Cyclocross - "Older" Newbie Seeking Quick Advice

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SteveB27
10-13-09, 07:48 PM
Hi. I am an older newbie that can use some help choosing a cyclocross bike. I having been riding to work out and commute on the road with a very heavy full suspension bike -- it's killing me. So I am about to buy a cyclocross that I will use for the same uses, plus maybe ride with a road club every once in a while. I will probably never do a cyclocross race due to a bad lower back (why I originally bought the full suspension), but in case this is a bad idea, I am also trying to take resale value into account along with a ride my back can handle. These three new 2009 "leftovers" are about $1100-$1200 -- any advice is really appreciated:

Fuji Cross Pro Cyclocross (Shimano Ultegra)
Cannondale Cyclocross 5 aka "CX9" (Shimano 105)
GT GTR Type CX (SRAM Rival)

Once again, thank you in advance.

jonestr
10-13-09, 08:44 PM
are you riding off road, or just commuting on paved roads and then doing a group ride? If you are staying on the road get a sport touring style road bike like a surly pacer or a soma smoothie se. All of those bike are going to be comparatively stiff bikes once you throw a set of road tires on them.
RonH
10-13-09, 09:41 PM
You're about the same age I was when I started commuting. I started with my old road bike. Very stiff and unforgiving. After 2 years I sold it and got a Jamis Nova. Steel frame and carbon fork gave a much nicer ride. The 2009 model (Nova Pro) is a little out of your price range -- $1575.
With your back problems are you sure you want a bike with drop bars? We sell a lot of flat bar road bikes to bike commuters at the shop I work at. It allows you to ride more upright but still offers a fast ride. Maybe something like a Jamis Coda Comp ($950).
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/09_codacomp.html
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/images/09_codacomp.jpg

SteveB27
10-14-09, 11:30 AM
Thank you for the input. I was leaning toward the Fuji, but after doing a bit more research, I just purchased the 2009 Cannondale Cyclocross 5 (CX9). The shop owner was great and took considerable time and care in measuring me to the frame and making adjustments. As it turns out, a 52cm frame was correct -- Cannondale cyclocross frames are large compared to others (for example a Specialized Tricross I tried was small in size 54cm, and a Fuji I tried seemed correct in size 56cm). Hand made in USA Cannondale CAAD9 frame, good components, and rides surprisingly well as it also has nice-sized tires to help the ride (Maxxis Raze foldable, 700 x 35c). Thanks again...