Cyclocross - Deployed Soldier Still In Need Of Advice

I am a deployed Soldier serving in Iraq and I was in the market for a new road bike. I had a post over in the Road Bike section, through research I found out that a CX bike would be the best bet for me at this time. I am serving in Iraq and my base has miles and miles of blacktop. However there are pebbles and sand everywhere. I don't want to pay a grand for a roadie and risk messing up the rims and drive train. More than a couple people turned me to a CX. I have a good mountain bike back home but I wanted to get into Road riding. But I like the flexibility that a CX gives me.

Is this a good starter CX for my current conditions.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outlaw.htm

Thanks in advance

Motobecane bikes aren't terrible, and there are those out there that will swear by them. There are better bikes out there for the price, but given the needs of shipping to APO you probably not being in a situation where you can build a bike from the ground up this should be a good choice.

Yeah, it is. You'll love the BB7 discs. Just make very sure the geometry is right for you. The riding position is slightly more upright than a "regular" road bike, the steering is a bit more stable, and the ride is a bit more compliant (longer wheelbase).

It is a do-everything sort of bike. The major benefit is that you can run tires that will deal well with the challenging terrain.

Good luck. And thank you for serving our country.

DWR

You can't beat the price that's for sure. Haven't heard anything particularly bad about them. Just their service.

It looks good, but you just need to be sure about the size. Obviously you can't test drive it so check out the geometry and compare it to another bike that fits, if you can.

You'll have to do some final assembly and tuning, as well, but I assume you're capable of doing that.

Hello I agree with the others on all counts and would like to add my two or three cents. fopr the most part the biggest difference between a cyclocross bike and road bike is the fat tires. for years guys had been doing cross bikes on the cheap by using old raod bikes for cross. now that it is more mainstream here in the US there are cheaper "off the shelf" bikes. the geomentry on the Fantom Outlaw is not too different from most road bikes so when you get home put some 700X 23 or 25 on and hit the road. I just purchased a Fantom Uno and while it is not the most expensive bike around it seemes like a great bike for the price. the hubs were well adjusted out of the box and the assembly went smoothly ( I do need a stand though). it rides just like a road bike and once I get rid of the knobbies it should be even better.

BG2482 I think the Fantom Outlaw will serve your needs perfectly. thank you so much for your service and I wish you and your brothers and safe and speedy return to a Heroes welcome!

Welcome Brother!

Looks like a goodbike for the buck. Just make sure you recheck all adjustments, lubrication, etc.

Keep your head down!

Message to all.

Well I just closed my eyes and bought this bike. Hope to have it within a week or so. I cant wait. I will keep you guys/gals posted. Im like a big kid waiting for Christmas.

P.S. Thank you all for your support. We need all that we can. God Bless Us All

I think you will be pleased with your choice...... what color?

Not O.D., I hope......

I think you will be pleased with your choice...... what color?

Not O.D., I hope......

I bought the Black bike. i think it is a very attractive piece of machinery. All I hope is that it perform like it look, I am a little nervous. I have rode a road bike maybe 4-5 times. I am a very big mountain biker, so i think i will love the CX.

Now my next question. What pedals do you guys/gals recommend. I due to the fact that I must wear regular running shoes here in Iraq, i cant get pro style cycling shoes with clip in pedals. What pedals are good with regular shoes, with toe clip and strap?

When I was in Balad, I rode a bmx bike around. A CX would have been great. I got home and used my Iraq money for buying a XT'd out mtb before I realized I wanted a Cross Check.

Now my next question. What pedals do you guys/gals recommend. I due to the fact that I must wear regular running shoes here in Iraq, i cant get pro style cycling shoes with clip in pedals. What pedals are good with regular shoes, with toe clip and strap?

Any flat pedals with clips will be fine. Once you get back, I would recommend the same MTB clipless pedals you already use. Enjoy your bike and be safe.

Black is pretty to look at, when clean; but, it doesn't go very fast!

