jdlynch

From the posts it seems a majority of people agree that cyclocross bikes are the best choice for all-around riding, which is what I am looking for; One bike that can do it all. However, I really want a straight bar like that on a mountain bike.

All of the cyclocross models I have seen have drop style handlebars. Does anyone make a cyclocross with mountain bike type straight bars? I have seen the Gary Fisher Utopia; Is the Utopia considered a cyclocross? It does have 29ers, bigger tires, higher gearing and a straight bar.

Thanks,
Dave

chris hansen

LeMond had a bike with the same frame as the Poprad but with straight handlebars. I don't think they make it this year though.

bsyptak

If you are able to switch out the drop bar with flat bars, you'll obviously have to switch out the brakes and shifters as well. You might get lucky and the lbs might do it for you. If so, then there should be a cost SAVINGS. Flat bar stuff is cheaper.

But, there are a bunch of bikes out there that are almost identical to cyclocross bikes that come stock with flat bars. Look at Felt SR, Ibex Corrida, Jamis Coda. If you don't want drops, then you might as well go with what some call a speedbike. Pretty much a comfort bike but light and built more for speed. No shock, cantilevers, room for fenders and wide tires, 700s, flat bars. There are lots of bikes in this category. Also see Cannondale, Novara, Giant, Trek, Specialized, Raleigh, Marin, Kona; pretty much every mfg. Sometimes they are listed in the road category, sometimes comfort.

Another plus is that these bikes already come with 28mm tires (+/-) ready for the road (no knobbies like cyclocross-not great for speed). Some of the bikes have traditional geometry like a road bike and some have compact looking (mtb). They will also have either a triple or a double, but the biggest chainring will likely be 50+ teeth, which is probably a good thing since you're riding on the road. Some will have cantilevers and some will have v-brakes. Still, no big deal as you are on the road. None of the recommended models will have a front shock. But at a minimum, look for one with a steel fork, or ultimately a carbon fork (especially on an aluminum frame).

These aren't true cyclocross bikes, but I think you should take a look. The high end ones ($800+) are spec'd really well. If you want to spend less, there are bikes starting under $500.

I bought a Giant Cypress SX by the way. MTB type frame. I use it for commuting. It's a really nice bike and I'd recommend it. That Utopia you were talking about has a front shock and pretty big tires so it is not going to be the best road bike, probably more in the fire road arena. I'm not sure GF really has anything that I would recommend in this category.

Good luck with your search.

jdlynch

Bsyptak,

Thanks for taking the time to give such a well written and informative response. Buying a bicycle has posed the most difficult decision I have had to make in a long time. In my prime, you went into a LBS, and simply chose the color you liked best. Now the choices and options are overwhelming.

I am still not sure what to buy; It will either be a mountain bike with slicks or a speed bike. It seems there are compromises with every choice. The mointain bikes I am looking at all have front shocks (negative) and the speed bikes have smaller tires and don't seem as rugged and maneuverable as the mountain bikes (should I ever get the opportunity to take it off road or encounter rough terrain).

Again, thanks to all for all of the informative posts on this site. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

bsyptak

There is no 1 bike that is great for all things. The cyclocross bike is pretty close, but you'd still want to switch out the tires when going on the road--at least for any distance. Same for the speedbike off road. I suppose you'll have to decide which you'll do the most.

I must say, off road will not be too comfortable with a rigid fork. Pre 90ish, no mtb had a shock. Now they all do. But if you're just talking about dirt roads and trails, no jumps, then either bike would work.

I guess one additional difference with cyclocross bikes is that the wheels are usually beefier, with 32 spokes minimum per wheel. Some of the speed bikes (like road bikes) have lower spoke count because lots of spokes are not necessary when riding on roads. You might want to stick with 32 spoke rims. Doesn't narrow down the choices much though!

Take a look at the Cannondale Bad Boy. For more $$, the Bad Boy Ultra has a front shock but it can be "turned off" for riding the street. That might be a good way to go, but it's bucks!

jdlynch

Thanks again. Most of my riding will be on road. Definitely no jumping for this old fart. I just like the control of a wider bar and the ability to go over rough spots with a wider tire. Therefore, no need for front shocks. Locally I have seen a Specialized Sirrus, Trek 7500FX and a Schwinn Super Sport GS. With either one I would put slightly wider tires on. Any comments on either of these?

skord

I defininately agree that you won't find one bike to do it all. If you're reluctant to go with drop handlebars, give them a try at least, I'm going to have a hard time going back. Depending on the position of my hands, I think sometimes I have better control and more grip with the drops on my Jake. In fact, I've been thrown and still had my hands on the bars.

