Cyclocross - CX bike recommendation for Noob

I went to my first CX race this fall, and now I really want to try this next year. As I'm a noob to this, I don't want to make a big investment yet, so will be looking for a used ride in the $500 range. What brands/models should I be looking at? Any ideas other than CL/Ebay/Roadbike review?? As CX involves portaging the bike through the obstacles, I think weight is a good consideration...anything else?? THanks

Read through this section for 15 minutes and all your questions will most likely be answered.

I had same questions as you 2 days ago but just some simple browsing and I found the same questions being answered with the same responses time and again.

Assuming your sig is up-to-date, you could probably use your Casseroll to just try it out. Put some Michelin Mud2's on it and get out there.

As a rule, using a bike you have for your first CX race is better than buying a cheap bike. Then you can decide on your budget for a long term bike once you see how fun it is. For the most part, road bikes aren't good choices for trying out CX, but Surlys and Salsas generally have enough tire clearance to make it feasible.

I'm with Andy_K on this one, the long reach brake calipers on your Casseroll should have no problem fitting some 32c Mud2's or Ritchey Speedmax's under the brakes. Plus, the steel frame is a great choice for cross, many elite riders still choose to ride steel because of the great ride feel on bumpy terrain.

Buying a cross bike is a big investment and decision, so it's good to be sure. Good factors to think about are whether you'll be mostly racing it or trying to do some commuting and/or touring on it as well, because that'll change the type of bike you want to get (geometry, fender/rack compatibility, etc.). For instance, steel is a better all around frame material than aluminum, but aluminum is lighter so it's better for racing purposes.

Hope that helps, feel free to PM with any specific questions! Cheers!

Start out SS... the Bianchi San Jose has gotten good reviews. I love mine. It survived a wipeout. I was not so lucky! ;)

if the desire is there, go with what you have...heavy or not, you'll be tanked, elated....and you'll start thinkin' of tinkerin' ...

i started off mid-2009 season with a chunky 30pound Schwinn beast with 27" Kenda knobbies...oy! but i was hooked and after that and for 2 more races that year and 9 more this year, i went with a sub-25pound Giant steel frame from 1993...i was on that one for too long, but now that i've gotten somewhat 'serious' i've finally bought a used frame from THIS century and am now at sub19pounds...all i can blame now is the engine next season!

yeah, just read, browse, ask more questions, scour YouTube, check out CX Magazine's site, stay hyped!...but just get out there and ride all forms of terrain on that bike! have fun