Cyclocross - Cross Bike for $1200

Been road riding for a while and now want to try cross.

I am looking for the best value for my budget of $1200.

I do plan to race next year but will be a novice and am doing it for fun and fitness.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

New or used? I was new to cross at the start of this season, and I bought a slightly used '09 Kona Jake the Snake for $1050. Everyone dumps a cross bike occasionally, so a used bike seemed like a good fit.

The Specialized Tricross is really popular around here. MSRP for the Tricross Sport Triple (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45904&eid=4670&menuItemId=12187) is exactly $1200. If you really want a new bike, that's not a horrible deal. The jump to a Tricross Comp is significant, however, and I'd still say something like my Jake the Snake or the Tricross Comp are better deals than a new Tricross Sport if you can find them used within your budget.

I have a used Bianchi Cross concept that I may be looking to get rid of at the end of this race season. Scandium frame, 105 components, pretty much perfect condition. Probably in the neighborhood your looking to spend, originally went for $2000. PM me if youre interested

I've seen at least three models at Performance that qualify. A Scattante and Fuji at $900 and $1050; both 105 equipped. Also a Fuji at $1200 Ultegra equipped.

Masi Speciale CX MSRP $1195
http://www.masibikes.com/gallery/popup.php?src=http://www.masibikes.com/gallery/albums/album-26/lg/2010-Speciale-CX-Red.jpg&w=900&h=600&title=2010-Speciale-CX-Red.jpg

Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro on sale $999
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_pro_IX.htm

Surly Cross Check Complete MSRP $1050
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check_complete/

Raleigh RX1 A few hundred over $1200 but MSRP isn't out yet
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/rx1/

Fuji Cross Comp MSRP $1225
http://www.fujibikes.com/Specialty/Cyclo-Cross/CrossComp.aspx

Specialized, Kona and a host of others make bikes in the same price range. The above are just the ones I'm familiar with. Good luck

Save a little more and you can get a full Rival equipped bike for around $1500

I bought a Fuji Cross, one level above the Comp (105 front, Ultegra back) for around $900 (plus triple Performance points).

It seems like most cross bikes from manufacturers are right around $1200 (+/-) so I think you've got a lot of research to do. Options are a good thing though:)

No need to spend $1200 on a cross bike for fun and fitness. You can get a 2009 Kona Jake for $800 at Sellwood Cycle Repair. You can probably get something cheaper than that used or on the OBRA e-mail list or on craigslist if you're willing to put in enough time...just don't buy any of the bikes that were stolen from SSCXWC. Maybe post a message on the OBRA list saying what you're looking for.

If you've got a mountain bike in the garage, skip all of the above, grab the mountain bike and head out to Barton Park next Sunday. Time's a wastin'. :)

Thanks guys for all the input.

I ended up buying a Norco CCX 2008 model that was a close out at a local LBS for $550.

Yahoo!

Sounds like a good deal. Post pics.

Don't wait until next year to race it. Barton Park and Kruger's Crossing await.

Sounds like a good deal. Post pics.

Don't wait until next year to race it. Barton Park and Kruger's Crossing await.

I thought they had banned Kruger from having these events on his farm. Glad that is not the case. I will however be waiting until next year as I have never ridden cyclocross and want to take the intro workshop first.

Yeah, there was a big issue with zoning. I don't know the details, but it looks like they got around it somehow.

Cross clinics are really helpful, but you can survive without them. I bet you could get somebody from your LBS to give you a 15 minute crash course. I'm not trying to be pushy -- just sharing my enthusiasm. OTOH, there's something magical about the Crusade opener at Alpenrose, so that would be a great place to do your first race if you do decide to wait.

With reasonable negotiation skills, you should be able to buy the Kona Jake the Snake for $1200. That and its higher priced sibling, Major Jake, are great values.