I just like the cyclocross because I like to go and hit some serious mud and I need something I can get to work on. And yeah, I school the MTB'ers on some local trails, both uphill and down.

bsyptak has a good observation on the Cannondales. The headshock is great and the bike is a great all arounder. In addition, they've VERY well made. I'm not partial to the gearing (a little weak if you ask me @ 22/32/44), and I've read that it's friendly towards full fenders. It's probably a little more MTB than Road if you ask me. It's a $1700 bike, but it's a Cannondale.

Also in the flat handlebar, all arounder category you'll find Kona's Dr. Dew, which I came pretty damn close to purchasing. A bit better as far as gearing, but no shock (which I find pretty useless anyway). It's nearly the same in the gearing dept. as my Jake, except the freewheel has an 11 on it instead of the 12 my Jake has.

I'm also pretty hawt on the Specialized Sirrus bikes. Nice componentry, more of a street bike though. Now that I'm scoping them, I want one again. Slap me.

There's not a hell of a lot of way I could do 'cross on a bike with 29'ers unless the rims had more spokes than common sense dictates. 29's are great for XC, but that's a lot of horizontal rolling resistance on those tires, which would make my morning commute kinda suck.

I just found that I could fly better on road and off on a CX bike. And it's all about flying for me.

bsyptak

I took a look at the Schwinn on some web site and if it has a carbon fork for $650 or less, then this is a good deal. The Schwinn looks like a great deal for $650 MSRP. Of course you'll have to ride it! The Trek gets good reviews pretty much everywhere and everyone likes their Sirrus's. You're in good territory here, just go out and ride them. One will feel better than all of the others. As skord said, The Kona Dr. Dews have a great following as well.

You can't go wrong with any of them.

MichaelW

The flat bar road/touring style of bike is a good all rounder. Keep an eye on the available tyre clearance, this is critical for the range of conditions and terrain the bike can handle. Some have V brakes which means you can fit any tyre up to 40mm. Others have race caliper brakes which limit you to about 28 with barely room for fenders. A few have caliper brakes with more drop so you can fit 28 with plenty of room for fenders, or 32 without.
For general riding a 28 to 32mm tyre is ideal. You can put in a narrower one for fast sporty rides and in winter some people chose a wider one.

mda2345

If you're still w/ this thread, I bought a Jamis Coda about a month ago and its a great bike. Traded in the squirelly racing bike and realized that a 40-something soccer dad wasn't going to be doing a lot of trail riding any more... The hybrid 'comprimise' works for me. If you want some details of this bike let me know.
mda

mepacrin

Try the dr Dew. I use one daily for trails, tracks and road. It will take a road triple chainset if you want high speed/low spin, or an MTB chainset if you want to plod. Disc brakes, especially mechanicals, are great. Steel fork is forgiving but tough. It will take either Interwolf or EpicWolf tyres, both from WTB, or cyclocross tyres, although it will struggle with narrow road tyres. I've used 28 to 42 section tyres and they are all good. Also consider the new Kona, the Sutra, which is like the Dew for gearing etc, but is made of the real deal,STEEL. Really good for old farts like me.

bidaci

Raleigh appears to make a cross bike with flat bars. You can get specs at their website https://www.raleighusa.com/dept.asp?deptid=7

Downshift

Yes they do. I have a C700. Great bike. I commute on it every day. Built like a tank, and very quick.

Sloth

I put moustache bars on mine. Not straight, but similar and more comfortable for me - more hand positions. No need to swap everything, but then I was using bar end shifters, not STI.

daroemer

I'm in the opposite situation, and may be able to work with you if still a possibility. Through family, I have a TREK 7.5 FX, which is essentially a street hybrid, but want to race cross with it. I need to get drop bars and shifters (like shimano 105's or the like). If you end up getting a cross bike, maybe we could swap out bars and shifters (?).

The TREK 7.5 FX may be exactly what you're looking for, though. check it out.

DR

xiamsammyx

In the "commuter" style which seems to be kinda the route you're leaning I really dig the Marin Muirwoods. Give that a look.