Cyclocross - CX Frame suggestions?

Hello all,

Despite the current economic environment I have a bit of spare cash around and I'm considering the possibility of building up a psuedo-CX bike for longer rides on poor quality tarmac, gravel and hardpack trails.

The Salsa La Cruz is my "prototype" - a CX/Commuter/Touring frame with disc brakes (I'm not going to be racing, so I'd like to get the braking surfaces out of the mud).

I'm currently looking at frameset options for this bike. My budget is not fixed as yet but could go beyond what the Salsa frames go for (~$600) . I'm hoping I'll be able to get up into Gunnar Fastlane territory (~$900 fork not included).

So, can y'all provide me with some frame/fork suggestions between the Salsa and the Gunnar. I'm thinking steel for comfort but will consider AL. As I say, I am thinking disc brakes but will consider canti frames if anyone thinks there is a particularly good CX frame I should consider.

Thanks

For that price and, given the disc brakes, the la cruz is probably the best bet. There are more expensive frames in a variety of materials but none (that I've seen) seem to match the salsa pricing.

The Salsa La Cruz is my "prototype"So why not get one? [Actual, not just hypothetical, question.]

I built a CX frame into a disc brake-equipped winter commuter / bad road bike. I wanted to do it cheaply, so I bought an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. I was really surprised at how compliant the ride turned out to be... The longer wheelbase + larger tires (700x35's) made a huge difference.

My "normal" bike has an 853 frame, so I definitely am a steelie... Just thought you should know there might be other options out there for you.

So why not get one? [Actual, not just hypothetical, question.]

I may well, but wanted to scope out some alternatives.

I built a CX frame into a disc brake-equipped winter commuter / bad road bike. I wanted to do it cheaply, so I bought an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. I was really surprised at how compliant the ride turned out to be... The longer wheelbase + larger tires (700x35's) made a huge difference.

My "normal" bike has an 853 frame, so I definitely am a steelie... Just thought you should know there might be other options out there for you.

How did you convert the CX frame/fork to take the disc brakes ?

The Soma Double Cross now accepts disc brakes: http://www.somafab.com/dcdc.html

I have this frame but went with canti's. Great bike for what you want.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/Somasilver020.jpg

I second the soma double cross does everything you mention very well and plenty of eyelets.

"I don't ride exclusively to save the environment, auto fuel, money or even to get exercise. I ride because I enjoy it and as a consequence, I get the benefit of the other things".

Charles Vail 7/1/2008

Love your signature line. I wish more people felt that way.

I'm currently looking at frameset options for this bike. My budget is not fixed as yet but could go beyond what the Salsa frames go for (~$600) . I'm hoping I'll be able to get up into Gunnar Fastlane territory (~$900 fork not included).

I love anything made by Waterford. They're the last of the real US made bikes.

How did you convert the CX frame/fork to take the disc brakes ?

The frame/fork came with disc brake tabs. Many CX frames don't have them. I used Nashbar's in-house brand CX frame and carbon CX fork... The combo ran $200. A very cheap platform on which to build up the bike.

my soma with the disc brakes and sram rival/force set
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/Lycc825/IMG_4807.jpg

Lycc825, what wheelset is that? What does the entire bike weigh?

For the same price as the Gunnar, take a look at the Habanero Cross. Disc option via the full custom route for an extra $300 (not worth it IMO). I just couldn't justify steel over TI for the same price.
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5152/image14mx7.jpg