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robncircus
 
Hi all

Well, the US Navy is being nice to me for re-enlisting in the reserves and giving me $10k to spend :D

I've decided to buy myself a cross bike that I can use for commuting and some off road riding. Thing is I have no idea where to go to ride... Suggest for me some trails and fireroads in the LA area.

Cheers!

Rob

PS - This is the bike I'm looking at: http://www.rei.com/product/730696

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herbm
 
Hi all

Well, the US Navy is being nice to me for re-enlisting in the reserves and giving me $10k to spend :D

I've decided to buy myself a cross bike that I can use for commuting and some off road riding. Thing is I have no idea where to go to ride... Suggest for me some trails and fireroads in the LA area.

Cheers!

Rob

PS - This is the bike I'm looking at: http://www.rei.com/product/730696

Hey Rob
There are some trails at the top of La Tuna! I want to check them out as well!

robncircus
 
Sweet Herb! I'm going to order the bike sometime this week so hopefully I'll have it shortly. I've never ridden cross before but it looks like fun.

Rob

roadfix
 
Have you looked at other CX bikes?

herbm
 
Sweet Herb! I'm going to order the bike sometime this week so hopefully I'll have it shortly. I've never ridden cross before but it looks like fun.

Rob

It does look like fun.....you coming to ride tomorrow eve?

Psydotek
 
I've heard the Fullerton Loop is CX bike friendly. I still need to make it out there sometime...

robncircus
 
Have you looked at other CX bikes?

I haven't really done too much looking to be honest. I've heard good things about the K2 Enemy and the price is in my range. I need to keep it under $1k. I do liek to support REI when I can since it's a socially responsible employer and a top 100 employer as well (I used to be a recruiter so I pay attention that stuff).

I'm always open to suggestions if you have any on other makes/models/shops to check out :)

Rob

zzzwillzzz
 
you better be in shape if you're gonna ride a cross bike in the verdugos. the terrain is not too tough but it is a lot of steep climbing

Pigtire
 
Another salty dog here(USS Independence CV-62). I've been riding Sullivan on my cross bike for years. The fireroad is very CX friendly but I have to warn you that you will be getting a lot of stares from the local mtb'ers:D. And yes, the steeper the trail the better. CX bikes are just perfect for climbing. If you are still shopping for a CX bike I recommend getting a nice steel frame. It helps muting the trail roughness.

gobes
 
My favorite trails / fire roads to ride on the 'cross bike are closed right now. I like to ride from home (foothill ranch) through whiting ranch to santiago canyon, up through the canyon to black star canyon and up to main divide. I think that it will be a while before I can do that ride again.

Another favorite ride for the 'cross bike is down the aliso creek bike trail to aliso and wood canyons park.

I've ridden the fullerton loop on my 'cross bike but I hate having to cross all the streets.

pedalmyass
 
Ship Wreak- (I can say that because I’m stationed in the Navy at Point Mugu). I’d look at some other CX bike offerings before committing to a “house brand” bike. I raced on my Red Line in the North West for 3 years and it was bomb proof… still is. I’m not trying to push the RD, but I’m familiar with your REI choice, (I grew up in the NW were REI is king) I know that for a little bit more cash you can get into a bike that has a better selection of parts, a frame that’s suited for faster riding (angles are not as relaxed as your current choice), and one that has more styling point’s on the trail or when you go around the corner for some Starbucks. As far as riding, come up the PCH and I’ll take you to some nice trails in my area, like Sycamore Canyon.

Felt F1X (http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?catid=18,22&pid=28) - $1,500
Redline Conquest Pro (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/conquest-pro.html) - $1,600
http://www.konaworld.com/08_jakethesnake_w.htm

robncircus
 
Ship Wreak- (I can say that because I’m stationed in the Navy at Point Mugu). I’d look at some other CX bike offerings before committing to a “house brand” bike. I raced on my Red Line in the North West for 3 years and it was bomb proof… still is. I’m not trying to push the RD, but I’m familiar with your REI choice, (I grew up in the NW were REI is king) I know that for a little bit more cash you can get into a bike that has a better selection of parts, a frame that’s suited for faster riding (angles are not as relaxed as your current choice), and one that has more styling point’s on the trail or when you go around the corner for some Starbucks. As far as riding, come up the PCH and I’ll take you to some nice trails in my area, like Sycamore Canyon.

Felt F1X (http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?catid=18,22&pid=28) - $1,500
Redline Conquest Pro (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/conquest-pro.html) - $1,600
http://www.konaworld.com/08_jakethesnake_w.htm

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to shop around a bit this weekend I think. The REI deal was jsut appealing because it's on sale and I'm not looking to spend too much. Plus I plan to throw fenders and a rack on the thing so I'm not gonna get to many style points anyway haha.

I'm drilling over in Port Hueneme (sp?). We should talk via PM and I'll bring my bike up with me so we can ride. I'm also going to be there for 4 weeks in the spring for an express version of the CM A school (I'm a Seabee convert from the aviation side).

Cheers

Rob

Indolent58
 
Time for the obligatory Bikes Direct shill -

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro.htm

cmonster75
 
That Motobecane is an amazing deal, that parts pick is worth the price alone. My opinion- if you want to ride some trails, even tame ones, having at least 105 parts on it will be worth the extra money. The shifting on the lower end stuff isn't nearly as accurate. Also, both the K2 and Motobecane have cross chainrings which aren't really ideal for climbing on dirt. I run a compact set with 50-34 X 12-27 and really have to grind up some of the hills.
When i was shopping I saw several used bikes about a year old on eBay in your price range. I bought my Las Cruces on eBay used and have had no problems with it, it's the second complete bike I've bought on eBay. It was a little more than your budget but was still a great deal.

TrevorInSoCal
 
You might also look into trying to find a deal on an '07 model 'cross bike. The '08s just came out, so they'll be looking to unload last year's inventory.

I recently got a pretty good deal on an '07 Trek XO1 from my LBS.

robncircus
 
Thanks all! Just picked one of these up for $899: http://fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=289&subcat=2

105 equipped and in my size (49). Should have it next week sometime. Can't wait to get out and try some trails with everyone!

Rob

jsigone
 
looks like a good bike!!

Indolent58
 
Thanks all! Just picked one of these up for $899: http://fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=289&subcat=2

105 equipped and in my size (49). Should have it next week sometime. Can't wait to get out and try some trails with everyone!

Rob


:beer: Congrats. Fuji makes a nice bike.

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