Cyclocross - Buy new or update what I have?

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View Full Version : Buy new or update what I have?

Grasschopper
09-02-08, 10:45 AM
Ok so I have been kicking around the idea of a CX bike...I just sold my Rush 800 so I have a couple of bucks to spend if I so choose (about a grand +/-). In my current stable I have a 2003 Marin Mill Valley which is a flat bar road bike...I had been using this for family riding and commuting but I got a new job too far from home to cyclocomute (and too far up a mountain) so I now have this bike at work and I ride it 2-3 times a week over lunch. So like I said part of me wants a CX bike...but another part of me doesn't want to spend the money. So I am thinking hey I could convert my Marin to drop bars put wider tires (it will accept them no problem there) on it and I have a makeshift CX bike....then I start doing the math.

Microshift shift brake levers from Nashbar $150
Microshift RD - $32
Microshift FD - $23
KMC chain - $25
105 or SRAM cassette $85

Then on top of that I was thinking a new fork since the one on the bike is AL...so another $150-$190 there...plus need some tires...another $60-$80 for tires and tubes. All told it is getting up around $600 for stuff I am going to hang on this older bike.

Or I could buy a Moto Phantom Cross Pro for $1049...or a Felt F1X from the LBS for like $1300 and that way I keep the bike at work and have another in the stable at home.

Man I hate these decisions.

knobster
09-02-08, 11:54 AM
What do you plan on doing with it? Race? Trail riding?
Grasschopper
09-02-08, 12:04 PM
Trail riding...maybe race next year if my fitness continues to improve like this year (down 20 lbs from last year).

knobster
09-02-08, 02:42 PM
I'd do what you planned then. Stick with the old bike and may even use it to race a couple races to see if you even like cyclocross. If you do, then splurge for the new bike. I always find it humorous when someone goes out to race the first time with an expensive bike. Good waste of money if you ask me. Find out if you like it first.