Cyclocross commuter
 

I'm looking for a commuter bike for my girl and want to get her a cyclocross/touring ride. I also want to avoid the hybrid route. I'm just wondering if there are any cross/touring bikes in the $400 range.

No, at least not anything new.

sadly, no.

there are many good used bikes out there, but you have to know what you're looking at. look on craigslist and other local auctions. ebay can be risky, but it can be done.

If you're willing to go a bit above the $400 mark, the Mercier Galaxy (bikesdirect.com) might be one to look at.

As for anything cross/touring that you'll find in the LBS, you're not going to come close to the $400 mark. Maybe, like people said, check Ebay or Craigslist.

How tall is she? If she's not too tall one of the old school mountain bikes with a nice frame and set up suitably may work.

I think you're on the right track but you'll need to up the budget by a lot if you want new.

Or the Windsor Tourist already set up for $600?
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

Still needs fenders if you're in a wet area mind you.....

How do you feel about ordering online? If you keep your eye on ebay you could find something in your price range. A 2006 Jamis Aurora 52cm sold a few days ago for $400. shipping tends to be in the $75-80 range for bikes. If you can up the budget just a bit and you're handy with allen keys, BD has the Moto Fantom CX for <600 and it ships free.

Just so you know, dealer purchase price for the entry level touring bikes (in the 800-100 dollar range) is usually about 400-500. So the dealer would have to be losing money, when you factor in all of their other costs.

Simply put, bikes cost more than many of us would like them to. They aren't entirely uncomplicated machines.

That said, you can get an entry level flat bar hybrid for that price. I'd consider the Jamis Coda. Then put bar-ends or trekking bars on it for multiple hand positions. Components will be entry level, but it's a good frame and has all the eyelets you need.

Otherwise, I'd go the used route.

She's 5'3". I looked on the craiglist los angeles and like someone mentioned you have to know what your looking for when buying used, which i don't.
Looks like Bikes direct has some bikes in my budget. The Mercier Galaxy might be doable. The wellington 3.0 fits the budget a bit more. How does that compare to the Galaxy? The Fantom CX might be a stretch.
I have a new Kona Dew 58cm that i don't use since i do all my riding on a crosscheck. She's ridden it a few times but its just way to big for her. If i could i would trade bikes for something that fits her. Maybe a wanted craigslist ad is in order.

Look at the Masi's...

Just came across these http://www.javbike.com/Specials.html
The Dolce model has a nice pricetag.

is it just me, or that 299$ looks too good to be true for tiagra......

as you know, I picked up my Redline Conquest Sport for $399!

It is. Where are you thinking that might be possible.

You can get Tiagra Shifters, derailleurs, and maybe cranks for about 200-300, but definately not with a bike bolted to them...

chingon22 mentioned the dolce....

Anybody ever ridden a lyonsport? I came across this and it looks like a good deal. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/783942572.html