Cyclocross - help with my midlife crisis

I turn 40 on the 16th and want to buy a cyclocross frame or bike.

My LBS only options are.......
Trek XO
Cannondale XR6
Redline Conquest
Specialized Tricross

Why a Cyclocross bike?

My goal is 2 loose the Xtra 20 pounds I'm carrying around my waist
by ridin' the HELL outa it AND enter a race.

I've always wanted to try cyclocross,.
Don't even care if I win a race, Just would like to FINISH one.
(and still be able to go to work on monday:thumb:)

Really interested in buying a frame/fork and building it also.
(I know it will cost more in the long run.... Remember MIDLIFE CRISIS:lol:)

Which of these frames would best suit my needs? OR
Should I buy online? Used?

I probably need a 52 and am REALLY worried about sizing

EXAMPLE- Rob Roy group buy frames that I missed out on
the sizing (I think) was way off.

Why do you think the Rob Roy sizing is off? My 60cm seems like a 60cm, a little big in the head tube, but it fits me as it should.

What is budget, and what are requirements for a bike? (Frame material, components, etc.)

Why do you think the Rob Roy sizing is off? My 60cm seems like a 60cm, a little big in the head tube, but it fits me as it should.

What is budget, and what are requirements for a bike? (Frame material, components, etc.)

I just recall reading somewhere (could be mistaken) that the Rob Roy 54 was like a 52.
Just worried about buying a frame or bike online and the fit will be wrong.

As for budget?
I'm guessing no more than $600.00 for a frame set or
$1500.00 on a bike,

Frame set would be best because I can buy QUALITY parts a little at a time(I'm in no hurry)
rather than spending $1500.00 in one lump sum.

Requirements?

Pure training/race bike.
I have an old road and old mountain bike for commuting.
I might ride it to work or trails now an again but it will be mainly my race bike (I hope)

Light AND Tuff......Just the basics to get me to da the finish line.

If you are good with mechanics, or are willing to pay an LBS for building the bike, one from BD might be good for you, although it is from an online vendor. Do you know what size top tube you like? It's a lot cheaper to buy a pre-built bike rather than parts one at a time.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross.htm

I just recently bought the Fantom Cross for $799, but if you have the money, I'd say go for the Fantom Cross Pro with full ultegra for $1049.
Great bike for not a lot of cash.

P.S. Here is a thread on new fantom cross bikes: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=428083

If you are good with mechanics, or are willing to pay an LBS for building the bike, one from BD might be good for you, although it is from an online vendor. Do you know what size top tube you like? It's a lot cheaper to buy a pre-built bike rather than parts one at a time.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross.htm


Thanks, But I'd like to support my LBS unless I could find a great deal on a used rig.

If I'm going to buy a complete bike, I'm leaning toward the Cannondale XR6
The local shop quoted me $1,250.00

Kinda got my heart set on finding a great used frame set and trying to build my own though.
Damn the cost...

How much would it cost to go to bike mechanics school?
If I build my own at home, one piece at a time, it'll be exactly what I want and I'll have learned to fish. :thumb:

Thanks, But I'd like to support my LBS unless I could find a great deal on a used rig.

If I'm going to buy a complete bike, I'm leaning toward the Cannondale XR6
The local shop quoted me $1,250.00

Kinda got my heart set on finding a great used frame set and trying to build my own though.
Damn the cost...

How much would it cost to go to bike mechanics school?
If I build my own at home, one piece at a time, it'll be exactly what I want and I'll have learned to fish. :thumb:

Then check out some of the smaller builders; I bought a nice Torelli through my LBS many years ago. Also check Belgian ebay if you want a used frame, as I doubt your LBS sells used ones. I picked up a nice Vanco frame set via Belgium for about $60.

Check out Van Dessel. www.vandesselsports.com (http://www.vandesselsports.com)

Any shop can order one. And the Holeshot, which I've been very impressed with so far would fit your budget, either as a frame or complete bike.

Specialized Tricross Sport - $1150, or if you can sqeeze a bit more for a fine cross bike, Specialized Tricross Comp - $1850. These should drop a few hundred more as year-end clearance in the fall.

If you really want to lose that 20 pounds, add a pair of running shoes to your shopping list. You'll need the running fitness for cross, anyway.

If you really want to lose that 20 pounds, add a pair of running shoes to your shopping list. You'll need the running fitness for cross, anyway.

Current training method is chasing after my 4 year old. :)
Cut out all soda pop and cut back on food portions.

Figure I'll loose a lot more if I start riding a bike to work (10 miles each way)

Thanks, But I'd like to support my LBS unless I could find a great deal on a used rig.

If I'm going to buy a complete bike, I'm leaning toward the Cannondale XR6
The local shop quoted me $1,250.00

Might have changed my mind about the Cannondale.
Haven't sat on one yet (LBS only has a 54) but the 48 has a 52.5 top tube length and a stand over hight of 77.8
The 52 (my road size) stand over hight? 81.3! 50's is 80.3

I think the 48 would be to small (short legs/long torso) and the 50/52 to tall.

Figure I'll loose a lot more if I start riding a bike to work (10 miles each way)As I wrote above, if you really want success with weight loss and cyclocross, then add running to your regimen. If not, then your plan sounds perfect.

Check www.fortframes.com
They're a Chech outfit that imports to the US. I got a really nice deal on a CarbonMax frame and fork. They also have a clearance list that is worth a look.

Good luck.

[QUOTE=jitterymonkey;6881004]Thanks, But I'd like to support my LBS unless I could find a great deal on a used rig.

If I'm going to buy a complete bike, I'm leaning toward the Cannondale XR6
The local shop quoted me $1,250.00

QUOTE]

You could by the BD bike, support your LBS by giving them $200 Cash; and still come out with better parts. :D