Cyclocross - Cyclocross bikepurchase decision

I am fairly new to biking. I do 20 miles a day currently on a beach cruiser because I live half the time in Florida and that is all I have. I am buying a cyclocross bike because I need a bike that will do light trails that are packed sand and shell in nature preserves in Florida and also big hills on asphalt highways in Austin Texas. I want to to some road riding for long distances on hilly standard american roads and some improved trail riding, where the trail is compact and even. I like the idea of durability and I need the wider wheel than your typical road bike as the thin wills slip on sand. I need the bike for both purposes so the cross bike suits my needs and I love the way it feels ( reminds me of my old Raleigh in 1980). Anyway, I have narrowed it down to bikes. Could anyone give me feedback based on my stated needs(which do not actually include the actual sport. Here are the bikes I am considering. I am trying to compare the Surly Cross Check '12 to the Specialized Crux Elite "11. The Surly is list price complete (1150), and the Specialized Crux Elite is on sale from 1450 down to $999 since it is the "11" model.

Either will do fine for your stated purposes. If you can ride them and see if you vastly prefer one, that would be best. I think the Surly has bar end shifters. I prefer brifters, so I would go with the Crux myself. It seems as though the Specialized Tricross or the Kona Jake would be great for your needs. I understand the appeal of sales, though :) Good luck.

Crux is aluminum and the Cross Check is chromoly. I would guess there will be a noticeable weight and difference in ride.

I love my 2012 Specialized Crux Comp Disc!

If your ok with not having eyelets for fenders and racks the crux is an amazing bike. I own the 2o12 crux apex disc model and couldnt be happier. If you think you will need those accessories then I'd agree with waynesworld and suggest a tricross.

Thanks everyone. I was leaning toward the crosscheck because of the steel frame and ability to be racked, but the ride of the Crux was fast and nice. I really need the most indestructable bike I can get since I am a novice. Am I really going to regret the extra weight of the CC frame on hills on pavement? I live in the canyons and there are lots of steep hills on the paved roads I ride.

I love my 2012 Specialized Crux Comp Disc!

You have disc brakes though, which I would love. But the Crux Elite does not have this option.

hey everyone. any opinion about the salsa vaya compared to the surly crosscheck?

See your other post..