tubby_cosmos

Hey everyone,

New to the forum here! I'm interested in getting a competition-ready new CX bike in the $1250-1750 USD range. In truth, this bike will be used mostly as a commuter with a fair amount of use in the rain (I'm in Seattle), so the ability to mount fenders would be nice, although I don't plan on mounting a rack. However, I would like to be able to take my bike into the trails and mud on occasion and am also contemplating dipping into cyclocross racing in the near future (maybe 2016). I'm essentially looking for the best performing bike I can get in my price range, so aluminum frame + carbon fork rather than steel, although ride comfort and geometry do still factor into "performance"

At the top of my list right now are the Cannondale CAADX and Ridley X-Ride series. However, I've also started to fall in love with the look of the Masi CXR Comp. There doesn't seem to be much written on Masi cyclocross bikes online, but from what I've found, it seems like they were historically known for their frames. Roughly comparing components, it seems like they may charge a bit of a premium for their 105 drivetrain compared to other 105 spec'd CX bikes. I'm not opposed to spending a bit extra for something I love as a whole compared to something I just like, even if spec is comparable, but I haven't found anyone in Vancouver or Seattle who stocks many Masis, so I might have to order one sight unseen if I can't find one to try.

With that in mind, I was wondering if anyone has experience with Masi CX bikes (particularly the CXR Comp) and what their thoughts are. Additional suggestions for buying a first cyclocross bike are appreciated!

Kopsis

Don't buy a race-oriented CX bike because you "might" try a CX race someday. For the most part, CX race bikes don't have rack or fender mounts, often limit tire clearance to UCI-legal sizes (33c max), and are not the least bit concerned with being "comfortable" (if you're ever comfortable in a CX race, you're doing it wrong). I'd go with one of the more recreation-oriented models. They are better suited to commuter duty but still perfectly capable of seeing you through your first few seasons of CX racing. When you're ready to cat up to the intermediate races, then think about getting a dedicated race bike.

fietsbob

+1, if you break your commuter bike on Sunday , what are you going to ride to work the next week?

tubby_cosmos

Thanks for the input, but I'm confident I'm looking for a CX race bike and am not worried about comfort, to be honest. I've been riding an old aluminum/carbon road bike without fenders to work which has pretty aggressive geometry and am happy with it with the exception of not being able to go offroad and struggling with rim brakes in the rain. I was riding a steel framed commuter before and couldn't stand how slow and heavy it felt. Really I'm just looking for some input on the Masi builds, as there doesn't seem to be information anywhere on them.

knobster

Just like most every bike, they are made out of Taiwan. The bikes are good quality and are pretty unique. I wouldn't say they are a great value though as you can get a similarly equipped bike for less, but they are a very nice bike. I've owned a Masi carbon road bike and was quite pleased with it but it was a little more stiff than I was wanting in a road bike. Was a great race bike though.

SlowJoeCrow

You might consider some local products, a Redline Conquest Comp or Kona Jake would fit the budget with Tiagra or spend a bit more for a Jake The Snake with 105. While the bikes come from Taiwan, Redline's HQ is in Kent a block or so from REI HQ and Kona is in Ferndale.