View Full Version : 'cross bike for a newb.
Zaskar24
03-22-08, 01:35 PM
I am thinking about getting a 'cross bike for doing road rides and light trail riding with. I currently do all my riding on a MTB and want something I can go faster with yet will hold up to the occasional off road excursion and have tires with tread on them as I have watched more than one rider on a road bike lose it in anything over dry pavement.
I have a budget of $1500 tops for a complete bike as all of my 2008 discretionary funds are sunk into a MTB build. So any suggestions would be appreciated. I have already looked at Fuji bikes and their Cross Comp falls nicely into my price range.
sfcrossrider
03-22-08, 02:34 PM
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro.htm
Zaskar24
03-22-08, 02:49 PM
sfcrossrider,
Thank you for the link but I would rather keep this local and buy from an LBS to help keep them in business. A town I lived in a while back had two bike stores in there downtown area. In the last couple of years it went to zero and is now at one si I would rather support them and also have them around to support me when needs be.
Anyone else have any suggestions or comments on 'cross bikes they have in this price range?
threeflys
03-22-08, 02:54 PM
Check out the Novara Element if you have an REI close by or I'd look at the Kona Jake series.
Chris
doubled
03-22-08, 02:55 PM
i think you can get the cannondale in this price range. we had the cdale going for less than that at my shop, especially if your cdale dealer still has them left on the floor. Concentrate most on frame and wheels for cyclocross. Shifters and der. end up going so fast with the condiditons that its not even necessary to worry about 1 shimano component level difference. 105 is all you really need in cross in my opinion. However, spend money on brake and wheels too as well as frame. If you can get a bike from your dealer for close to 1000 spend the other money on another wheel/tire combo and a good pump. Importance in cross goes as such in my book.
Tires
pump
wheels
brakes
frame
grouppo
try the cannondale and a spare set of wheels if you can catch a sale.
David
sfcrossrider
03-22-08, 03:03 PM
What are the brands your LBS sells? Most makers make a good thousand dollar beginner CX bike that will more than do. At that price range they're all going to be close to the same.
BTW, as someone who has owned, and raced many cross bikes for many years... the FRAME is the most important part.
Zaskar24
03-22-08, 03:13 PM
i think you can get the cannondale in this price range. we had the cdale going for less than that at my shop, especially if your cdale dealer still has them left on the floor. Concentrate most on frame and wheels for cyclocross. Shifters and der. end up going so fast with the condiditons that its not even necessary to worry about 1 shimano component level difference. 105 is all you really need in cross in my opinion. However, spend money on brake and wheels too as well as frame. If you can get a bike from your dealer for close to 1000 spend the other money on another wheel/tire combo and a good pump. Importance in cross goes as such in my book.
Tires
pump
wheels
brakes
frame
grouppo
try the cannondale and a spare set of wheels if you can catch a sale.
David
doubled,
I am willing to spend a little more because I do not intend to race this thing and for heavy duty off road riding I'll stick with my MTB. So at the moment I am not so worried about having an extra wheelset sitting around. It would just be one more thing for the boss to question me about.
Scott
Zaskar24
03-22-08, 03:17 PM
What are the brands your LBS sells? Most makers make a good thousand dollar beginner CX bike that will more than do. At that price range they're all going to be close to the same.
BTW, as someone who has owned, and raced many cross bikes for many years... the FRAME is the most important part.
sfcrossrider,
Luckily for me I am literally at the back door of the third largest city in the states and have access to every brand imaginable. So that is why I would like some ideas of where to go. So far REI is the farthest out of the way from what have suggested I look at. I have a Cannondale, Fuji, and Kona dealer within 5 miles of my house.
