Cyclocross - Seeking stiffness and lightweight

This is kind of a weird thread, but I have a Masi CX right now and like it, but built it with the idea that I'd be touring and commuting on it. In actuality, I find myself taking it on fast rides and bombing along trails on it. I really wish I had something stiffer and lighter.

I was thinking about getting a Colnago World Cup, Santa Cruz Stigmata or a Salsa Chili con Crosso, but have a chance to get a really good deal on a 2009 Gary Fisher Presidio OX Platinum Steel frame and fork.

So my question is if the ride of the Masi annoys me because of it's flex and weight (and the fact that it feels like a tank), would I feel the same way about the Presidio?

I reckon the Presidio (i.e. Lemond) would feel very similar.

I'd consider upgrading the wheels and fork on the Masi, which could probably lighten and stiffen up the bike considerably. And could still be useful if you decided to get a new frame.

I've actually done both w/ the Masi. I have a Ritchey Carbon fork and Mavic Aksium wheels on it now. It weighs 23.5 pounds, but I'm not a weight weenie - it's just that it feels sluggish to me since I'm a hammerer who likes a bike to jump when I ask it to. I have a friend with a Poprad and perhaps I should give that one a whirl, but am currently leaning towards stiff aluminum.

Bikeman has KHS cross frames (U6 aluminum) on nicely priced closeout.
http://www.bikeman.com/KHS.html

They always seem to have some good deals on cyclocross frames and framesets.

Have you thought about getting a road bike for the fast rides and keeping the Masi for the trails?

I've actually done both w/ the Masi. I have a Ritchey Carbon fork and Mavic Aksium wheels on it now. It weighs 23.5 pounds, but I'm not a weight weenie - it's just that it feels sluggish to me since I'm a hammerer who likes a bike to jump when I ask it to. I have a friend with a Poprad and perhaps I should give that one a whirl, but am currently leaning towards stiff aluminum.

That's where I got my CCC from, and I love it. Bikeman was great to work with too.

Have you thought about getting a road bike for the fast rides and keeping the Masi for the trails?

I actually have a road bike for fast rides on the road. I'm looking for something racier for trails and well, racing. So I guess I answered my own question. I should go with the more aggressive aluminum.

I have a Kona JTS frame for sale if you're interested...

I actually have a road bike for fast rides on the road. I'm looking for something racier for trails and well, racing. So I guess I answered my own question. I should go with the more aggressive aluminum.

If you want a balls out racing cx bike check out Redline and Ridley. I see a lot of people with them at the local dirt race track. Most of the other brands go carbon on their high end stuff which I would be scared to race in all the time.

I have a Kona JTS frame for sale if you're interested...

Thanks, but I have to go with what my shop sells. I will check out the Redline because we do sell that.

If you want a balls out racing cx bike check out Redline and Ridley. I see a lot of people with them at the local dirt race track. Most of the other brands go carbon on their high end stuff which I would be scared to race in all the time.
Ridley's top end stuff is carbon as well.

cannondale's caad9 frame is excellent for racing as is the scott cx, it has some short chainstays for a cross bike.