Hey all,

I'm a total newbie trying to make a smart purchase while avoiding buyer's remorse. Hoping for some opinions.

I want to get a cyclocross (preferably) or a road bike for my commute to work which is about 17km each way, with some light hills but nothing too crazy. My budget is $800-$1000.

From what I've read, the Kona Jake sounds like a great purchase but the shop I talked to today said they weren't stocking the 2014 models because of some shifting problems. Does that round right? I could probably find one if I kept looking.

I also saw a 2013 Brodie Revel today on sale for $800 (clearance) and the shop said they would go a little lower on the price. It's 56 cm and I am 6'1" (34.5" legs). They said that it fit me well and it did feel alright, but I don't know what a perfect fit feels like. They said that the Brodies generally fit bigger than other brands. I'm a little paranoid about their advice on the fit since the bike is something they want to get rid of. Any input on this?

I'd also like to be able to attach a front-child seat to whatever I buy.

Any input on the bikes above or other suggestions altogether would be greatly appreciated. What cyclocross bike would you buy with $1000?

Thanks,

Jesse