I got the fever! Now, I need a bike...
 

A few weeks ago a buddy of mine let me borrow his cross bike for a race and I fell in love. My first passion will always be road racing, but 'cross tickles me in a different way ;)

My only issue now is I need a bike for next season (I broke my pelvis two weeks ago in a training accident, so this is a long term ambition). I ride a S-Works Tarmac w/ Red, so using that as a cross half-breed is out of the question. I don't want to spend a ton on a new bike and I want some William's Cycling Tubulars, so what kind of frame/bike should I look for?

I know, as far as road goes, there is the CAAD Cult because that frame is awesome for the money and I was wondering if 'cross had anything similar. I want a good bike and I'm willing to pay for it; I just want something that is budget friendly.

Thanks in advance! This sport is sick!

I forgot to ask, how does road frame size transfer to 'cross frame sizing?

A good, used, raceable cross bike can be found on craigslist for ~$800-$1000. In this price range you'll probably see Ultegra/105/rival components, aluminum frames, and alloy clincher wheels. This might be a good place to start. You'll have to spend about $2k to get a new bike with Ultegra or Force components. If you're looking to build from a frame, the Blue Norcross SP is a killer deal for a racey aluminum bike with a stout, light carbon fork, and is only $600.

As for sizing, the traditional approach is to go one size down from your road bike, the argument being that you will have more standover clearance, and the bike will feel 'lighter' beneath you. This has mostly fallen out of fashion and most modern advice is to have the bike setup similarly to your road bike, but with less saddle-bar drop / increased bar height. This keeps stress of your back and weight off the front end so you don't endo on steep descents and sand pits.

I feel your pain. I broke my pelvis last August. I couldn't ride for three weeks, it sucked ;) My current broken ribs are no fun either since there is snow in the ground.

I found my 09 Kona Jake the Snake to be really good bang for the buck, and the 2011 appears to be a great deal.

I currently ride a Colnago World Cup which a little less bang/buck but nice all the same.

If you are looking for a pure cross bike a Ridley would be pretty sweet.