Good affordable entry level cross bike?

[xthugmurderx]

I'm sure I'm just missing the information that I'm looking for, but I'm looking to get into the sport (and commute on a cross bike). I don't need STI's or anything fancy. Kind of a retro-grouch. If there is anywhere to get old cross bikes with 700c wheels let me know, but I've been looking at the crosscheck and double cross (i work at a shop and could get either for cheap.) also looking at the felt F1X and the Lemond Poprad. not so much the Trek offerings because I want to ep a new T1 again this year. anyone else I should be looking at? Would it be possible to build an old one up from ebay for around $4-5 hundred if I play my cards right? preferably old and steel w/ a frame for 700c wheels (but i guess i could fill up the gap with bigger tires or fenders.) Thanks very much for any help/suggestions. I appreciate it in advance.

[garagegirl]

You can buy a decent complete bike for 300-400 on ebay, if you look. If you can wait till fall, a lot of people sell their old bikes at the races.

[surreal]

if you work at a shop, and you're an old-guard bike guy, get a crosscheck frame, kit it out with whatever you got that'll work, and buy the rest with your discount. the frame/fork is only $240 plus ship from qbp to a shop, so that's right cheep, and you can save cash with your old stuff. that's my plan, anyway. i'm just trying to decide on wheels. yeah, the crosscheck is heavy, but that'll be the least of your worries for right now anyways

[xthugmurderx]

that's the route i'm kind of thinking. thanks surreal. also, gg, keeping an eye out. you know how it is.

[Mr_Finster]

I did the cross-check route and built it up with many a spare parts. Inexpensive and versatile, too.