best bang-for-the-buck, straight-from-the-box cross bike?

[sancocho]

I'd really like to avoid Sora. The Felt F1X seems like a great value but it's beyond what I want to spend. Any thoughts? I'm in that crap postion where I don't want junk but can't afford much else. Man, the BD Motobecane with full 'teg sure is tempting:eek:

[bitterken]

Redline Conquest? Kona Jake?

[markhr]

any CX bike with disc brakes - condorcycles, salsa, voodoo, opus, cannondale, kona, trek, mountaincycle, zion, lemond, redline, etc.

http://www.huntvalleybicycles.com/images/products/06bikes/06cannondale/06cann-cyclocrossdisc.jpg
http://2006.lemondbikes.com/images/2006_bikes/medium/poprad_disc.jpg
http://media.twango.com/m1/large/0014/55aa770bfd964d2b87f61b0cf43a35f7.jpg

[damocles1]

The Moto is the best deal out there...

[John Dark]

Maybe the Ibex X-Ray Race? http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/X-RAY-RCE-Details.html
No disc brakes but full 105 for $999.

[caballeros]

I have had a focus x bike for the last month (German). Very good and good value. One thing to look out for is the gearing and that you can get low enough gears for where you will be riding. I have found it very difficult to sort this problem. Also I don't have disc brakes and you get lots of juddering when braking on steep descents off road.

[cslone]

Probably the Moto or ebay.

I'll hit you up here in a bit. I know someone who was selling a Redline frame for a good price and i think it may be your size.

[sancocho]

Wow, that Ibex has the new 10sp 105 at that price?

Seems like a hell of a deal. I think I'd have to swap the drive train into my 9sp road bike though! ;)

Caballeros,
What size did you get? What's your inseam?

[rsdmag]

Motobecane Fantom or Jamis Nova

[exfreewheeler]

Wow, that Ibex has the new 10sp 105 at that price?

Seems like a hell of a deal. I think I'd have to swap the drive train into my 9sp road bike though! ;)

Caballeros,
What size did you get? What's your inseam?

I bought a mountain bike from Ibex back in '03. They are very nice people. Very helpful and great service. Prompt delivery too.

[Tony O]

agreed on the Ibex. A carbon fork to boot. That component set looks better than my Kona JTS I just picked up on ebay as well.

-Tony O

[Milice]

trek xo1 solid bike solid parts and treks frame warranty

[ecidream]

Really want to get a cross bike, can't afford to spend more then $1200.

trying to decide between the redline conquest, motobecane fantom cross, or fuji cross comp.

my LBS is suggesting the crosscheck which I looked at but, cut from the list because I was looking for an aluminum frame.

is there much of a difference in weight? between the crosscheck and the conquest? all the reviews I read said the crosscheck is heavy.

I know the fantom is the best deal for the money, but really want to buy this from the LBS and only looking at the moto as a last resort.

thanks in advance

[jasonguard]

I think that IBEX looks about as good as you're gonna find for the price. It may not be disc-capable, but the components are all good, great paint job, and only $35 for shipping. I'd hit that one up while the sale is still on.

[exfreewheeler]

I think that IBEX looks about as good as you're gonna find for the price. It may not be disc-capable, but the components are all good, great paint job, and only $35 for shipping. I'd hit that one up while the sale is still on.

oh, that price will get better, I guarantee you. When I got my MTB at what was a great price, next time I looked, I slapped myself. Not a plug... just that they are great to deal with.

[caballeros]

the frame is 58cm and inside leg 83 cm. i am 6ft4ins tall.

[dzinehaus]

Maybe the Ibex X-Ray Race? http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/X-RAY-RCE-Details.html
No disc brakes but full 105 for $999.

not full 105 groupo, and if you look at the picture its a truvativ crank

but in the specs it says FSA cranks with avid shorty brakes

[PDXJeff]

Kona.

[nitropowered]

Do you have to buy new? or ok with used?

[briscoelab]

I think the COnquest Pro has a lot to offer for the price.

[flargle]

I think the COnquest Pro has a lot to offer for the price.But retails for ~$150 more than the Felt that is more expensive than the OP wants to pay.

[MrEWorm]

I have the steel Surly Cross-check and a carbon framed Fuji road bike. The Surly rides better. Unless you are really in shape and really racing , the steel won't make you slow.

[voileauciel]

How about something like this (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI308G00-Bianchi+Axis+06+W+Free+Build+Kit.aspx)?

[Fishy]

Don't own one and have never ridden one, but the Giant TCX seems like a decent deal on paper - perhaps someone here can better speak to it, but at first glance, it seems like a good buy at $1,200.