Selecting a bike...

[FatBomber]

I'm not actually getting into the sport, but I was looking for a good second bike that wil absorb a lot of road miles as well as me, 6'3" 240#. Due to my girth as well as my penchant for running over things, I have ruled out a roadie. I recently discovered cyclocross bikes and they look like a decent cross between a roadie and a mtn bike.

Question:
I'm not looking to spend a bunch and I have seen a few deals for used bikes online, specifically a used Trek X01 and a used Haro CXR. Are either of these good bikes used in the $500-$550 range?

Thanks!

Tom

[Rich]

Hi Tom, and welcome to the forums.

I'm not too sure about deals in the States, or about the Haro cross bike, but the Trek X01, looks like a pretty good bike.

If you check out www.MTBR.com there is a review section there dedicated to cross bikes...might be worth a look.

Good luck.

Rich

[AlanK]

I'm sort of in the same boat as you, though I'm much more diminutive (5'9", 150pds). I'm looking for a bike that reasonably fast and stable on roads, but with modifications can also work for light off road riding, and possibly light touring. Cyclocross looks like a good fit, although most come with a double front chain ring. If you're going to be doing lots of city riding (which I will be) a triple chain ring is almost a necessity. Of course you can put a triple ring on after you get it, but this will likely mean added expense. I'd like to get something that doesn't require much (or any) modifications, at least initially. Something to consider. Good luck, whatever you decide.

[1oldRoadie]

Originally posted by FatBomber
6'3" 240#. Due to my girth as well as my penchant for running over things, I have ruled out a roadie.

Tom; I am 6'0 #252 and ride a road bike...a lot of us biggins do. I put thousands of miles on a standard bike each year with no problems.

If you want to lose weight the cycling will really help. I your just big, don't worry about running over things.

If you wanna ride road, buy road. Cross is much heavier and slower with the bigger tires, etc.

Anyway welcome, this is a neat forum with great people.

[oceanrider]

I'm looking at bikes for future purchase. I'll need around a 46 cm WSD because I'm a 5'3" woman, long torso, short arms and no legs. Those 650's wheels are non-negotiable for me to get a really stable fit.

I want a bike that goes reasonably fast but I also want a bike that can take touring. A touring bike is too heavy and the good ones are out of my price range. Is cyclocross an option? I'll be in the $700 price range. A gently used good setup is my first choice but having to go WSD does make pickings slim. But first, is cyclocross an option?

[1oldRoadie]

I don't think that 650 tires are available in anything besides road tread in 21 & 23. And that is not cyclocross.

[MichaelW]

650c is not a good choice for anything except racing and very fast day rides.

26" MTB tyres are avable from 1" (25mm) upwards and are much more versatile. You wont find a production CX bike using 26"MTB wheels, but there are some small, light fast,-touring bikes made. The major manufacturers dont make this style yet, and the niche manufacturers start at about $800

[Kustomz]

Look at the Jamis Coda. I road ride about 25 miles every other day and then bash rocks on the weekends (at least lately). One tough bike with great equipment. http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/coda02.html

[1oldRoadie]

Originally posted by MichaelW
650c is not a good choice for anything except racing and very fast day rides.

26" MTB tyres are avable from 1" (25mm) upwards and are much more versatile. You wont find a production CX bike using 26"MTB wheels, but there are some small, light fast,-touring bikes made. The major manufacturers dont make this style yet, and the niche manufacturers start at about $800

Soooo...you are wanting her to put mountin' bike rims on a road bike?

road frames under 48cm either use 650's or have some really strange geometery. There is nothing wrong with 650's if they help the bike or rider.