[Help] Need some bike suggestions...
 

Hi all,

I'm just getting into biking to school and such. I've been using my friend's awesome bike while she was away and now I'm looking to get my own but I'm not quite sure which one to get.

I visited a local bike shop and they recommended the Trek 1.2 (WSD)...my other friends who have been biking for a while recommended that I get a cyclocross bike as it's alot more versatile. So, I'm trying to figure out whether to buy the Trek 1.2, or a Motobecane Fantom CX from bikesdirect.

I'm also not sure about the sizing for the bikes. I felt comfortable on the 50cm (WSD) on the Trek but I don't know if a 49cm for the CX would be similar. Any suggestions/tips/opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

In general road bikes are suitable for only fair-weather riding with light loads. Cyclocrosses are more versatile for commuting because they have wider clearances for fatter tires and fenders. I do not know what the clearances for the 1.2 WSD are, but it looks like it has the braze-ons and eyelets to mount a rack, which is another thing to look for.

Be aware, anything from bikesdirect will require some degree of assembly.

Sizing on a bike you've never ridden is always an unknown. Could be 49 cm, could be the next higher frame.

You're definitely right to question whether the 49 cm CX will be similar to the 50 cm Trek. It all depends on the geometry, and I don't know about you but I just don't have any idea how to read a geometry chart and figure out how the fit of the bike will be. I think you're much better off going with a bike that you can try out in person, regardless of what type you get.