Fifty Plus (50+) - Call Me Crazy - Soon to be New Bike

I have been laboring over what new bike to get:

Fuji Team or Fuji CCR Plus a New Mountain Bike

I have finally come to the conclusion that I would really enjoy a new way to hurt myself really bad! There are a lot of XC mountain bike trails around here that would be really fun.

A Cycle Cross Bike:

Fuji Cycle Cross Pro - 20 lbs and built to take it. What do you guys think?

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/f_thomas_2007/CrossPro.jpg

I think it's absolutely beautiful.

I really like everything about it except the radial spokes. It is refreshing to see a fairly traditional frame geometry, a bit relaxed and with a horizontal top tube.

I was thinking I could avoid the “I need another bike” fever or the N+1 so many have talked about. But it doesn’t look like it. Like you I have had a hard time deciding what I will need, well like might be a better word. But I will be going with the mountain bike I believe. For the longest time I thought there was a hybrid in my future but maybe when the time comes I’ll spring for a mountain bike.

Good luck with your new bike and I hope it works well on the kind of trails you plan on riding.

I have been laboring over what new bike to get:

Fuji Team or Fuji CCR Plus a New Mountain Bike

I have finally come to the conclusion that I would really enjoy a new way to hurt myself really bad! There are a lot of XC mountain bike trails around here that would be really fun.

A Cycle Cross Bike:

Fuji Cycle Cross Pro - 20 lbs and built to take it. What do you guys think?

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/f_thomas_2007/CrossPro.jpg

I think it's a gorgeous bike! Go for it!

Nothing against that bike, but have you looked at any other cyclocross bikes? There are quite a few nice ones out there.

Nothing against that bike, but have you looked at any other cyclocross bikes? There are quite a few nice ones out there.

+1

Are you going to use this offroad and/or to cyclocross?

If so the gearing (as listed on the Fuji website) seems high to me (39 tooth inner chainring, is that right?). Many of the CX bikes I've looked at have 34/48 chain rings or triples.

Also, I can't quite tell from the photos on the Fuji site whether this bike has braze-on eyelets for fenders/racks on the front and back. At least in this area, lots of CX bikes get used for commuting and/or rain bikes...or even light-duty touring bikes...nice to have the braze-ons.

Bianchi Volpe, Maxi CX, Surly Crosscheck, Redline Conquest, Specialized Tricross; also, there is this:

http://www.habcycles.com/cross.html

Bianchi Volpe, Maxi CX, Surly Crosscheck, Redline Conquest, Specialized Tricross, [Habernero]


also:
Trek XO, Lemond Poprad, Salsa La Cruz, Salsa Chili Con Crosso, Gunnar Cross Hairs, Cannondale, On One Pompino, Felt F1X ...

The CX bikes that Bikes Direct sells are reported to be the same frame as the Fuji.

The CX bikes that Bikes Direct sells are reported to be the same frame as the Fuji.

And Mr. BikesDirect has posted here on the cyclocross forum that he's coming out with a Ti-framed CX bike...some of the early shots look nice...would likely be something like the Habanero, only less money to buy it built up from BD.

I really like everything about it except the radial spokes. It is refreshing to see a fairly traditional frame geometry, a bit relaxed and with a horizontal top tube.

I suspect that radial spoked front wheels (at a reasonably high spoke count) are not uncommon for CC bikes. They result in the shortest spoke and thus the greatest spoke angle (assuming a heads in pattern) at the rim possible. This leads to a laterally stiff wheel. This only applies as long as the rim brake is used. A change to disc brakes would lead to torque problems as with a rear wheel. There are also a lot more hubs available that are rated for radial spoking than there were a few years ago.

I suspect that radial spoked front wheels (at a reasonably high spoke count) are not uncommon for CC bikes. They result in the shortest spoke and thus the greatest spoke angle (assuming a heads in pattern) at the rim possible. This leads to a laterally stiff wheel. This only applies as long as the rim brake is used. A change to disc brakes would lead to torque problems as with a rear wheel. There are also a lot more hubs available that are rated for radial spoking than there were a few years ago.

