My only concern with a cross bike would be the gearing----but as you are on flatlands- it would not be a problem with 39/26 as your lowest gear and a 48 would probably be high enough.


My only other concern is the Make of bike. I know that Bikes direct have a lot of followers but I do prefer to have a bike with a "Name" behind it and to have the LBS locally to have problems sorted out. I don't know many of the manufacturers bikes- other than Giant- so a quick check on the Giant Catalogue and the TCX2 came up. A choice between a Motobecane and a Giant and I would prefer the Giant. Would probably be the same for Other Known "Names" aswell.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/....2/7315/44078/

It may not have disc brakes and possibly a few Downgrades on spec from the Motobecane- but cheap Disc brakes are not always that good.