I am new to the biking world and need input from the knowledgable people who post here on this site. I am planning on rewarding myself for graduating from college with a new bike. I have decided that a cross bike is the way to go for me. I've never owned anything other than a Wal-Mart special. I would like to buy from one of the local bike shops here in town. I've been looking at the: Felt F1X, Kona Jake the Snake/Major Jake, LeMond Poprad, Redline Conquest Pro, and Giant.
I want a bike that I can rely on for commuting, long rides on the weekends with my biker buddies, and something that can hold up on lighter trails but still maintain road efficiency. This is why I want a cx bike. All these bikes seemm to have the same components (for the most part), and I have test ridden all of them. I just can't make a decision.
Any ideas, comments, opinions, ect. on these bike from more experienced folks like yourselves would be awesome and a hugh help in my buying decision.
Phantasie
05-11-08, 09:03 AM
I recently bought my CX bike (Ridley) for pretty much the same reasons as you (well minus the college bit).
I love the bike, and am extremely happy with getting a CX. I've gone over some pretty rough mountain trails with friends, and long road trips by my self and the bike has held up great. (Tires at 35's).
Given what you describe, I don't think you'll be dissapointed.
One thing to note would be with something like the Lemond Poprad, you can get the disc brakes.
One other thing, that while obvious, dont forget to consider. I assume you have a budget. Realize that its very easy to blow that budget well _after_ you buy your bike. There are alot of thigns that add up quickly (granted you dont _have_ to have them, but hey) - cycling shorts, jersey, tire pump, tire levers, patches, helmet, water bottles, cages, possibly new saddle, etc etc. Dont forget about this!
kstreeter513
05-11-08, 09:29 AM
Ridley's are nice bikes (my buddy has one and loves it). But I would really like to support my LBS, and none of them carry ridley.
sfcrossrider
05-11-08, 09:54 AM
For what you want the Lemond is the best choice (IMO). I wasn't a fan of my Ridley, but I know many who love them.
Ronsonic
05-11-08, 10:21 AM
ATMO, those are all good bikes and you won't be wrong with any of them. Get the one that has the best fit, hottest vibe or coolest color scheme. In that order.
If one of those fits better, get it. Fit is the single most important thing in a bike. With a lack of experience it's a bit tricky to know what is best, just expect that with experience you'll want something that's a little lower and more stretched out than is comfortable at first. Just a little, don't get something that hurts now, thinking it'll get better. Mostly, you should ignore standover height. Unless it's really egregious, but by that point there'll be other fit issues like a way too long top tube and a seat too far back from the pedals. Beginners overrate SO, really there's never any reason to find yourself standing bestride the bike. Honest, the toptube won't jump up and hit you in the fundamental parts. What does matter is how it feels riding it, in motion, on the road or trail doing what bikes do. Cross bikes usually don't have any toe-tire overlap issues, those should also be ignored except in extreme cases. Make the bike fit you while riding, not waiting for a traffic light. A baby's arm of seatpost showing doesn't make it any faster. It does look more like a pro racer bike, but they have different problems than you.
If the bikes you're considering are all about the same under you and/or you'll get good help from the shop getting fitted, get the one that excites you most. Enthusiasm goes a long way in this sport, so much better than the drudgerious tendency to go ride for a reason instead of going riding because it's just plain fun.
If you aren't deviated enough to be excited by bikes, or if they all make you say "that's hot, I gotta ride the hell outta that" then get the one with the color scheme that either suits your personality or matches more of your riding kit. Really, it's okay to be that shallow. Those are all respectable bikes. Myself, I'm a huge Redline fan and would go that way. You might find something that suits yourself better.
andychang
05-11-08, 10:26 AM
Hi. I can offer you the following 2 cents because I work in the cycling industry: Giant TCX are very hard to find right now for this model year. Redline Conquest Pro are hard to find as well unless you ride a 44cm or 48cm. Incidentally I just got a Conquest Pro myself in the tiny version.
bryroth
05-12-08, 11:56 AM
I bought a Kona Jake off craigslist for $400 for my first CX bike and I really love it. I would have bought the poprad but they are pretty expensive.
muteseh
05-12-08, 12:53 PM
fit fit fit fit fit
Erik B
05-13-08, 05:45 PM
provided they fit...
I've got a friend on a Jake the Snake which he loves.
I ride a Felt. It's a decent bike with with a pretty good component mix EXCEPT for the stock brakes which are absolute crap. New Koolstops helped a little, I'm hoping my conversion to front linear pull works out as well as the initial ride indicates it has.
zoeglassjd
05-27-08, 09:08 AM
PM me if interested in a '06 55 cm poprad w/ ultegra upgrades.