Cyclocross - redline vs cannondale?

What is better cannondale or redline for cyclocross bikes? My budget is $1200. The cannondale bikes have rack mounts and I dont see any on redline bikes. Im going to be using it for a dirt road/paved road commuting bike.

I have an older Redline Conquest Pro that I have setup with fenders and rack for commuting. I remove these during CX season. I picked up an 2006, which is the same geo as the 2009, used for a pretty good deal. I really like my bike and it has become the only bike I ride as of late due to the versatility and the comfort. I have 32mm Tservs for commuting and they are great. Due to disc tabs you need to get a disc specific rack, I got a Topeak super tourist DX disc for $36 off amazon. Without fenders and rack it weighed in at a 22lbs with some pretty stout wheels.

I think both bike companies are great, but it all depends on what you're looking for. Components can always change, but the foundational design and ride of the frame is what you really need to understand and determine what you like best. I have a 2008 Cannondale TJCX4 and love it. Now I have to disclose that all my bikes are Cannondale, but when I was searching for my Cross bike I did looked at all brands including Specialized and Redline. In the end, I really liked riding the Cannondale frames and the stiffness that comes along with them. Some like/love it, some don't. However, I talk to a lot of folks out at the races that also love their Redline Conquests. In redline, as I understand it, you get a mountain bike feel and design in a road bike frame.
Bottomline, go and test ride both for a good ride. This will help you understand how your body feels about both frames. Then make the best decision based on what you feel is best.

Good luck, I think you're going to be happy with either of these bikes.

What is better cannondale or redline for cyclocross bikes? My budget is $1200. The cannondale bikes have rack mounts and I dont see any on redline bikes. Im going to be using it for a dirt road/paved road commuting bike.

I looked at both bikes Companies as well, I like the idea of a dedicated rack mounts on the Cannondales. So Iam going to purchase the Cannondale cyclocross 5 or 6 this spring. BTW I will be using the bike for commuting aswell, happy shopping.

I weight 275 and the redline bike only has 24 spokes so that might not be a good ideal. I guess since the cannondale has a bike rack mount they made the tires more sturdier then the redline. I think im gonna go with the cannondale.

I have a Redline Conquest Team and a 2010 Cannondale Cyclocross 5. Bought them to replace a gaggle of Giant TCXs that were ready for Craigslist after a few years of thrashing.

The Team is a full-on race bike, so I'm speaking more to the frame geometry than the bike itself here. I generally find that Redline spec's their bikes better at the same price point than Cannondale does. Great, great bikes that would do anything from racing to light touring....but no rack mounts, at least on the Scandium Team.

But if you're looking for a commuter rather than a racing bike, you'll do well with the Cannondale. I don't think the wheelset is anything special, but they are 32-hole which suits your purpose better than the Redline specs. The Cannondale's rack mounts are aided by relatively long chain stays which will keep the panniers further away from your heels. (Both frames have longish chainstays...43.2 for the C'dale and 43.5 for the Redline. Contrast that with the 40.5 or 41 of an average road bike.)

You'll do well with the Cannondale - it shouts 'overbuilt'...31.6 seatpost and bars, rack mounts, etc. I picked mine up to leave at the summer place as a utility-type bike - dragging the trail-a-bike and Burley trailers, carrying stuff to the beach, etc. 105 shifters and derailleurs.

What I didn't like about the Cannondale - the bars. Lower level Control Tech stuff. Replaced them with a take-off from a Giant Defy, more of a shallow drop. Also gave me a chance to replace the bar tape which was really cheap feeling. Minor quibbles.

Good luck.

I am riding the new 2010 Cannondale Cyclocross 5 and LOVE IT! There are quite a few bikes in the price range you are looking at. The CX 5 was $1299.00 with all 105. I did choose the triple over the compact because of where I live. Since I do not race CX it really mattered that I can get up the hill and it was a wise choice. The Ridley is very nice but I chose this one because of the crank and mounts.

The CX 5 handles everything I have put at it very well. Since I got it ( late Dec, 2009) I have ridden in snow, ice, mud, rain and just a little sunshine... The bike balances very nicely. I like the frame design because it seems to have great traction in snow, even when off the saddle. The bike weighs in about 19 lbs on a home scale.

The only thing that really matters is how you feel on the bike. I chose this one because it fit me with virtually nothing done. I tested over 10 different models and all of them had great features. There are really no bad choices in this price range. good luck in your search.

I hung mine on the Park scale - a size 58 runs a shade under 21 pounds. Plenty light for what it is.

I just chose a Redline over a Cannondale and Bianchi for my cx frame , but maybe because the were a bit too small :D