Cyclocross - Do I need a Monster-cross bike?

So tempting;

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/zilla_silver_600.jpg

and so cheap!

...but a already have a CX bike that can take 700x42 in the front and 700x38 in the rear.

Should I get a Zilla for winter/gravel/utility and continue to baby my CX bike? Of should I put bigger tires on the existing bike and ride her as god intended.

Since you have actual winter there, it might be a good fit for you. I had a 29er that I converted to monster-cross mode, and it was fun to ride but just not nearly as much fun as my CX bikes, so I eventually stopped riding it. Mine was heavy (~35 pounds). That one may not be so bad.

Since you have actual winter there, it might be a good fit for you. I had a 29er that I converted to monster-cross mode, and it was fun to ride but just not nearly as much fun as my CX bikes, so I eventually stopped riding it. Mine was heavy (~35 pounds). That one may not be so bad.

I'm really impressed by the Zilla.

My Soma is ideal on the road, but will begin to show some rust if I use it on salty roads this winter. Installing studded tires and fenders on the Soma will be a tight fit and the gearing will be too tall for bigger tires and the slower speeds of winter.

For the price a nice frame, I could preserve the Soma as a mild-weather rain/trekking/light-touring bike for many years.

You're certainly suffering from N+1 syndrome. Sorry, but there is no known cure.

Everyone needs one harmless addiction.

There's no cure for N+1, but it can be treated. Buying a new bike usually relieves the symptoms for several weeks.

The TEKTRO LYRA disc brakes get poor reviews. Replacing with Avid BB7's will push the price up... :-(