Cyclocross - yet another insufferable noob

Hi,
So this is another one of those I'm new to cyclocross and need advice about what bike to get questions. Feel free to ignore me if these threads get annoying but hopefully you guys are more helpful than the ssfg guys.

So I want a cx bike that will be used for attempting racing this fall but also for recreational rides and maybe a century. I'm thinking aluminum because I want the bike on the lighter side (hopefully not more than 22 or 23 lbs) and from my understanding aluminum with a carbon fork won't be much harsher than a steel rig (is this right?).
My budget tops out at about $1300. So far I've been considering the Bianchi Axis which I can get for $1200 and also the Motobecane Phantom Pro. I'm leaning slightly toward the Bianch because I like to support my lbs and have them support me with tune ups and the like. Are there other bikes I should be seriously considering? Are there other relevant factors that I've left out?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

You can still support your LBS by taking the bike you bought online and having them service it. I'm not a shop owner but I would guess that they have a higher profit margin on service then they do on sales of a bike. Remember, the guy who sells bikes online has a family too. So you may not be supporting your LBS but your supporting someone.

That said... the Phantom Pro seems like it would be a nice bike and I've heard good things about them and the price is nice too!

I hate to sound one-sided in my opinion based on some of my other posts. But a year or so ago, I also was a newbie to CX. Somewhat of a cheapskate in wanting the best quality possible for the lowest price, I decided to look at many CX bikes. I checked out CXs from Bianchi, Scott, Trek, Giant, Specialized, and one or two more I can't remember now. (Did not look at Motobecane as couldn't find a local dealer). I also prefer aluminum over steel frame.

For me by far, and I mean by far, the most solid, comfortable, lightest, and best performing was the Tricross series from Specialized. My advice would be no matter what bike you choose, at least check out the Tricross before making the final decision. It's well within your stated budget.

Can't agree with Richard more. I now have 2 of them. One for road riding/commuting and the other for racing/commuting/rail bed riding. Great bikes and very versitile.

Trek has changed the geomertry on the XO1to make it a little more race worthy. Ive got a 2005 and have rode the snot out of it. Everthing from races to fast club rode rides, to light touring. Also have done centurys and up on it. But for now I am mostly racing an axis.

Thanks for the replies.

I just got back from my slightly less local bike shop and they have a 2007 Fuji Cross Comp for $800. This seems like a great deal and I think I might go for it. Any reason not to?

No, Fuji makes great bikes and you get a lot for your money. Go for it.

Only reason not to go with any bike is when making a spur of the moment decision based on an apparently attractive price, without having looked at other choices out there. But if limited in time to compare, probably a good choice.

Ofcourse, it's worth considering that the bikesdirect cross bikes are rebadged Fuji designs...

The Axis is a great bike, but I think it shouldbe about 200 dollars less. Consider that the Kona Jake The Snakeis the same price and has a 105 drivetrain instead of Tiagra. Modern Tiagra is great, but still.

What other brands does your LBS carry?

Stores by me carry Bianchi, Felt, Cannondale, Raleigh, Fuji. The fuji has an fsa drivetrain with a 105 rd and sti levers. The motobecane has Ultegra and better wheels, but if I went with the Fuj I could afford an extra wheeset.