Cyclocross - Advice needed

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View Full Version : Advice needed


marcelinyc
07-08-09, 12:17 PM
Hello,
I need advice regarding a purchase of a cx racing bike. Manufacturer,frame material, dimensions, components, setup etc.
I'm 6'2 165lbs. Ride a 58-60cm on road and track.
Price limit around 2000$. Thanks


Sawtooth
07-08-09, 02:28 PM
You basically can't go wrong at that price point. Some model are more "race oriented" than others so if you are wanting to bolt on a rack or fenders pay attention to the features in the frames. Most race oriented frames will not have tabs for bolt on accessories.

That said, you can still ride a race oriented frame and just use zip ties or p-clips to mount fenders. I have a Kona Major Jake with no tabs. It is wicked fast, very versatile (off and on road capable). And a lot of fun to ride. I commute on it, I race on it, I ride off road with my mtb buddies on it...it is just a wonderful bike.

marcelinyc
08-13-09, 01:13 PM
I like these. Help me choose please. other options?
2009 Jamis Supernova http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/nova/09_supernova_spec.html
2009 Felt F15Xhttp://www.bikesale.com/2009-felt-f15x.aspx
2009 Kona Major Jakehttp://www.bikesale.com/2009-kona-major-jake.aspx
2009 Giant TCX 0 http://www.bikesale.com/2009-tcx-0.aspx


isotopesope
08-13-09, 02:24 PM
i'd go with whichever provides you the best fit. ;)

of those four, i like the felt the least. for racing, you're not going to want the 50 or the 34 chainrings. too big and too small imo. i also don't like that it doesn't have full top tube cable routing... that's a a bit of a nitpick, but when i'm shouldering my bike i grab the downtube to lift it up and i like not having cables there on my ridley. of course, in the middle of a race you'll be more concerned with trying to breathe and not having your heart explode, over where the hell your cables are routed. :) i'd also prefer the easton or mavic wheels over the felt brand ones.

i like that the other three have better wheels and better crank gearing. i suppose it all comes down to which shifters you want... 105, ultegra, or rival. i prefer shimano, but have only test ridden a sram bike around the block, so to speak.

i would ultimately choose the jamis. i like the geometry the best. i'm 6'4", but prefer a shorter toptube. the giant and kona are too long in the toptube for my taste. i also don't like that the giant is semi compact. on the jamis, i like the full top tube routing. i also prefer it's 12-27 casette over the 12-25 of the giant and kona. i also like that the easton sl wheels use j bend spokes, so if you were to break a spoke, you won't have to get a fancy pants straight pull propriatary one to replace it. i also think the jamis is super sexy looking.