I am planning on ordering my first cyclocross bike in the next couple of days. I am planning on using it to ride both fire roads and some road riding until my new roadie arrives (titanium if's take forever!). On most road bikes I ride a 55 - 56 cm frame. I have been told to go just a little smaller on a cx bike though. Unfortunately cyclocross is pretty much unheard of where I live so there are absolutely none to try out. Also, since I have never tried it before I am going to keep the price sort of low. I am planning on ordering a Redline Conquest. I haven't seen a whole lot of reviews on this bike but the ones that I have seen all look pretty good. Does anyone have any opinions on this bike?

I am 5'10" with a 32" inseam. This is not a pants size inseam it is actual inseam. My thigh length is 34.5 cm and my total body length (not including neck or head) is148 cm. My arm length is 64.5cm. Should I go with the 54 cm or the 56 cm?

Also, will I be able to just put my road wheelset on this bike? It is shimano 9 speed with a hugi 240 hub.

Thanks in advance

go with the 54. according to the cyrile guima5rd formula, you should be on a 54 road bike, anyway [barring considerations about tt length]. alternatively, you could go for a 56 with a compact frame...

Yeah Id say go with the 54...... Im 5'9" and a slittle shorter overall than you, I ride a 52 Lemond, fit is great..

~Steve

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice.

I am the same height and inseam length as you. I ride the Conquest Pro at 56cm. The 54 seemed a bit too small and the 56 fit like a glove. But one thing most riders agree with that is you should ride a 1 size smaller cyclo-x than a road bike.

In general you need about 1/2" or 1" shorter seat tube on 'cross bike. The geometry of the CX bikes is more relaxed and the frames will often be ridden off-road so you need slightly more ma nueverning room.
Regarding the Redline - I've seen them and I was pretty impressed with their Conquest series bikes. I think that they are pretty decent bikes, but I think that Kona Jake the Snake is a better deal than Redline Conquest Pro. It cost about $200 to $300 less and seems to me to be a nicer all around bike. Kona, in my opinion, makes some great bikes, and Jake the Snake became very popular with a reason - it was CX championship winning bike in the USA a few years ago. Some people also like Bianchi Axis, but since I am a much into steel frames, I decidedto build my own Pinarello 'cross machine. It's coming soon.

In general you need about 1/2" or 1" shorter seat tube on 'cross bike. The geometry of the CX bikes is more relaxed and the frames will often be ridden off-road so you need slightly more ma nueverning room.
Regarding the Redline - I've seen them and I was pretty impressed with their Conquest series bikes. I think that they are pretty decent bikes, but I think that Kona Jake the Snake is a better deal than Redline Conquest Pro. It cost about $200 to $300 less and seems to me to be a nicer all around bike. Kona, in my opinion, makes some great bikes, and Jake the Snake became very popular with a reason - it was CX championship winning bike in the USA a few years ago. Some people also like Bianchi Axis, but since I am a much into steel frames, I decidedto build my own Pinarello 'cross machine. It's coming soon.

Redline was also the champ winning bike for the USA. Regardless, I would really like to see pics of your Pinarello bike when you build it. I am a huge fan of Italian frames.