Barrettscv 

I have a 2008 Soma Double Cross DC. The bike has been great as a recreational & fitness bike. I use it mostly on-road for regular solo rides that range from 35 to 75 miles. I'll also take longer solo & unsupported rides, up to 130 miles in a day.

My only issue with the bike is that the size 60cm is a bit flexy for sprinting and climbing. I'm 210 lbs and starting to produce some power. My road bike is stiffer, but not as comfortable or as versatile. I would like to retain the qualities of the Soma, including room for 700x35 tires, sports/CX geometry and that great ride quality of steel; but I need a stiffer frame.

I would like a stiffer frame and something a little lighter, any suggestions? I'm happy with Cantilever brakes. I'll keep the Soma as a rain & winter bike. Right now I'm considering the Gunnar Crosshairs in a 620 size: https://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/cross-hairs/

knobster

What's your budget? I've been very happy with the Specialized Tricross Comp model and above. Stiff, fairly light, can fit 700x42 tires and even though it's aluminum (higher models come in carbon) I've yet to find another bike with a better ride.

With that said, I just replaced it with a titanium Airborne Carpe Diem. Why? Just have a sickness to get the next best thing. Have you thought about the BD Ti cross bike?

Barrettscv 

Right now my budget is about $1000 for the frame. I'll use a very nice Ridley fork with that new frame if dimensions allow, so I may not need a fork.

My price point has me looking at steel. But I will consider other materials. I’ve looked at the BD CX Ti bikes. I’m worried that lower cost Ti can be flexy. My road bike is a made-by-Lynskey Planet X Sportive. That bike is stiff, I’m not sure every Ti bike is.

Michael

knobster

Titanium anything is going to be pricey. Habanero is in that price point. Thought about used? I paid $1000 total for my Airborne and it looks like it hasn't seen a single mile.

Barrettscv 

I'm open to used. My Planet X was an eBay find for $667. The frame was new and in the wrapper.

fietsbob

what about one of Ridley's Framesets, ?

Barrettscv 

I think Ridley is a great company with great products. However, their CX bike are designed as race machines. I'll be keeping my bike on-pavement most of the time.

fietsbob

not going racing.. Can be a touring bike then, Bruce Gordon has a Taiwan built line, BLT ..
Bruce is a tall guy, himself, so will know what it takes ..

I have a 25 year old set of his racks, he builds those in the US, Himself.

knobster

He's looking for something stiff and probably light. That rules out a touring bike. I'd seriously look at Habanero's cross frame. Right in line with your budget. They specifically state that the frame was designed to be stiff. I doubt you'd find a stiff and light steel frame for $1000.

Barrettscv 

Hi Knobster,

It’s interesting. I’ve looked at the Habanero’s website before. I liked everything I saw, especially the geometry of the largest size, which is right on for me. My resistance to the bike was the price, it just seemed a little low.

I did a broad search of the web, looking for negative comments from owners. Couldn’t find any complaints and every review was positive.

I do like ti, as long as the build eliminates flex.

Thanks for the tip.

billydonn

Michael,
If you are in the mood to get daring why not get into CF? I built a Pedalforce last year that is one solid bike. Price point is right at $1k for frame and fork and quality is excellent. Here's a link and some pictures.

Pedalforce CX-1 Link

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=pedalforce