Originally Posted by
emilleejoyce
The biggest problem is my budget. I would like to stay around $500 but I'm willing to spend up to $700 if it means getting a bike that will last longer. I thought I wanted a road (racing) bike, but after thinking about what I want to use my bike for, I was thinking a touring bike may be better. A cyclocross bike would be ideal I think but I haven't been able to find any that are in my price range and also have a rear rack mount.
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For a CX bike that has rear rack mounts, look at the Nashbar Steel CX bike. Right now it's $850 minus 25% off. I use this for a daily 15 mile RT commute. Have racks, fenders, and 33mm tires mounted. The not greatest part of this bike is the brakes, which are better if you swap in some aftermarket brakes (eg. Kool Stop Cross). And you'll probably want to put some urban tires of some sort on it since it comes with cx tires.
Nashbar Steel Cyclocross Bike
