Cyclocross - Cyclocross bike buying advice

I am looking to buy the cheapest cyclocross bike possible.

I am doing a 18 mile commute, mostly on road but also on some dirt roads and my road bike and its 23mm tyres just won't cut it.

I am also thinking of getting fenders and the like.

Looking around the best deal in terms of price I can see is bikes direct ($450). Are there any other places to check out? Looking for durability over anything else.

Thanks guys.

You definitely want new, or would you consider used?

If you're set on new, I like BD's motobecane just fine for this purpose and budget.

Ok. Is there a good source for used cyclocross bikes?


You definitely want new, or would you consider used?

If you're set on new, I like BD's motobecane just fine for this purpose and budget.

the usual... bike forums, ebay, craigslist. I haven't looked, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some decent machines available because of folks switching from cantilever to disc brakes. there's also a lot of bikes that in the past might've been 'touring' but today we call them cross. :)

Buying new I don't think you'll find a better price than the entry level BD cross bikes. The Nashbar steel CX (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_526536_-1_203072_10000_202613) may be a better value.

Frankly, I think you'll have a hard time finding something less than $500 used. There are always CX bikes on CL here, but the asking prices are generally $650 and up. If you live someplace that isn't CX crazy, the prices might be lower but the supply will be too. Of course, used is very often a good value proposition. For instance, I got a 2008 Kona Major Jake for $900 last winter.

Also, are you set on a cross bike only, as there are many options for a commuter bike that would be just as or more versatile outside of the cross category.

A commuter bike might be a good idea, but only if I can find one cheap. I'll check out BD.
Thanks for all the answers. :-)