And remember - keep your head down!

Now my next question. What pedals do you guys/gals recommend. I due to the fact that I must wear regular running shoes here in Iraq, i cant get pro style cycling shoes with clip in pedals. What pedals are good with regular shoes, with toe clip and strap?

MKS make nice platform pedals. They are light and well-made (unlike the sort that come on cheap bikes). I like their 'Touring' model the best. It's wide enough for my size 12's.

I also ride mostly in street shoes, and use Powergrips pedal straps. They are super-adjustable and hold your foot very securely on the pedal.

When I was in Balad, I rode a bmx bike around. A CX would have been great. I got home and used my Iraq money for buying a XT'd out mtb before I realized I wanted a Cross Check.

So how do you like the CX's. And how are they holding up?

MKS make nice platform pedals. They are light and well-made (unlike the sort that come on cheap bikes). I like their 'Touring' model the best. It's wide enough for my size 12's.

I also ride mostly in street shoes, and use Powergrips pedal straps. They are super-adjustable and hold your foot very securely on the pedal.

http://www.ebikestop.com/mks_platform_pedal_gr9-PD4011.php

is this the platform pedal you were talking about?

will these shoes work with following pedals



http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Specialized-Taho-Mens-Cycling-Shoes-9-42-SPD-NEW_W0QQitemZ370207356207QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Men_s_Athletic_Footwear?hash=item563213f52f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

These pedals
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-PD-M324-SPD-PLATFORM-PEDALS-FLAT-9-16-NIB-NEW_W0QQitemZ310145642185QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item48361eeec9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

I beleive these shoes allow me to get off the bike and walk normally?

Yes they will work, but I think you will find the two sided pedals frustrating. You will always be trying to flip the pedal over to clip in. Either get good flat pedals or clipless.

You are correct, those are mountain bike shoes, so the cleat is recessed.

http://www.ebikestop.com/mks_platform_pedal_gr9-PD4011.php

is this the platform pedal you were talking about?

Nope, this one:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE406B06-Mks+Sylvan+Touring+Pedale+Double+Sided.aspx

And here are the straps...
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE400Z00-Power+Grips.aspx?sc=FRGL

A competent, elegant solution... Ride in your boots if you want.

Ok so I purchased these 2 sided pedals
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-PD-M324-...3A1%7C294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-PD-M324-SPD-PLATFORM-PEDALS-FLAT-9-16-NIB-NEW_W0QQitemZ310145642185QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item48361eeec9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)my

my next question is will these shoes work?

http://www.comcycle-usa.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=3816629

If you want something similar to clipless pedal performance, you might try PowerGrips:

http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/

I have the 324s and really like them. Yes, those shoes will work. it would also be wise to get a set of "pedal washers" to keep from gouging your crank arms at the connection point.

And, be sure to keep us informed of the progress.

I am sitting here like a little kid on christmas eve waiting for my bike to get here. I dont know what to do.

Smile - but still remember to keep your head down!

To all.

Well i guess i order that bike at the right time. I found a Cycling Group here where i am stationed at in Iraq. Isnt that great. They have a huge bike race coming up in a few weeks. Hopefully i get the bike in time and get a few rides in before the race. I guess everything is falling into place.

What do you guys think about these shoes?
http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10052_10551_1058268_-1

Shoes are one of the few items I won't buy online... Can't try'em on.

My personal opinion on cycling shoes (and it is in the minority, I'll admit) is that they are somewhat over-rated in terms of benefit unless you are (seriously) racing. I feel you can get 90% of the performance from street shoes and a set of PowerGrips pedal straps. I have a couple pairs of SPD-cleated shoes and both road and mountain pedals, but I've quit using them. But I don't race; just commute and do long rides.

Ride your new steed with clips and straps (or PowerGrips) while wearing your regular athletic shoes to start with. Then try out some clipless pedals and shoes when you have the ability to try out various combinations. Shoes and pedals are two of the products most prone to "individual preference" in the cycling world. You might hate what I love - and we'd both be right!

