Cyclocross - The best CX bike is ... ?

Okay, I'm new to cyclocross ... and I'm looking for the best bike for the best price.
About me: I'm 5' 10" and weighing in at 150 lbs. I'm guessing that I fit a size 56 bike for the most part. I live in southren Alberta Canada, which means flat riding ground for the most part (so double or triple, it doesn't matter for me).
What I'm looking for is a versatile CX bike ... used more as a comfortable commuter, preformance, and just a fun-bike, with less emphasis on the racing aspect (although I'll be trying that out too). I don't want to spend more than $1500 on this, so pricing is important, but again, I'm looking for the best bang for the buck.
These are the bikes I've been looking at ... so just throw out your opinions and help me decide which is best for me ... and if anyone knows the approximate pricing on any of these bikes, that'd be great. Thanks!

- One of these four Focus cyclocross bikes:
http://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyclocrossbikes/

- Ridley Crossbow
http://www.ridley-bikes.com/bikes.php?category=5&bike=53#[/URL]

- Bianchi Axis
http://www.bianchiusa.com/09-bicycles/09-d2-special/09-d2-axis.html (http://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyclocrossbikes/)

- Fuji Cross Comp
[URL]http://www.fujibikes.com/Specialty/Cyclo-Cross/CrossComp.aspx

- Giant TCX 1 or 2
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/road/2422/32351/

Haven't heard of this Focus brand before. Looks like a good bike. No rack mounts. 105 components which is good.

Ridley has flat bars. That'd be out for me.

Axis is a good bike, but I've heard people complain that it's very stiff so maybe a good racer, but not very comfortable on the road. This one does have rack mounts. Tiagra components which I don't care for.

I really like the Fuji line of bikes. I think you get a lot of bike for your money. I don't see rack mounts on this one either though. Mix of 105 and Ultegra. Better value here.

Giant would be a good racer, but like the Ridley, no rack mounts. 105 components.

Don't forget the Specialized Tricross Sport. I think you can find these around your price range. Tiagra components though.

If a rear rack isn't important to you, then any of these will work fine. I personally don't like carrying stuff on my back for any distance.

The Fuji is a great bike. It DOES have rack mounts on it, mine are in use. It handles off road well, though braking could be stronger on steep dirt downhills (but isn't that what mountain bikes are for!). It hasn't let me down yet, climbs well, isn't too bad on the dirt. For your size/weight, try a 56cm. I am similarly sized and it works quite well. I'll also be using it for touring at the end of the month, so it is quite versatile.

The Fuji is a great bike. It DOES have rack mounts on it, mine are in use. It handles off road well, though braking could be stronger on steep dirt downhills (but isn't that what mountain bikes are for!). It hasn't let me down yet, climbs well, isn't too bad on the dirt. For your size/weight, try a 56cm. I am similarly sized and it works quite well. I'll also be using it for touring at the end of the month, so it is quite versatile.

hard to see from the picture. If it does, then this would be the one I'd get.

Bet the brakes can be fixed up with some nice Salmon pads.

I have fun with the local mountain bikers, not used to seeing cyclocross bikes. I mostly get looks like "what is he doing out here on a road bike?", which to me is amusing. I would be in the same place as them if I didn't know about cyclocross though. But oh, what a fun bike.

I've heard that the Fuji and a Motobecane fantom cross pro is the same bike with the Motobecane being a fraction less?? Also I read somewhere that the Motobecanes are essentially a year or two behind so... a 2009 Motobecane is equivalent to a 2007/08 Fuji??

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

Cross Check. Everything you could possibly want and more.

Jamis Nova Pro

Of those, I'd say the Fuji is best. Can I'm assume you're looking at it from Performance Bike? If not, you should.

But I can't let this topic pass without recommending the Kona Jake (which is what I ride) and Jake the Snake. The base Jake is comparable with most of the bikes you listed, plus it's got a triple crankset, which is nice for commuting. It's got a steel fork, but it's a nice bike for the price ($900). The Jake the Snake is comparable to the Fuji. The JTS has a 105 rear derailleur instead of the Fuji's Ultegra, but it has much nicer wheels.

Hey everyone, thanks for your great input ...
I must say Andy that the JaketheSnake has come up so many times and with stellar reviews, but I am staying away from this one ... for no good reason so don't ask. Thanks

I've decided to go with the 09 Giant TCX 1, and as contrary to the home site, I've found that it comes with a full 105 set (good value for a $1400) and the new 09 modle has been completely reworked for the sport. It's a great looking bike with almost perfect (although not many) reviews.
Thanks again for your input, I'm sure I'll be happy getting into CX with it! ... Now I just have to find a Giant dealer ... :^(

(p.s. barrettscv - the Jamis came in close second place)

Just make sure the Giant fits you... I had an '07 Giant TCX 0 and found to to have an extemely long top tube for the size (medium with a 55.5cm tt), I ended up selling it... Just curious, have you looked at Salsa's? They now offer the Chile Con Crosso as a complete bike.... http://salsacycles.com/chiliconcrossoComp09.html

Kona Jake the Snake. Damn good value.