Scott
abbynemmy
03-22-08, 03:37 PM
I highly recommend the Lemond Poprad Disc. Steel frame and disk brakes, it will ride better than the aluminum frames you will find in this price range. I have one and just love it.
http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/cross/poprad_disc.php
most of these range in price from USD1000 to USD1600
700c, drop bar, disc brake multi use bikes (cyclocross, touring, commuting, training, racing, etc.)
trek portland - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/urban/portland/portland/
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
kona sutra - http://www.konaworld.com/08_sutra_w.htm
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
raleighusa sojourn - http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=5&itemid=427
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
doubled
03-22-08, 07:25 PM
sorry didnt catch that you didnt plan on racing... lemond poprad disc is my new suggestion. cannondale would be to harsh
sfcrossrider
03-22-08, 09:01 PM
I highly recommend the Lemond Poprad Disc. Steel frame and disk brakes, it will ride better than the aluminum frames you will find in this price range. I have one and just love it.
http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/cross/poprad_disc.php
+1
These are awesome bikes that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone looking at a well priced, steel cross bike. The SURLY crosscheck is also an attractive alternative if you're looking at a steel rig.
Ride a bunch since you're buying local. Cross bikes come in a pretty wide range of geometries, it seems like. If the off roading is really light, I would go for something with a lowish bottom bracket, set up more like a road bike. Euro-style, I suppose. The 07 Bianchi Axis is geared as an all-rounder with an LX rear derailleur and a triple crank. It's kind of overpriced at MSRP but you may be able to fidn it on clearance. Poprad canti and disc always get great reviews if you want steel, Kona Jake the Snake is a great value, and Felt's offering is also supposed to be a great value, though I've never ridden it.
Good luck and don't discount trying out racing. It's a lot of fun even when you get shelled like me :)
Zaskar24
03-30-08, 09:02 AM
Just thought I would post a little update to my first looks into 'cross bikes. So far I have been able to try out 3 different bikes. The Redline Conquest the model of which i do not remember, the Cannondale Optimo that I cannot remember the level of which a LBS has as a closeout bike, and a Fuji Cross Comp.
First off I have to say that they handle a lot different then by MTB with the drop bars. And the Shifting is different as well. It definitely will be something that will take a little getting used to.
Of the 3 LBS I went to the Fuji dealer made me feel most comfortable since he wnet into detail about the differences in the group levels as compared to a MTBs. The biggest down side to the Fuji was that it was them most expensive of the 3 I have looked at so far though it looked like the components were a little better on this one then the other two.
All the Cannondale dealer could do was to keep asking me what size road frame I ride no matter how many times I told him I know my MTB frame size since I have not ridden a raod bike in almost 24 years. And that was a hand me down to begin with anyways and before I got my first MTB.
I am also considering doing another bike build for this project as a possibility. That way I can spec it as I want. The advantage being I have learned from my Moots build and it is fun. I am looking at the Surly Cross Check as a possbility as well as a Voodoo frame and a Salsa. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on any of these 3? Or suggestions for other frames I could look at? I know this would push me over my price limit but I would also build it up over a period of a couple of months and spread the expense out thus being netter able to bury it into other projects.
the pope
03-30-08, 11:56 AM
Look at the Pompino. You can get a great deal right now at Pricepoint.com on the 2007 models.
Steel, great ride with a semi-compact fit which some prefer for cx and single-track use especially. Singlespeed, though, if that's a dealbreaker for you.
Zaskar24
03-30-08, 06:56 PM
Look at the Pompino. You can get a great deal right now at Pricepoint.com on the 2007 models.
Steel, great ride with a semi-compact fit which some prefer for cx and single-track use especially. Singlespeed, though, if that's a dealbreaker for you.
I want to buy from an LBS and want geared so a deal breaker in both regards.
Scott
Lorcatronik
03-31-08, 11:52 AM
I've also been contemplating a cross bike. There isn't much in the way of 'cross this far south. I was looking at the Felt cross bike, or building up one with a Redline Conquest Pro frame. I priced it out and it costs about or more than a complete bike, and that was including using a handlebar and stem I already had, as well as crap wheel in the build pricing. Problem I has was I'm a Campy user and there are very few cross bikes sold in the states with Campy. I'd be willing to give SRAM a go, but haven't found one of those either.
I know the feeling - see if you can build up a bike using discount bits from e-bay. It'll take a while to get the really cheap deals but you should save some money in the end to get the campag bike of your dreams.
