Laser Beam

I am a newbie to cross(actually did my first race yesterday). I new I would like it and due to a broken arm was unable to race in any earlier races this year. Well, I love it. Now I need to get a cross bike.

I have plenty of time to decide but...

I don't really want a bike everyone has. I want it to perform well but also be sweet looking. I am 6'5" so I have just a little harder time finding a used bike. I am debating getting a Van Dessel frame and having it built locally or trying to find an older frame or complete bike. If I get the Van Dessel I can get it whenever I want and have it built. Or I can keep my eyes open and HOPE something pops up that I like and will fit. I will save a lot of money if I go used but I might not find anything and then be rushed.

Anyone have any advice? Also anyone have any frame suggestions that are tried and true for cross and have a rad paint scheme?

GrayJay

To get a good fitting bike at your size, check out
https://zinncycles.com/Zinn/index.php...oss/hermosa-st

aggiegrads

Tried and true for cross and something that no one else has are mutually exclusive.

You might look into the Gunnar Crosshairs. They only sell framesets, and are handmade in the US by Waterford. Because they are only sold in framesets, and because they are a little more pricey than your average Kona, Surly, Fuji, or even Soma, they are not that common. I raced my first season of cross in Portland this year, and I have seen hundreds (if not thousands) of cross bikes. The Crosshairs has a very good reputation, but I have only seen a few at the Crusade series this year. You can order any paint scheme your heart desires.

You might also look into CoMotion, but there is a big price jump between Gunnar and CoMotion.

nacler22

Don't know what pricepoint you looking at but.......Price Point.com is selling Sette CX-1s for $1700 with Ultegra or framesets for $700. I bought one this Sept. and have put some HARD miles on it and couldn't be happier with the bike. I built up a frameset with on hand stuff and some select ebay gear and the bike weighs 14.95lbs. as I raced it yesterday. I figure I have about $2700 or so in it.

We don't have the numbers like the Cross Crusades get, but I have the only Sette in S.W. Idaho as far as I know. I really like the look of the bike(goes with my team kit) and the 59cm fits me well (6'4"). I run a 100mm stem which is good for racing, but if I wasn't worried about slowing down the steering, a 120mm puts me real close to where my 62cm Madone is as far as fit.

If price is no object, get a Crumpton.