[nbac23]

What exactly is the definition of a cyclocross bike?

I am currently commuting with a Gary Fisher Montare ('96) with some semi slick tires. Its wearing me out though...

I am looking for a faster commuter but I dont really want to get a road bike because of the super skinny tires. I would like tires that are a little bigger and can go on some dirt paths. I do not need a rack or anything. Should I be looking at cyclocross bikes?

I am not interested (at this point at least) in doing any races. Who knows though.... My price range is $400-$600 probably if anyone has any suggestions!

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[black_box]

the drop handle bars, slightly wider tires (30-35), and cantilever brakes seem to be common traits. Also, the gearing may be narrower than a hybrid or mountain bike and lower than a road bike. if you don't need the drop handle bars, consider a hybrid bike, they can be had for less $$$. Entry level cross bikes seem to be $800-900 from what i've seen.



the only "cyclocross" bike i've seen at that price point is this one, unless you go used:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm

[Heyduke]

the only "cyclocross" bike i've seen at that price point is this one, unless you go used:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm

Yep. That Moto would be a perfect bike IN YOUR PRICE RANGE. You don't need racks, but you could have them. You aren't interested in racing, but you could race with this bike. You will notice a huge increase in efficiency over the MTB for your commute.

[knobster]

I've not heard many complaints about this bike either. Although many people don't like Bikedirect, I haven't heard many compaints about their service.

[Sawtooth]

I've not heard many complaints about this bike either. Although many people don't like Bikedirect, I haven't heard many compaints about their service.

Almost every single person who speaks out against BD on these forums has not bought a bike from them.
I have not bought from Mike (yet) but have a few friends who have done so and would gladly do so again. I have an extremely strong friend who bought a high end mtb and regularly podiums in the expert class with it. Another bought an entry level road bike and also loves his bike.

Both bikes required some adjustments upon arrival.

[nbac23]

BD aside, what do you think about these components for commuting/longer weekend rides/possible racing? Is there a huge difference between Tiagra/105/ultegra? I first said that my price range was $400-600. I could go higher and may be willing to throw a grand down on a bike. I just dont want to throw my money away on the ultegra components. But if I can get them on a bike for under $1000, is it worth it? Or will I be happy with sora/tiagra and wont even notice it?

Part of me thinks that if I get really into it, I could end up getting in shape and doing some races. I like riding more and more each day. Hell, sometimes I race to work. Thats me on my mountain bike hammering up hills and working the downhills to shave a minute off my commute. :speedy:

Fantom CX - sora / tiagra
Fantom Cross - Tiagra /105
Fantom Cross Pro - Ultegra

all three have the same frame. the cross and cross pro have CF forks.

[knobster]

Road rides I think you're fine, but cross racing I think you'll bust up some of this stuff. Especially the wheels. Good news is that Sora 8 speed is pretty durable compared to the newer Sora. So NOS in this case is a good thing. Other good news is if you break stuff, it's pretty inexpensive parts.

Edit: If you're talking about road racing, sure go for it. It'll hold up fine. Difference between the components from Sora to Ultegra is weight and precision. Not that big of a deal when you're starting out.

[dylz]

if you only want to spend $400 to $600 you'd be better off just getting new tires, (a little thinner, a little slicker), and then get some new bars, (mustache bars???)... or anything else you're not happy with. You're not gonna get much of a bike for $600.

I have a Cyclocross bike that I love, and use it as a touring bike and a commuter... more sturdy than a regular raod bike. But mountain bike with road-ish components is pretty much the same.

[fogrider]

I think the main diff between a mountain bike and a cross bike is the weight. a decent mountain bike with front shock is going to put you into the 24 pound range. a low end cross bike might not be much lighter. I had a klein mountain bike with inverted tread tires, it was fast on streets and climbed ok on fire roads.

there are some road bikes that allow wider tires, great for commuting but you will not be able to get tires on there for dirt.