Cyclocross - Cyclocross Choice Right or Wrong

First of all, if you think I am posting this in the incorrect forum please feel free to point me elsewhere.

I am getting back into riding after a two year layoff due to back issues (fully healed and approved and tested to return). In the past I have always been a non-competitive MTN rider riding on and off road for fun and fitness. I have done several 50-80 miles rides on my current bike. My riding partner and I have put together a ride near the Mackinac Bridge from southeast Michigan. We have mapped our path at 257 miles and will allow for 4 days to complete it to limit saddle time. It is a combo of cement and gravel roads. It will be a wallet tour, staying in hotels with very light packing. I am looking at several used CX bikes as a possible choice or the trip and my new main bike (I rarely ride aggressive trails anymore) and have no plans to race officially. Am I making the right choice? My budget is around $1000. I am 5'11" 185lbs with a 31.5" inseam. I really do not want to go touring since many future rides will be back roads and maintained two tracks. Thanks in advance for any input given.

Cyclocross bike would be perfect. No need for a full on touring bike if you're not carrying that much stuff. The drop bars will be much nicer to ride than the flat bars of your MTB. Multiple hand positions will be welcome on that type of ride. Get something with rear rack mounts and mount some small panniers so you can carry some stuff. Maybe just a big trunk bag will be good enough.

Cyclocross bike would be perfect. No need for a full on touring bike if you're not carrying that much stuff. The drop bars will be much nicer to ride than the flat bars of your MTB. Multiple hand positions will be welcome on that type of ride. Get something with rear rack mounts and mount some small panniers so you can carry some stuff. Maybe just a big trunk bag will be good enough.

I think a Kona Jake or a Surly Cross Check will carry as much as most touring bikes anyway. You could probably get either of these new for around $1000 in the US. Although you'd need to settle for either an old model 2009 Jake or a Cross Check with bar-end shifters. Both classic bikes and excellent buys - just add a fork mounted canti hanger (do a forum search) to either - it will improve the braking. (I always say this - because its true!)

Great, thanks for the input. I was looking at a Kona JTS complete bike and bu someone also has a Kona JTS frame for sale a few miles from me for $100.

Great, thanks for the input. I was looking at a Kona JTS complete bike and bu someone also has a Kona JTS frame for sale a few miles from me for $100.

I think the JTS is the upgraded version of the bike with a more of a tilt to racing. Carbon fork, dual chain ring - **maybe** fewer eyelets for racks. Very popular and successful bike. Definitely needs the fork mounted canti hanger, based on reports of squealing brakes and so-so stopping without.

Other thought: you might want to check for heel clearance if you plan to use panniers. I have huge feet for my size and it can be a problem with bikes that aren't built to tour. This thread for the Felt should tell you what you need and why:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/718767-Brake-chatter-on-Felt-F1X-how-to-solve

Thanks for the input. I ended up with a 2007 Kona Jake the Snake. It arrives April 11th.

Awesome! Enjoy the ride.