I love it when you talk like that.

As requested: You're crazy! :lol:

I love it when you talk like that.

Sorry.............I acquired the habit while spending your money......:eek: Wisely I hope. :D

Of all the bikes I have looked at my first choice would be the Specialized, but alas the price 1.950.00 takes it out of play. Really nice bike, well thought out and it does have lugs for racks front and back.

That's a great looking bike, I love it! I was thinking of going that route when I bought my road bike recently, but with my budget (significantly lower than yours I expect) the ones I saw were considerably heavier. Certainly not the case here - the Cross PRO looks great! Let us know how you like it.

I suspect that radial spoked front wheels (at a reasonably high spoke count) are not uncommon for CC bikes. They result in the shortest spoke and thus the greatest spoke angle (assuming a heads in pattern) at the rim possible. This leads to a laterally stiff wheel. This only applies as long as the rim brake is used. A change to disc brakes would lead to torque problems as with a rear wheel. There are also a lot more hubs available that are rated for radial spoking than there were a few years ago.

Wouldn't have put it like that as I can only just get the jyst of what you are saying. BUT- Mavic Aksiums are a favoured wheel on Cross bikes over here. They may not be the best for the road or comfort but they are strong. The radial lacing does give a harsh ride but you are not riding on pavement. 6" of mud does have some give in it.

Bengeboy has stated one of my worries and that is the gearing. Depends on the terrain of course but a compact 50/34 seems to be the favoured over here and 9 speed gearing to enable a 12/34 rear cassette to be fitted.

And hate to say it- I may be moving into the 21st Century at last but Disc brakes on a road bike?---Even if it is going to get muddy??

I have been laboring over what new bike to get:

Fuji Team or Fuji CCR Plus a New Mountain Bike

I have finally come to the conclusion that I would really enjoy a new way to hurt myself really bad! There are a lot of XC mountain bike trails around here that would be really fun.

A Cycle Cross Bike:

Fuji Cycle Cross Pro - 20 lbs and built to take it. What do you guys think?

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/f_thomas_2007/CrossPro.jpg

To me this kind of thing is a labor of love.

As others have suggested, there are a few other brands out there worth consideration before pulling the trigger. But, then again, such consideration would be relaxation and/or enjoyable for me.

As requested: You're crazy! :lol:


Dang! Beat me to it!

It is a nice bike, enjoy the shopping and purchasing, but most of all enjoy breaking
the new ride in.

That is a very nice looking bike. I ordered the Specialized TriCross Sport this last weekend, should be getting it late this week or next. It is white also, is someone important listening to DG, and that is all they are making anymore?

LynnH, I looked at the '09 TriCross, which was priced at about 1,950 and is way out of my budget. It is a beautiful frame with front and rear rack lugs, which would make it an exceptional touring bike. Look forward to comparing notes.

What is the price on the Fuji, or more directly asked, what is your target budget?

Thats a nice looking bike. I have been considering a cross bike for commuting, but too many kids still in school right now. I was thinking of getting a steel one for a smoother ride, but with the bigger tires it probably doesn't make much difference.

I don't want to throw a wet blanket on your idea BUT.
If you are going to be riding singletrack trails of any degree of difficulty you will not be happy on a cross bike.

I don't want to throw a wet blanket on your idea BUT.
If you are going to be riding singletrack trails of any degree of difficulty you will not be happy on a cross bike.

+1 XC and CX are not the same.

MSRP 1,799.00

Sale price: 1,100

+1 XC and CX are not the same.

True enough, but that doesn't mean you can't have a ball riding XC trails on a CX bike. Fairly smooth and flowing singletrack can definitely be ridden on a cyclocross bike. I've done some semi-hairy trails on a road bike and finished with a great big grin on my face. Rules are made to be broken. (http://www.adventurecorps.com/way/whoneedsatb.html)