[motorcade]

I did one CX race last season on my heavy MTB and plan to do more next season, but with a better, faster ride. I've been looking at the Kona Jake the Snake and Redline Conquest, decent quality bikes without a second mortgage to get there. What others are worth looking at? Is EBay a viable option, or is it better to go new from LBS? Thanks.

MC
06 TCR C2
06 Rainier
07 Langster

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[knucklesandwich]

The Kona Jake runs about $400 less than the Jake the Snake. They share the same frame, but with the following key differences:
- steel fork vs carbon
- Tiagra drivetrain vs full 105
- less sporty wheels (but more spokes)
Could be a good intro bike to cross racing, then you upgrade the key difference over time as parts wear out.

I have an '06 that I've mainly used for commuting and have been happy with it- upgraded the wheels to Aksiums after about 4,500 miles, and will probably upgrade the drivetrain to 105 this summer, around 7,500 miles.

[markhr]

some CX bikes with iso disc mounts (if that's what you meant)

cannondale cross xr7 - http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8XR7C.html

Brodie Ronin '08 - http://www.brodiebikes.com/2008/2008_bikes/ronin.php
Brodie romax '07 - http://www.brodiebikes.com/2007/2007_bikes/romax.php
brodie ronin '07 - http://www.brodiebikes.com/2007/2007_bikes/ronin.php

lemond poprad disc - http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/cross/poprad_disc.php

rocky mountain sherpa - http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2007/TOURING/sherpa-10.aspx

orbea diem drop disc - http://www.orbea.com/ingles/interior.php?tipo=1&familia=6&gama=13

focus cross disc - http://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyclocrossbikes/cyclocross_bikes_cross_disc.php

devinci caribou2 - http://www.devinci.com/10479_an.html

rei novara element - http://www.rei.com/product/744808

co-motion mazama - http://www.co-motion.com/mazama.html

rocky mountain Solo CXD - http://bikes.com/2008_preview/2008_preview.html

rotwild rs1cx - http://www.rotwild.de/en/ (street bikes section)

fixie inc. pureblood - http://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/2008/download/pureblood.html

maxx roadmaxx custom (you choose the color and parts at the LBS and the factory puts it together, i.e., not a custom frame) - http://www.maxx.de/frmain_bikes.htm (road - roadmaxx custom)

Salsa la Cruz - http://www.salsacycles.com/laCruzComp08.html

trek portland - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/urban/portland/portland/

[Cynikal]

I thought ISO = In Search Of.

[markhr]

I thought ISO = In Search Of.

thanks for clearing that up

[canadian accent]Acronyms, eh?[/canadian accent]

[Milice]

I raced my first season on a trek xo1, Still ride the hell out of it. But it has mainly become my everything bike winter traing wet weateh dirt road single track whatever bike. I have evan toured on it.

curent race bike is a Bianchi axis. Bought the frame off ebay and built it up with begged borrowed or bought real cheap parts.

[M_S]

Lots of manufacturershave bikes in the 1000 to 1500 range with Tiagra or 105 drivetrains (or a mix thereof). Some options:

Lemond Poprad (might be a bit more, not sure what it's running
Jamis Nova Pro (very hot looking, just saw one in person)
Jake the Snake
Conquest
K2 Enemy (the 07 has Tiagra, the 08 is full 105)

Probably lots more.


It's a good time to be shopping for one now that the season is over. There may also be some 06 or 07 models still out there at heavy discoutns if you can find them.

[threeflys]

I just picked up a new Novara Element at REI for something like $870, it's normally $1100. They are having their annual 20% off sale for members this month, I think it costs $20 to become a member. You might check it out.
Chris
soon to be cross newbie also

[motorcade]

Thanks everyone for the input. Just checked out those Jamis CX bikes on their website. The Nova Pro IS cool looking. Wish it had the 105 instead of the Tiagra.

MC

[M_S]

Try Tiagra before you knock it. The latest versions are miles better than previous generations. I also like the hood shapes better than 105. They're basically Ultegra clones. With 105 you do save a bit of wait, but my Cross bike is right under 21 pounds in race mode with heavyish tires. Also, you can run mountain stuff with 9 speed Tiagra. Say if you want a wide-range cassette. I agree 105 is marginally better but the difference is scant enough that I'd rather spend the savings on some nice wheels/tires, pedals, etcetera. Just one man's opinion, worth about what you paid for it.

Also, the Nova Pro is more orangish in person than on Jamis' website, just so you know :).

EDIT: The Jamis Aurora Elite is a rebadged Nova frame from last year, with eyelets on the fork now, and a triple crankset. It has 105, though you may or may not want it's other features. Just throwing that out there.

[threeflys]

Just so you know, the Novara Elememt has Tiagra drivetrain with the exception of a 105 rear deraileur.
Chris

[M_S]

As long as we're talking Novara, one bike I never see mentioned is the Element. See,s decently specced for the price, with a carbon rear triangle and mostly 105 drivetrain.

[threeflys]

As long as we're talking Novara, one bike I never see mentioned is the Element. See,s decently specced for the price, with a carbon rear triangle and mostly 105 drivetrain.

I think you mean the Rivet vs. the Element, the River has the carbon stays.
http://media.rei.com/media/600565.jpg

My guess is people have a hard time paying $1600 for an REI bike, a mistake in my opinion as it is a pheonominal bike. For that $$, people want a name like Lemond or Cannondale.

**I just got an email last night that my Element shipped to the local REI!!**

Chris