Cyclocross - is a cyclocross bike for me?

I am a mountain biker (have never ridden a road bike), but often find myself following the roads being there is not much for trails where I live. I am starting to think I would really enjoy a road bike. I want to be able to rip around town, have something with somewhat "quick" acceleration, and can handle rough roads. Also, I think cyclocross bikes have a more upright riding position(?), which would be a little more familiar for me. My ride usually range from 15 to 40 miles, so I would want something that would keep me comfortable for at least that distance.

So, do I sound like a cyclocrosser???

If so I think I will be looking for a used bike, in the <$500 range if anyone has some suggestions of what to look for,

First, a cross bike sounds perfect for your type of riding. Second, you aren't going to find anything decent new in your price range. Actually, you probably won't find a bike at all unless it's a comfort bike. THis is the closest thing I could find. http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-MOTOBECANE-CYCLO-CROSS-ROAD-BIKE-SHIMANO-105_W0QQitemZ140079651782QQihZ004QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tim

the process of researching and buying a new bike is fun. enjoy it.

i guess you have quite a few options.

you do a lot of riding a one time. how often do you ride?

in the cyclocross market, it seems like you're going to have to be willing to pay well above $1k for a bike with quality components. at least, that's what i've found in the cross bikes i've liked so far.

if you're really unsure of the geometry or riding position you're looking for, another option is to go cheap via a used bike or a "hybrid" style bike so you don't sink too much $$$ into something that you're not sure about. in this same vein, is there an lbs or person you know willing to loan/rent you bikes to try out?

if you go the hybrid route, generally, i think you'll find them a more spunky in terms of acceleration/speed over your mtb. i did. i ride 15 - 30 miles per day. for that amount of riding, i found that i had to look in the $400+ pricepoint for hybrids that had components that i felt would be reliable. i got a trek 7300 for $400.

another option might be a sportier hybrid like the trek fx series. i really don't know much about that line of bikes so i can't help much there.


back on the 'cross bike market...so far, i've really liked the kona jake line, felt f1x and specialized tricross.



another observation.....i've been rather "stingy" in my bike searches. i've been looking for 1 bike to do-it-all. haven't found such a bike yet. i went from cheapo mtb to comfort bike. comfort bike to hybrid. now i'm looking at cross or relaxed road bikes. i'm now convinced that one needs a bike for each use in order to be satisfied (i guess i just admitted that i'm an ocp).

good luck. have fun. talk to lots of people and lbs's.

i forgot to add,

i went with a db wildwood comfort bike. i paid $200 for a leftover model. between warranty work and my own upgrades, the cost of the bike has more than doubled. i already need a new cassette and chainrings (some teeth have broken off).

for rougher riding and longer rides...make sure you get a bike with quality wheelsets and bb.

I ride about 3 time a week. I am definitely looking for something used.

I am watching a few used bikes on ebay. But its hard to tell what they will go for.


This looks like a pretty close bet for me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120091339451&rd=1&rd=1

I ride about 3 time a week. I am definitely looking for something used.

I am watching a few used bikes on ebay. But its hard to tell what they will go for.


This looks like a pretty close bet for me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120091339451&rd=1&rd=1
That would not be a bad bike.......another one to look for is a Redline Conquest or a Kona Jake. They come up often used and are sound bikes with good components.

That looks like a good buy if it stays below the 500$ mark or you can get a better road bike that is newer.
Coming from the mtb as I did, make sure it is your size, that on road bikes is almost more important than what bike it is or what components are on the bike.
Check the site for info on bike sizing etc. and make sure all the measuraments are good on the bike you are buying.
When I got my first road bike I made the mistake to go to REI where they had no idea of sizing, I had to return the bike. I then went to a only road bike store and got fitted on a bike, night and day.
Good luck

I think im gonna go to a couple lbs's and try to get sized up on a bike.

Are the geometries of a road and cyclocross bikes different enough that they will have different fits?

Generally whatever your size is for a road bike, subtract 2cm from the seat tube to get your cyclocross frame size since cyclocross bikes have a higher bottom bracket for ground clearance.

Otherwise, standover height and top tube length should be what really matters. Standover should be the same or slightly less than your inseam length.

this may stir up some debate.....but depending upon how "rough" the roads are that you plan to ride, you could look at relaxed geometry road bikes with sturdy wheelsets and a larger tire. some bikes in this category have clearance for 28mm tires. this would open up your options quite a bit.

Last April I bought a Surly Cross Check Complete for 800 bucks. Components are all good. I'm a commuter and ride over a field and rough Oklahoma "City" roads about 20 miles a day when I go to school and work etc. I've put 1600 miles on it with all the original parts except a brooks saddle which I added, some and some lights. I highly recommend it; steel frame, solid, everything you need and not overpriced.

http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

the surly looks nice, but I want to stick to the budget.

Ill be looking for something used, for sure.




There is an older kona jake on ebay now too. Im gonna get sized up this weekend so I can start doing some serious shopping.

I got fitted for a bike today. We tried a 52, and then a 54. They both felt good as far as I could tell. (i didnt get a change to ride). He said the 54 looked like my size though.

Sounds like the 52 would be good for me.

I got fitted for a bike today. We tried a 52, and then a 54. They both felt good as far as I could tell. (i didnt get a change to ride). He said the 54 looked like my size though.

Sounds like the 52 would be good for me.

Buy that puppy, and post a few pix already!! :D

im definitely going to try.


opinions on how much I should bid???


EDIT: I just found out he has the reserve set at 500.

I won the bike!!!,



Should be here in about a week. I cant wait!