Cyclocross - Cool Frame Choices

I am building my first CX bike for this season and already have a full Ultegra mix with Open Pros. Like most, I don't want to spend alot of money on this project, but I want a frame I will be happy with down the road. I have played the upgrade game, and while it is fun, it is just more expensive in the long run. I have looked at several frames for the build and am making my choice next week. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on any of these frames, or any others you might suggest. Bike will be for winter training for next years road season and a couple of CX races this year. I am addicted to steel, but would consider alloy with a carbon fork. All choices are brand new.

1) 2004 Lemond Poprad (Alloy Fork) $499
2) 2002 Lemond Poprad (Steel Fork) $350
3) 2003 Gunnar Crosshair (frame and fork) $830
4) 2002 Airborne Carpe Diem (frame & fork) $899
5) 2004 Bianchi Euro steel CX (frame & fork) $599
6) 2003 Soma Fabrications CX (frame & fork) $375

I am leaning towards the 2004 Lemond Poprad or the 2004 Bianchi CX. The Poprad is Reynolds 853 and the Bianchi is their Euro steel tubing that they have used in their steel road bikes. Anyway, the cool thing is how many choices are out there and that the bicycle makers are starting to catch on.

Happy Trails

I've got an Airborne Carpe Diem. I've had it a couple of years and love it. I've got the TrueTemper Alpha Q CX carbon fork. This bike is plenty stiff (I'm 220 lbs.) but yet smooth as silk. I couldn't imagine being happier than I am with this bike. If I had it to do all over again I would buy the same bike. No question.

Originally posted by Grampy™
I've got an Airborne Carpe Diem. I've had it a couple of years and love it. I've got the TrueTemper Alpha Q CX carbon fork. This bike is plenty stiff (I'm 220 lbs.) but yet smooth as silk. I couldn't imagine being happier than I am with this bike. If I had it to do all over again I would buy the same bike. No question.

I have to second the alpha Q fork - Stiffer than any road fork, and probably any mountain fork I've ridden, regardless of material. It makes my my MTB fork (SID) feel like a limp rag (which it is!).

i'd also look at the kona team frame [i think they call it major jake]. it's easton scandium, with a whole lot of nicely shaped tubing, including a bi-ovalized top tube. it's blue and red, and built up with your components would probly come in below 20 lbs. the price should be pretty much in your range, even if you swapped out the stock steel fork for carbon fibre.

btw, i have a winwood carbon fork. it's good, though not flashy at all. it smooths out the ride somewhat, but it's much lighter than the stock kona fork my bike cae with. i haven't noticed any noodly-ness.