Cyclocross - instant upgrade? parts or whole new bike?

after that first race and all the processed info and advice received, i'd like to make a few changes in the next 2-3 weeks.

i already know there isn't much more i can do with the bike i raced. sure, it's better than it was a week ago: a front aluminum rim, much light seat (from a giant defy)...i KNOW it would be much better with an aluminum rim in the back. that is doable...but the cranks...the unused big ring (and guard) ought to be dealt with...

the brakes are actually great. no issues and i hardly used them. same for the given gearing...crappy shimano SIS worked fine...i hardly shifted to higher/harder gears...so i am wondering about going SS which would save more weight. the frame is actually (and oddly/inadvertently) comfortable, both with regards to geometry and ride. sure, old chinese 1990 schwinn steel, but it will be a fun mutantcross when it retires (soon:twitchy:) from competition.

anyways, the question is to shove $100+ (easily) into it?...nothing will be wasted...or just wait and shoot for a good, hardly used, light cx-specific bike? craiglist recently had an 08 giant tcx for about $700 (good deal?)...there were upgrades etc. of course, it's gone, but with this kind of choice, should i just enjoy dipping into cx as i have, do a slight upgrade with what i 'brung' to the race...and then shoot for a newer model next season?

not sure how much of the success and failure of last sunday was due to me...and/or the bike? :o

If I was you, I would wait to buy a bike. Unfortunately, cross season is coming to an end. I live one state over and only have 4 races left. I probably would ride what I have, then pick something up in cross off season.

If I was you, I would wait to buy a bike. Unfortunately, cross season is coming to an end. I live one state over and only have 4 races left. I probably would ride what I have, then pick something up in cross off season.

i will probably look to 2 or 3 more races, but yeah, probably best to stick with the beast with minor upgrades. but if a good deal comes along, i might ought to nab it. i know others might think i can do better, but i really like everything i've had by Giant and so i really have my eyes peeled for used TCXs. i actually have an aluminum TCX fork that needs a frame, etc, so i might start a slow build.

also, though the season will officially end, i'll still be riding a 'cross (-flavored) bike throughout the year.

If I was you, I would wait to buy a bike. Unfortunately, cross season is coming to an end.

But, that could be good for shopping for a used bike as people may be unloading bikes as they finish for the year. No hurry to upgrade, so may as well wait and watch Ebay and Craigslist for a good deal.

+1 on looking for a deal now. I've noticed that craigslist bikes around here have been much more reasonable than they usually are. Last week I got a '94 Rockhopper for my daughter for $40. This summer you couldn't find a '75 Varsity for under $150. Right now, there's a Bianchi Axis (year not specified) for $600 and a 2010 TCX 1 for $1050. Those both seem like decent deals. Both cite "decided not to race" as the reason for the sale, so I think now is the time to find deals like this.

It's hard to tell if a bike setup works based on one race. Courses can vary greatly, and while you may not have shifted in that one race, you may do it quite a bite in on a different course. This is why I usually recommend new racers to start with a flexible setup until they race a full season, and then make adjustments and/or simplifications as needed. So I would recommend against going single speed at this moment. Personally, I think a 42T single ring with a 12-27 is just about perfect for for the mid-Atlantic.

As others have mentioned, the race season ends in the next 4 or weeks. Looks for good deals on eBay and CL on a full bike with a double or single ring setup with decent wheels and brakes. I'm already seeing some pretty good deals out there.

all sounds good..good sound advice all around:thumb:

i came REAL close to nabbing a 2007 tcx with some nice upgrades for $625+...just felt that was a bit much altogether and i can find some other deals in due time.

tho i want to push it a bit, i feel i'll be more relaxed with that first race out of the way....and freak out less as i get passed by 3/4 of the field...and just enjoy once that pace kicks in.

unless i hit the jackpot or have a deal land in my lap, look for me on a modified trek xc bike with origin 8 drop bar ends...or that caliente:o