Cyclocross - Perplexing question

I have been and remain a "roadie", but looking to add another bike. Will be riding on some developed (paved) and undeveloped paths , and around the beach. At a complete loss for a bike here. Looking at the Bianchi Doss 5100 and the Bianchi Iseo. Can anyone offer any advice on a "cross-over" or Mt. bike. Not wanting a "beach" cruiser.

I'd say you want a hardtail MTB with slicks.

I have a mountain bike with slicks but rarely ride it. If there is road/off road mixed, I always reach for the cyclocross bike.

I consider myself to be a roadie first as well. That said, I also consider my cx bike (Kona Major Jake) to be a road bike with serious off road capability. The fact that it does pretty darn well off road as well just means I ride it more often than any other bike I own :).

For me the dual capability (and I mean real competence in each) is pretty important. I have a 30 mile RT commute and often hook up with other roadies for the return leg. We trade pulls and roll pretty darn fast (>25 mph) so a mtb will not cut it.

At the same time, I often go on lunch rides with my MTB buddies at work so whatever bike I commute in on has to be able to hang with them off road. Moreover, the trails we ride are serious climbs/descents with loose sand and big rock steps, etc.

My Major Jake meets both of these needs pretty darn well with the same set of tires (any inverted tread design will work, imo). I give up a little speed above 26 mph due only to my tires and the ability to tear A$$ downhill due to no suspension but other than that it is a great mix. In fact, I usually beat my mtb buddies to the top of the off road climbs. I have never regretted picking up the MJ.

You could also check out the Specialized Crosstrail - hardtail, shocks in front, tires are slick in the center with knobs on the side. It's a good mix of on- and off-road.

Did you see this thread about the different options using a Surly Cross check frame?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=559738

Frame - http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck.html
Complete bike - http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

Kev

For me the dual capability (and I mean real competence in each) is pretty important. I have a 30 mile RT commute and often hook up with other roadies for the return leg. We trade pulls and roll pretty darn fast (>25 mph) so a mtb will not cut it.

At the same time, I often go on lunch rides with my MTB buddies at work so whatever bike I commute in on has to be able to hang with them off road. Moreover, the trails we ride are serious climbs/descents with loose sand and big rock steps, etc.
what tires are you using for all this?

what tires are you using for all this?

Believe it or not I have had great success with the Michelin Transworld City. I seem to be the only guy on these forums who likes them but they work for me.

You do have to pay attention on the loose sand with them, and they may feel a bit slow/squishy on the road (although my times do not support that); but they have been a good mix tire for me.

I review them here... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=357127&highlight=transworld