Originally Posted by
fietsbob
you will notice the jump up from your non bike shop bike, will take much more time
to note a difference in components above that.. the chain shoved back and forth a little faster..
the chain and the cogwheels are what moves the bike.. you will like the Disc brakes when the weather is foul.
other brands have their supporters..
people tout what they bought..
and Diss other stuff.. oh well..
I bought BikesDirect and I definitely love mine. The OPs budget is high enough that he can get a decent Motobecane frame with a solid component set way better than any LBS offering:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
At the $1k price point BikesDirect bikes really start to make sense.
I agree that for a commuter disc brakes are awesome. You will probably want to get some touring tires unless your commute is mostly gravel so add an extra $100 to the budget for a pair of tires as the CX tires will probably not be the best for asphalt commute.
Originally Posted by
terrapin44
I haven't ridden the CrossRip, but it is a fine bike and Trek is a good company. True, you might be able to get some better components for the same price, but if you like the CrossRip, take it for a test ride (go further than just around the block). If you still like it, buy it, and ride it. I doubt a new rider would be able to tell the difference in the components.
As for not being able to tell the difference, I beg to disagree. The difference between Sora and 105 is substantial. Anything higher than 105 feels about the same. Once you go 105 or above it's hard to go with anything less for sure. at least this is my experience...