Advice on buying an '07 cyclocross bike for commuting
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rohmen
Hey all,
I am interested in buying a new cyclocross bike this fall to use primarily as a commuter and for long recreational rides. I need something with fender and rack braze-ons, and would prefer a steel frame since I ride on some pretty sh*t streets in Chicago. I would prefer to spend under $1000 since I will not be racing it. The leading contenders for me right now seem to be either the Lemond Poprad (it seems to only come with disc brakes now, which bumps the price over $1000) or the Surly crosscheck. The only problem with the surly seems to be finding a lbs with my size in stock so I can test ride it. I've also looked at the Specialized tricross, but I'm not sure how I feel about the aluminum frame (my current ride is an older aluminum s.96 schwinn mtb with slicks, and the ride on Chicago streets seems really rough after I switched to a steel ridged fork).
Long story short, just looking for some good advice on what the best steel cyclocross bike is for 07 or 08 for around $1000. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated (including any advice on when lbs shops drop the price on 07 models).
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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I just picked up a Surley Cross Check last week and LOVE it! I bought it for riding around town and for winter riding. Never test rode it. Ordered it online from Wheel & Sprocket here in Wisconsin and picked it up three days later at the Hales Corner store. $930.00. Added pedals and changed the saddle.
It is a great riding bike!
flargle
Bianchi Volpe
rohmen
ctyler,
did they seem flexible about letting you switch out/upgrade some components on the crosscheck complete set up at wheel and sprocket, or was it a take it or leave it situation? My parents live in Appleton, so there is a chance I would order it through them to pay less in sales tax and avoid the popularity surly has in chicago. I would like to change out the wheels and possibly use only a single ring on the crank set with no front derailleur in order to easily run it as a fixed/ss in the winter.
Thanks
flargle
When you factor in the need to prevent chain derailments, converting to a single ring might not be worth the trouble.
rohmen
When you factor in the need to prevent chain derailments, converting to a single ring might not be worth the trouble.
I guess I'm a bit confused (I admit I'm not a bike mechanic or even close). Why would running only a single chain ring in the front increase my chances of derailments. The Bianchi Castro Valley runs a single chain ring and a 9 spd cassette in the rear. In fact, I might just grab it rather than trying to get a lbs to modify a crosscheck set-up. Is there something I'm missing in the surly set-up that makes a similar situation not practical? My though is that for general city riding, 9 gears would be more than enough. I would like to just grab an internal hub, but I'm not sure I can afford a decent one for a year or two.
My plan was to grab a cheap fixed wheel set for the winter, remove the rear derailleur, adjust the chain line, and run it as a fixie during the slushy months with the single front ring. The surly has horizontal drops, so chain tensioning shouldn't be a problem. Is that really not practical to do???
ctyler
ctyler,
did they seem flexible about letting you switch out/upgrade some components on the crosscheck complete set up at wheel and sprocket, or was it a take it or leave it situation? My parents live in Appleton, so there is a chance I would order it through them to pay less in sales tax and avoid the popularity surly has in chicago. I would like to change out the wheels and possibly use only a single ring on the crank set with no front derailleur in order to easily run it as a fixed/ss in the winter.
Thanks
Sorry, but I just took the stock bike built with the components that came with it. Give them a call. I found them very friendly.
flargle
I guess I'm a bit confused (I admit I'm not a bike mechanic or even close). Why would running only a single chain ring in the front increase my chances of derailments.In a double chainring setup, the derailleur and the other chainring help prevent derailments. If you are running a single naked chainring and a rear derailleur, on the other hand, it is very easy to drop a chain (especially when going over bumps).
Even though you are "simplifying" by getting rid of a chainring and a front derailleur, you have to replace them with some sort of chainguard on both sides of the remaining chainring. And giving up gear range.
I'm not saying that 1x9 is a bad idea, just that you have to consider the details. And I'm almost certain you won't be able to pick and choose components with the Surly build -- the whole point of a complete bike (vs building up from components) is to take advantage of economies of scale.
flargle
P.S. Bianchi Volpe
Podolak
I have been heavily considering the Tricross for a similar application to what you have described. I test rode the Tricross and I really liked the feel. It could have been the carbon forks but it didn't feel too harsh. The comp version also has the carbon seat stays but that gets a little pricey. From what I've read though the Surly is hard to beat. Not being able to test ride it is kind of a pain but you could test ride a different bike with the same geometry. I also endorse the suggestion of the Volpe if you have a Bianchi dealer near where you are or can travel to.
rohmen
In a double chainring setup, the derailleur and the other chainring help prevent derailments. If you are running a single naked chainring and a rear derailleur, on the other hand, it is very easy to drop a chain (especially when going over bumps).
Thanks for the tip. I do have several Bianchi dealers near by, so I will test ride the Volpe.
martianone
my Cross Check is set up as a 1x9,
34 t chain ring with 11-34 cassette,
there is a dog fang chain keeper.
have ridden it about 2400 km so far this
year, never dropped the chain.
the 1x9 set up is highly effective and
pragmatic for commuting and general
riding.
sirlight
Even though you are looking for a steel frame, let me make a few comments on the tricross.
I purchased a '07 tricross sport a little less than a year ago and use it mainly for commuting. This was to replace the Rocky Mountain stratos (hard tail) that was my previous commuter. So far a have about 3000 miles on it. It suits my mixed street and dirt road commute perfectly. Actually the ride seems less harsh than my hard tail mountain bike. The rack and fender mounts are a real advantage if it is to be used as a commuter. The gearing seems to be a good compromise for road in light trails.
In short, I think it is a good value for use as a commuter and you would not be unhappy about the choice.