plan on racing..

Thanks for the info. I plan on racing. The Popard for 07 only comes with disc. I would use it for off season training also but it's primary use would be racing. I like the Surley also.

I've never tried disk brakes but I think the idea is great.

I mountain bike alot and love the disc brakes on that bike, but I was not sure if they are good for cross racing.

I just got a Gunnar Crosshairs, which is sweet. It is steel, so a little heavier but a really nice ride. The fork is buttery smooth over rought stuff. I have a wheel set with road tires and a wheel set with cross tires. The bike does everything -- offroad, trails, winter road, rain, commuting. I think it will be plenty good for racing at my level also. It is lighter then the numerous Surly Crosschecks that people race.

But DO get a cross bike. They really are extremely versatile and especially useful in winter.

Here in Fla. the cross scene is still growing. There's one guy who usually ends up almost lapping the entire men's-A field (Paul Kavan). I don't think his Poprad is slowing him down. My only worry is that the USCF will adopt UCI rules at some point and disc brakes will become illegal.

How? In what way is this statement true? This really just seems totally erroneous.
Perhaps but, Newbies are usually prone to crash more than experienced riders. Experienced riders are more aware when they crash to get away from the bike. Newbies tend to deathgrip the thing adding their wt to the impact. ergo steel is best because it is repairable and if damaged won't have hidden problems for the future. Just a thought.

My only worry is that the USCF will adopt UCI rules at some point and disc brakes will become illegal.

That really only applies if a racer wants to qualify for UCI-sanctioned races. Which means that the racer would be a pro.

So the OP can buy the Poprad disc (a feature aimed squarely at foul-weather commuters) and race, race, race. If they turn pro, they'll have to get a CX bike with cantilever brakes (that conforms to UCI regs).

The Avid BB discs have a good reputation and will provide good service.

That really only applies if a racer wants to qualify for UCI-sanctioned races. Which means that the racer would be a pro.

Riiiight, but my point was the USCF is moving many of their rules closer to allign with UCI rules. I would not be surprised if they do the same with 'cross in the next few years. Then disc brakes would become illegal in all races.

Does the poprad come with canti mounts?

Perhaps but, Newbies are usually prone to crash more than experienced riders. Experienced riders are more aware when they crash to get away from the bike. Newbies tend to deathgrip the thing adding their wt to the impact. ergo steel is best because it is repairable and if damaged won't have hidden problems for the future. Just a thought.

I don't even think newbies crash more than experienced riders (I can tell you from experience :) )
Most newbies are really careful at start, while the experiened are near the limits a lot.

This is not saying anything about the quality of any frame of any material, I like steel bikes.

The popard does not have canti mounts on the front fork. As far a the crashing goes I have an aluminum mountain bike that i have crashed on several times, it has held up well. But the LBS advised me to go with steel.