Cyclocross - Cross bike jumped up and BIT me

So, I've been shopping for a bike for about a month now. LBS test rides, hours on bikesdirect.com, Google research on componentry, the works. Having been sized at a tweener 57 cm, I figured I was relegated to a smaller 56 as I like the aggressive fit. I had ruled out cross bikes a while ago basically because of the cost/component ratio.

I was shopping for possibly the cheapest item on performancebike.com this morning, the polyprpelene glove liners (soo much better than the fleece ones), and on a whim decided to check out the bike sale. I was in the local Performance yesterday (out of the glove liners), and the bike selection was like walking through a ghost town. You know, crickets chirping, tumbleweeds, wind whistling.

Anyhoo, found a deal on the Scattante (http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10052_10551_1072843_-1_20000__61000#ReviewHeader) (have read the reviews on some other Scattante models over the years - not too bad), 57 cm, 105 FD/RD/shifters, estimated 21 lbs (I'll give 3 lbs to be generous on this), 10% off, plus Team Performance bucks - $899, down from $1,499.

Quite frankly, for the BD equivalent I'm getting better components, plus a shop here in town that will support the bike for life. I won't even mention how much less expensive this is that the other LBS models with Sora/Tiagra.

Can't freakin' wait to get it. Oh, and greetings to the 'cross forum. Posted in here a few times, but now I have a reason...

Very nice! Enjoy it.

Nice bike and price.
Is that the gearing you want?

46-36 is absolutely the perfect gearing for me. The cassette is also perfect. I have been disqualifying bikes because of triples (I have two of those already), and one of them (the flat bar roadies) I have the 52 big ring, the MTB I have the 48 big ring. For a double, 46/36 is the best. While I was on the phone I was looking for reasons not to drop the cash on this bike, but everything fit. My only issue is with the canti bakes, but seems like all cross bikes come with that. Can live with it, or just replace the calipers, I hope.

Nothing wrong with canti brakes. Just need to learn how to tune them and replace the pads with some nice quality ones. Congrats on the new bike.

I am assuming we'll be recommending Kool Stops? I have some Aztec and Tektro Direct Pull pads that are brand new, but have heard bad things about the Tektro pads - rim wearers. Will do some searches on the adjustments. It can't be any worse than adjusting direct pulls

I would not assume you have to replace the pads.

Did you actually get to see the bike ahead of time?
At my local Performance they occassionally have a Fuji or two; but they've told me they've never seen a Scattante cross their.
If I want to get one; I'd have to pay for it upfront to order it - then when it comes in I could get a refund if I didn't want the bike.
A bit of a hassle for a bike I couldn't see ahead of time.

I just got home from Performance myself with a brand new 09 Fuji Cross Comp. I also got it for $899 with full 105 and Ultegra RD.

Did you actually get to see the bike ahead of time?
At my local Performance they occassionally have a Fuji or two; but they've told me they've never seen a Scattante cross their.
If I want to get one; I'd have to pay for it upfront to order it - then when it comes in I could get a refund if I didn't want the bike.
A bit of a hassle for a bike I couldn't see ahead of time.

This is a new reality of online shopping. The sadness comes in that my LBS couldn't even get in the same solar system as this bike. I love the Gary Fisher bikes, but for the same price, I would be losing. I rode a Trek 1.5, Specialized Allez, and a Scott Speedster, just to try and compare like to like. I was hesitant about the cross goemetry, so we'll see how this bike pans out.


I just got home from Performance myself with a brand new 09 Fuji Cross Comp. I also got it for $899 with full 105 and Ultegra RD.

I have sat on so many bikes in the past month, been to so many online fit calculators, and no matter how my 57cm fit pans out, I am always more comfortable on the smaller 56cm rather than the 58cm, which stretches me out. If the 57cm does not fit for some bizarre reason, it goes back, I lose nothing and get my money back. Mind you, I understand that all manufacturers do not define fit the same way, but I have done some good research and think this 57cm will be the one.

I checked a Fuji Cross at the Performance store in my area, but it was a smaller version. I could have gone 56cm Motobecane Cross Outlaw, with Avid discs, but it has inferior components and 9 speeds for about the same price. The Scattante has 10 speeds and 105 derailleurs and shifters, as well as the aforementioned double crank middle line FSA). I rode Tiagra, Sora and 2200 shifters, and the throw was brutal, but bear in mind this is my first drop bar bike - I may have to accept that.

Admittedly, I had been shopping all road bikes, but for the 5%-10% trail time I spend (which will likely increase now), the road bike would not have been able to travel there. Being a fatalist, something tells me I was supposed to go this direction. Thanks for your concern and support :D