Surly Crosscheck. The options are endless.
Zaskar24
03-31-08, 08:41 PM
Surly Crosscheck. The options are endless.
That would be both the best and worst thing though. As I am finding out with my Moots build right now. While the possibilites may be endless my pocket is not. :( That and my knowledge of road components is very small so it would be a lot of trial and error I am thinking. That is one of the reasons I am looking at getting a whole bike from an LBS after doing some research and getting the money put together.
Anyone have any ideas where the Surly frame is made? I know the Fuji is Taiwan. Pretty sure C'dale is still here in the U.S. and not sure about the Redline. Not that big of a deal since most of the components are made outside the U.S. anyhow.
Guess I will just have to do more research. :D
CrankyMonkey
04-01-08, 01:18 PM
That would be both the best and worst thing though. As I am finding out with my Moots build right now. While the possibilites may be endless my pocket is not. :( That and my knowledge of road components is very small so it would be a lot of trial and error I am thinking. That is one of the reasons I am looking at getting a whole bike from an LBS after doing some research and getting the money put together.
Anyone have any ideas where the Surly frame is made? I know the Fuji is Taiwan. Pretty sure C'dale is still here in the U.S. and not sure about the Redline. Not that big of a deal since most of the components are made outside the U.S. anyhow.
Guess I will just have to do more research. :D
From my understanding the Surly is made in Taiwan (at least I think I read that somewhere on a forum). I just order a Cross Check and will be building it up next week. The nice thing about the Surly frames is they will work with most standard parts. They don't have any weird sizing or strange features you can run either 130mm hubs or 135mm. Also the every review I've read people absolutely love that frame. I'm planning on using mine for road, commuting, singletrack, tooling around with the kids and CX racing. It will be my do it all bike.
You could get a reasonably priced surly crosscheck and upgrade a few things right off the bat, then others as you feel like it. For non racing purposes, it's hard to beat he x check in terms of value, and you may appreciate the beating that bike can take, coming from a mountain biking background. The bar end shifters are great for non-racing. Durable, crisp, light and intuitive.
Only downside: Can't take disc brakes. but your first upgrade could be a nashbar carbon fork (which is identical to a winwood) and an avid BB7 front disc brake (they make a road version).
Zaskar24
04-01-08, 09:27 PM
The Surly Cross Check is looking pretty good. I don't think I would go with disc on this but might try and add a set of linear pull brakes at some point since I much prefer to adjust and work with them compared to cantis. I have some time to keep looking so I plan on using every minute of it.
On a side note. I was surfing the web last night and came across a site that had 'cross frames on sale for $199 or something like that down from $400 or so dollars. Only one problem, I failed to write down or bookmark the site. :mad: Has anyone seen this or know what I am talking about?
Scott
knobster
04-01-08, 09:31 PM
I'm going to make a plug for the Specialized Tricross. The Sport model is in your budget, but you can also pick up a year old Comp model well inside your budget as well. I got a 2006 Comp model last year for $900. Awesome bike.
Road Ferret
04-01-08, 09:52 PM
Ditto knobster. I have a 2007 Specialized Tricross Sport. The 2007 Sport upgrades from 2006 Sport make the Sport nearly even with the 2006 Comp. Among other things noticeable, the 2006 Comp came standard with the zertz inserts, more carbon, and better rims still lacking in the 2007 Sport. I really like my 2007 Specialized Tricross Sport for its smooth ride, light weight, and versatility. I'm not a racer, but I like fitness, commuting, running around with the family, doing a little off road in a park. The Specialized Tricross Sport met these things for me and is in your budget.
Oak Lawn?
Small world. I work at Christ Hospital.
Plenty of choices, plenty of LBS's. Even an REI nearby for the BIG dealer. A favorite LBS is in Westchester and carries Jamis and Marin, I think I saw a couple of crosses there in the past. Several police and park police forces buy their police bikes there, mostly hybrids/cross types. PM me for directions if you need em.
