justfitme

Have a dilemma.

Windsor Cycle

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/cyclo.htm

or

2013 Fantom Outlaw

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm

There are something to think about -

I have a Bikes Direct store in town and both of them on the floor.

Cyclo is actually $695 since it has some cosmetic scuff (it needs just to wipe out with good cleaner)
and Outlaw is actually full 105 (not as in the specs, with Tiagra).

Pretty much the differences are

Rear der, on Cyclo is Ultegra.
Disc brakes on Outlaw.
Better wheels on Outlaw (on Cyclo some unbranded - looks like dabaged Formula or Alex, but looks strong with eyelets but heavy)

That's it.

Does it make sense to pay extra $300 or save these money to buy the wheels eventually? And how much I need disc brakes...

Thanks for any opinion.

Erik_A

Or test one of these w/ Avid BB7's:
https://cyclocross-bikes.cyclingdirt....amis-Nova-Race

2013 CX Bike: Jamis Nova Race

Timberline

If your going to pay up to 1k, I'd seriously consider this bike first:

https://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/99-delta.aspx

I think this may be the best buy in a pre-built CX bike. IMHO at least.

Andy_K 

You don't say what your intended use is. Utility? Racing? Commuting?

I like disc brakes, but I lived in a place where it rains every day for eight or nine months straight. In a drier climate, I think rim brakes are fine.

I wouldn't worry too much about the wheels because neither one has exceptional wheels and it's always nice to get a second set of wheels for a CX bike anyway so you can quickly switch between slicks and knobbies.

justfitme

Ok... thanks everyone for reply..
Here is the end of story:

I tested both of them in my spd shoes and I was very disappointed with terrible toe overlap. I almost got locked right in ethe parking lot.. What woudl happen on single track, jumping over roots.. and navigate the trees...

This is what i was looking the bike for. I noticed that I started to be bored on my hardtail MTB and I sold it.. Wanted to try something new.. But not with toe overlap - actually I do nothave this even on my Langster with track geometry. I have it on Fuji Team CF road bike but the cockpit is very tight on it. But on CX bikes? - Is it a common issue on CX?

However, I noticed on the floor Zilla XX... for $599 plus tax, plus free service for life. (on website it is 799)
Apex shifters 20 gears, X7 derailleurs, FSA Comet cranks(I do not know anything about them but used to have V-drive and was happy - this one looks similar), BB5 (better than some others), real 29-r wheels with 135 spacing and many opportunites to upgrade.

It is not light - aftr I changed the cockpit to Ritchey pieces and played with non-heavy saddles it came to 25 lbs. Still not bad concidering it is more 29-r than classic CX..


Healthy criticism is very acceptable.

fietsbob

that top tube is all wrong for cross racing on any course where the designer
makes you get off the bike and carry it as fast as you can run, up some muddy slope.

but as a 29er that you will just ride it in like those gravel-grinders , you folks talk about

or an easy course that only has a couple low barriers to bunny-hop or jump off and back on,
each lap, that may be fine .. YMMV

Erik_A

Have you thought of buying used?

justfitme

I got curious and I opened garage door and ran 50 yards with the bike on my shoulder. Nothing felt worng about this..probably because i had couple of glasses of wine...

justfitme

This year I bought 4 or 6 used bikes. But I never ran into decent CX bike for acceptable price. It is either high level with hi-level price or some vintage very suspicious conversions