Cyclocross - Suggestions for a noob...Cyclocross 5 vs. Conquest Pro

I'm interested in getting my first CX bike. The bike's primary use will be general purpose winter riding but I am also interested in racing it...just for fun, nothing serious. After talking to a couple guys at my LBS I'm leaning toward either the Cannondale Cyclocross 5 or a Redline Conquest Pro. I like the build kit on the Redline but I suspect the Cannondale frame is better. Is this true? I'm basing my opinion on their history of Al road bikes. Perhaps that doesn't apply to CX. I like the BB30 on the Cannondale, but prefer the Rival on the Redline. Any and all imput is appreciated.

I also have easy access to Specialized, Trek and Felt if they have something better that I'm missing. FWIW, I'd prefer something more aggressive handling since it will be replacing a fixed-gear bike that I was using in the winter.

I'd go with the Redline simply for the Rival. The BB30 is pretty nice, but with cartridge bearings so easily replaceable in the Rival BB I don't think it's that big a deal.

oh yeah, and the Redline is a nice frame. It's no C'dale, but it's nice.

redline has a tried and true geometry... i was going to build one but have pretty much decided on using a Soma double cross

Cannondale has a pretty long track record in cross. One of the local guys has a pretty old one built up with 8 speed Campagnolo.... I'd probably go with that unless I was dead set on Rival for some reason.

Cannondale keeps changing their geo around, but Redline has pretty much stuck to the same concepts for quite a while. That said, Redline's geometry may not work well for you. I ouldn't automatically assume Redline's frame is worse, either. I'm pretty pleased by the build quaility of my D660 (aluminum 29er).

Thanks for all the input thus far! This weekend I'm going to try to test ride both of them.

I'm currently trying to decide between the same two cyclocross bikes that you were (Redline Conquest Pro and Cannondale Cyclocross 5). I was just curious if you ended up purchasing either bike and what your thoughts are on it?