Good luck. Tons of choices out there in the southern suburbs :)
Xyphis from Orland Park
Zaskar24
04-02-08, 04:53 AM
Oak Lawn?
Small world. I work at Christ Hospital.
Plenty of choices, plenty of LBS's. Even an REI nearby for the BIG dealer. A favorite LBS is in Westchester and carries Jamis and Marin, I think I saw a couple of crosses there in the past. Several police and park police forces buy their police bikes there, mostly hybrids/cross types. PM me for directions if you need em.
Good luck. Tons of choices out there in the southern suburbs :)
Xyphis from Orland Park
Xyphis,
Small world indeed. I can see Christ from the back door of my office. That and I went to Sandburg and lived in Orland when I did. My folks still do in fact.
Scott
TRaffic Jammer
04-02-08, 02:51 PM
Marinoni Fango, Made in Quebec, Canada.... custom geometry in Columbus Zona steel for less than 800cdn. Add group purchased from LBS.
http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/Html/Fango.html Ordering mine at the end of summer.
Dang I'm going to have to talk those guys, the Marinoni Fango is pretty much what I am after. I had my mind made up on a Kona Jake and now look what you did! I like the idea of being able to choose steel frame for a road bike.
TRaffic Jammer
04-03-08, 07:00 AM
Indeedy, you can't throw a rock around here without seeing a JTS.. not to slag it at all, but I'd like something you don't see everyday. As well the Fango will be my geared roadie/charity rider with a set or road wheels slapped on it and it has the shortest chainstays of any CX frame I've been able to find. I want to do some ice racing next winter as well and they said in the steel frame it will accommodate 35's but can be made (re hammered :) ) to allow for 38's ... or ice spike tires. Check the site out as well for the massive colouring options. woot I can't wait.
kill.cactus
04-04-08, 07:02 PM
sfcrossrider,
Thank you for the link but I would rather keep this local and buy from an LBS to help keep them in business. A town I lived in a while back had two bike stores in there downtown area. In the last couple of years it went to zero and is now at one si I would rather support them and also have them around to support me when needs be.
Anyone else have any suggestions or comments on 'cross bikes they have in this price range?
While I'm all for supporting local businesses related to cycling, I secretly have another reason for buying from a local bike store: lifetime service at discounts or free.
Sure things are more expensive oftentimes but you'll get quality service and get to know your shop!
knobster
04-12-08, 08:34 PM
I bought the 2008 Tricross Sport today. I switched my wheels from my 2006 comp over and it's nearly the same weight as the Comp now. I really like the look of the Sport. Picked it up for $1100. I don't mind the Tiagra so it's basically the same bike. What I do like is the triple. That's the reason why I purchased it. One 2006 Tricross Comp for sale!
Richard8655
04-12-08, 08:49 PM
Did you stick with a 56" as was your '06 Comp?
knobster
04-12-08, 10:20 PM
Yes sure did. I switched out the stock stem with the one from the Comp. 100mm.
NitroPye
04-12-08, 11:12 PM
Ohh that Marinoni is a nice looking bike. Doesn't look like they have dealers in the states do they?
Richard8655
04-13-08, 06:47 AM
Switched to 75mm stem on my 56" Comp. The 56" frame is just right for leg length, but stock stem was just a tad too long in arm reach.
knobster
04-13-08, 08:43 AM
Wow, that's a short stem, but I know what you mean. It fits perfectly on leg length. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. The reason I bought another one.
Richard8655
04-13-08, 09:26 AM
If I remember correctly, I think we're the same height and we both found the Tricross 56" extremely comfortable. I looked at Trek, Scott, Bianchi and nothing came close. Specialized makes a 75mm by the way, their shortest.
breadbin
04-15-08, 08:28 AM
I know the feeling - see if you can build up a bike using discount bits from e-bay. It'll take a while to get the really cheap deals but you should save some money in the end to get the campag bike of your dreams.
I thought that too;-) no cheap deals to be had on ebay with bike parts in my experience lately:( unless your going really retro there might be something but do't hold your breath. that goes for ebay.co.uk can't say for the states!
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