Cyclocross - Redline vs Ridely - thoughts?

Redline Conquest Pro Cross bike with SRAM ($1500)
vs
Ridley Crossbow with 105 ($1800)

Thoughts? Ridely seems priced pretty high, so im not really considering it.

What do people think of the Redline? Is it considered a good brand? Is it rebadged? (im looking for my first cross bike and trying to get as much info as possible).

Much Thanks

Um, if you're not considering the Ridley, why did you post it as an opion? Sorry, not really following that.

Redline has been making 'cross bikes as long as just about anyone, they know their stuff, and the conquest is a very proven bike. The only complaint I've heard is that they tend to be alittle bit on the heavy side. I would also look at the Jake the Snake, another common choice. It has 105 and decent components and is only 1300.

Also, the Redlines and to a similar extent the Konas are made primarily for racing. What are you looking for in the bike?

Yes, I should have been more specific, and phrased that differently.
The Ridely is slightly over my budget, but Im willing to go higher if its a good value.
Im looking for a mix of road and trail riding, no intensive racing on either end (though small chance I will get into that in the future).
Anyway, you answered my main question - Im from Canada, and not that familar with Redline.

Thanks

i rode a kona jts today and it felt pretty awesome. i'm planning on picking one up in a month. i'll upgrade as i get more money and buy a new frame when i feel i need one. it's a pretty good deal. go test ride one.

Get a Marinoni Fango if you can afford it :)

Yes, I should have been more specific, and phrased that differently.
The Ridely is slightly over my budget, but Im willing to go higher if its a good value.
Im looking for a mix of road and trail riding, no intensive racing on either end (though small chance I will get into that in the future).
Anyway, you answered my main question - Im from Canada, and not that familar with Redline.

Thanks

-- Rich
I am not sure which part of Canada you live in but I have not seen a Redline for sale in any store that I am aware of in Montreal, QC. I picked up a Ridley Crossbow 105 over the winter & have started to ride it recently. I find it quite responsive in comparison to my (much older 2001) Trek XO1. As for $, as the other fellows suggested, look into a Kona Jake The Snake... should be about $1,400, pretty much 105, & a well regarded bike.
No matter which bike you choose, they will all serve your purpose nicely. Though I do race, I am far from being anywhere remotely close to being "competitive".... more like suffering for the fun of it. Don't sell yourself short, enter a race & just have fun with it! You certainly will not regret it!

Hi Artic - Thanks for the responses - encouraging!
I live close right on the border, and am considering picking up my bike in the states.
While I want to be dedicated to my LBS, the price difference right now, coupled wiht the even dollar makes that a difficult choice.
Case in point - Scott Comp - $1550 in Can, $1050 in the US. Same group/components.

I had a Ridley, Supercross with Ultegra and was underwhelmed. I know some love them, I didn't. I would go with a Redline after owning one. For your needs I would look at a slightly used steel bike. The ride will be so much better than anything aluminum in the same price range.