I know you have a race coming up, but it will be your "engine" and not your shoes/pedals that will make the difference in getting you on the podium. Buying a cheap pair of shoes without the chance to try them on just seems like too much risk / hassle for the marginal benefit.

My 2 cents... Good luck - and let us know how things go with your new CX bike.

Well my beautiful bike arrived yesterday. I put it togather. Now i am just waiting on my air pump and the pedals. this is killing me. I was so happy to get the bike and forgot all about the air and pedals. so i am just sitting here looking at a bike that i cant ride until the pump and pedals get here. they should be here today or tomorrow. hopefully!!

I will keep you guys posted!

Well my beautiful bike arrived yesterday. I put it togather. Now i am just waiting on my air pump and the pedals. this is killing me. I was so happy to get the bike and forgot all about the air and pedals. so i am just sitting here looking at a bike that i cant ride until the pump and pedals get here. they should be here today or tomorrow. hopefully!!

I will keep you guys posted!

Congrats BG... Good luck on the Race... How much longer til you get back stateside? My lil bro gets back in August. Thanks for your service!

Thanks. I think i will do ok. Actually fairly well. I have a question. I want to buy some inner tubes. My tires says that the tire size is 700 x 30C. What size tubes should i buy? and what is the best Cross tires in your opinions?

The "proper" size is probably 700x28-35c... But (Shhhh... don't tell anyone) you can probably make the more common 700x18-25's work in a pinch (sorry).

"Best" tires will vary based on the terrain you'll be riding on. Tell us that and we can give you a decent answer.

If you have any friends there who have bikes with cage pedals, maybe they'll "loan" them to you so you can go for a ride...

The "proper" size is probably 700x28-35c... But (Shhhh... don't tell anyone) you can probably make the more common 700x18-25's work in a pinch (sorry).

"Best" tires will vary based on the terrain you'll be riding on. Tell us that and we can give you a decent answer.

If you have any friends there who have bikes with cage pedals, maybe they'll "loan" them to you so you can go for a ride...


Well my pedals came today. I am just waiting for my air pump. i have a pump here but my tubes are Presta's. So i must now wait for the darn pump!!

Glad to see you picked up a CX bike. I saw your thread abaout wanting a road bike and thought you a little nuts. :lol:
When I was deployed to the sandbox we had a couple of beater Next & Mongoose MTBs on base-- I used to borrow them, but riding around in body armor and Kevlar sucks the big one, expecially on a 50lb. *** MTB. I had my brother mail me a box of 26" tubes and a pump, and I just replaced 'em when we flatted the tires (daily.. sometimes twice).
Ride safe and keep your head down!:thumb:
Dave
fomerly CPT, FA

Riding around my base here in Iraq have been a blast. I think i am at about 60miles in 3 days. I ride as much as i can. Weather it is to the DFAC, or before PT. But I will tell you guys/gals one thing, Riding in 120degree heat is a burner. I think I lost about 8lbs in 2 days. And i am loving it. I am so ready for this race coming up. Thanks to all of the fellow members who answered, and gave their advice to my questions/concerns...


More to follow... Happy Trails

Riding around my base here in Iraq have been a blast. I think i am at about 60miles in 3 days. I ride as much as i can. Weather it is to the DFAC, or before PT. But I will tell you guys/gals one thing, Riding in 120degree heat is a burner. I think I lost about 8lbs in 2 days. And i am loving it. I am so ready for this race coming up. Thanks to all of the fellow members who answered, and gave their advice to my questions/concerns...


More to follow... Happy Trails

So you're a commuter now! You ought to post in that forum to share about your 120-degree adventures... I'm sure you have one of the more unique challenges in getting to work... Just remember to drink often. Maybe there's a Camelbak in your future.

Keep us posted here, too. We'd love to hear about your "race training."

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9140081#post9140081

this is my new tread. come check out my race results