I was going to reommend JTS, but you should also look at the Brodie Ronin,

I was going to reommend JTS, but you should also look at the Brodie Ronin,

This bike could well pick up the slack where Lemond's Proprad disc left off. Man, do I hope Trek re-releases that model under the Fisher marquee.

I've heard that the Fuji and a Motobecane fantom cross pro is the same bike with the Motobecane being a fraction less?? Also I read somewhere that the Motobecanes are essentially a year or two behind so... a 2009 Motobecane is equivalent to a 2007/08 Fuji??

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro_IX.htm
Look at the pictures in their gallery, there's a great shot of the downtube and it looks pretty round to me, not diamond-shaped. see this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=552651

Is this the new flavor of the Poprad?
http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/presidio

I haven't the foggiest what the best cyclocross bike is, but I dare say the Van Dessel Gin and Trombones has the best name going amongst them.

The one that works and makes you smile.

Less than your $1500 mark you could get the Fuji Cross Pro rather than the Comp. I paid $1050 for my Pro 2 weeks ago. (at Performance)

Kona Major Jake!

Mines been awesome Gary Fisher Presido is quite tempting as well but i went with the jake on account on lightness and bontrager wheels being unfit for off road performance (IMO). The geometry of the jakes are great for both on and off road performance

The Focus has a good rep in the UK. A Cotic Roadrat would be an ideal match for your spec on paper, especially if you prefer a sloping top tube. Exceptionally versatile bike - google it and check the recent oohing and ahhhing over one on this forum.

I have an 08 Bianchi Axis and just found a new 07 Lemond Poprad for $750 ( It was an impulse buy that I threw out a low price at my LBS and they accepted). I haven't ridden the Poprad nearly as much as my Bianchi, but the Poprad is smoother and quieter on the road and has two sets of brake levers. It also has 105 components and a steel frame. While the Bianchi has a nice frame for carrying during cyclocross events, if you want a bike that can do it all, I would recommend the Poprad, or the new Gary Fisher version. That said, I have heard nothing but good things about the other bikes mentioned in this thread. The only other ones I would mention are the Cannondale Cyclocross 6 and Marin Toscana. I bet everyone wishes they could have one of each brand so that we could pick our favorites from the entire bunch!

So I went to my LBS and took a look at the Giant TCX 1 ... they had it on sale for $1300 but upon closer inspection I found that it only comes with a Tiagra groupo. And upon further research I found out that Canada is the only country that gets shafted ... everywhere else they get the full 105 groupo.

I'm looking for a company that can ship me a full TCX 1 bike; to Canada from the US ... does ANYBODY know of such a company??? I've googled it but can't readily find one.

What's wrong with Tiagra?

So I went to my LBS and took a look at the Giant TCX 1 ... they had it on sale for $1300 but upon closer inspection I found that it only comes with a Tiagra groupo. And upon further research I found out that Canada is the only country that gets shafted ... everywhere else they get the full 105 groupo.

I'm looking for a company that can ship me a full TCX 1 bike; to Canada from the US ... does ANYBODY know of such a company??? I've googled it but can't readily find one.

Why not go to the LBS, say "Hey guys, I really like this bike, but I'd rather have 105, can you give me some credit on the parts and swap some out?"

Should be able to figure out a price equivalency...

I ride a fuji cross comp (56) and im 5'10 as well. its an awesome bike, for the price your getting components that would come on a considerably more expensive road bike. like people have said, the breaks arent amazing but other than that, the bike handels really well and can definitely take a beating(which is all your really need in cx ;) )

If your willing to live with the shame of snobby riders looking down their noses at you, you can get a Scattante X-560 Cyclocross with 105 components and an FSA Gossamer crankset for about $935 + shipping.

Less than your $1500 mark you could get the Fuji Cross Pro rather than the Comp. I paid $1050 for my Pro 2 weeks ago. (at Performance)

How did you get such a great deal?
On the Performance website it still comes to $1368 with the 15% discount.

Giant TCX's are pretty much gone in the US warehouses. Better find one on the floor somewhere.

Not sure on the MSRP but the 2010 TCX 1 has Rival, TCX2 has tiagra

My Gary Fisher Presidio comes with a SRAM Rival group. I got mine for $1600. Best bike I've ever ridden. Great for straight up road riding with some slicks, and equally at home on the dirt.

Cross Check. Everything you could possibly want and more.

Including more weight and more need to change hand position every time you want to shift...