[davidgeisbush]

Constraints: $500 absolute max, wife would prefer I spend $400.

Is there anything out there I can get started on in this price range? I was looking at closeouts on 2003 Trek 7300FX, 2002 Specialized Sirrus, and then came across IBEX bikes and am looking at their Corrida LT that looks pretty dang good.

I'm really considering the IBEX - Corrida LT, does anyone know if it would be a good start?

http://www.ibexbikes.com/bikes_03CorridaLT.html

Thanks!

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[gruppo]

The Sirrus can be inexpensively adapted to make a pretty decent 'cross bike - affordable, good tire clearance, etc. I've done a couple using Shimano Sora STI shift/brake handles, Salsa drop bars, Dia Compe 986 Canti's (There's other brakes but I had the 986's laying around), Kendra tires, etc. If you find a good deal on a Sirrus, you'll be able to do what I've described and stay within your budget, especially if you can sell the take-offs, and you'll be pleased with the results. Good luck.
gruppo

[BlastRadius]

The Ibex Corrida you pointed to is pretty well spec'd.
Some of the highlights versus the Sirrus and 7300FX:

Better drivetrain, 105 Rear Derailer, 9spd instead of 8, Tiagra shifters vs. Alivio, Truvativ Elita cranks.

Better brakes, well at least Tektro is somewhat better than no-name.

Lighter rims/wheels.

Standard geometry vs. compact geometry (subjective but I like standard better).

Other components are comparable but 22.5 lbs for the Ibex is decent for the price. My $1100 Bianchi Axis is only about 1.5 lbs lighter.

Same price as Sirrus and only slightly more than 7300FX.

[BlastRadius]

One more thing, the picture isn't too clear but the Tektro V-brakes look like they may be the Mini V-Brakes that work with STI levers should you go with drops in the future.