Sweet stuff here Gents, I'm taking this all in!
Went out test riding after work tonight.
The 07' Cannondale at a local shop didn't fit well after all but....
Stopped at yet another ( 7th in all) shop and they did have more than a few Leftover Cannondale 08' XR6's in stock
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...del-8XR6C.html
He had a Felt XR1 and a Bianchi lower end CX as well but not in my size. After some fitting ( via eyeball vs the $125 high end fit) , it appeared that the 47CM size XR6 was better than the 50cm and fit good. Took it for a test ride and WOW, it REALLY felt better than
anything I've ridden to date. Steering wasn't "twitchy" , felt fast and surprisingly the knobbies didn't ride bad or loud. I was even very comfortable in any hand position on the drop bar. Actually liked the Tiagra shifters as it was nice to have a visual on what gear I was in without looking back. Only gripes were: 1) that the brakes seemed weak and squealed 2) Seat SUCKED. I assume both are fixable cheap. Reg price was marked @ $1399 and they offered $1200 out of the gate. Given he has "several" 08 not so popular cyclocross CR6's, in the not so popular 47 cm size, I'm thinking I can get them down some more. If I decide to bite, any idea what would be a good price (with /without pedals )? $1000- $1100 to low ;-)
Anyway, not rushing as I'd still like to test ride/compare a Fuji cross Comp and a Jake the Snake ( if I can find either. I'll have to drive an hour + at min.) Performance does have the Fuji Cross Comp in stock for $1015 delivered and no tax. The drive train specs better but I have no idea about the rest of it. I may also be able to get a LBS to match/come close to that # . He's pretty flexable. Thoughts/ comparisons welcome!
http://www.performancebike.com/webap...OrderCalculate
p.s. The bud I would ride with most rides a Giant FCR 3 flat bar fitness and averages 13-14 mph per his computer. Nice info on the fatter tire not being a real concern at those speeds. Salesman said I could get $20 on a trade in for the factory tires against some road tires but i'm thinking I would keep them on this winter. $20 isn't going to make me any richer at this point!