I'm looking at getting a new bike mostly for commuting. Two bikes I'm interested in are a Gary Fisher Mendota and a Rocky Mountain CXD. The Mendota is similar to the bike that it's replacing, which is a RMB RC50. The Mendota is a nice looking bike and has a pretty good drivetrain. The CXD is a cyclocross bike with disc brakes. I like the idea of the CXD in that it would be a bit faster and would also be suitable for some winter or bad weather road rides. My biggest gripe against the RC50 was that it's a bit slow, especially in winds. My commute will vary from 10km to 15km each way. The 15km route includes a 3km hill at 9% grade.

I'm also looking at a Kona Dew Deluxe, Trek Valencia, and a few other similar bikes. The price point on the urban bikes is better, but I'm not sure if they are the right ticket for longer commutes.

I guess there is no real right or wrong but I would like to hear some other people's opinions.

thanks

Go with the CX. Definitely.

Motobecane's Fantom CX is a nice bike, too, and at under $800 shipped, it's a very good deal. Throw some studded tires on there for the winter and it's an ideal year round bike.

Thanks for the thoughts. Anyone else want to chip in?

Hey there shmish,

Both look like fantastic bikes. I have 2 cross bikes. A Yeti Arc-X with road bars and a Gary Fisher Presidio that I converted to a flat mtb bar set-up. I honestly prefer the flat bar for urban riding scenarios. I just feel much more secure riding in traffic with a flat bar and having my fingers ready on the brake levers. I also prefer the flatbar for jumping pot holes and up and down curbs and aggresive urban riding in general. Sure a road bar is more comfy for longer distances.

As for braking system. I'm not a big fan of mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic are definately the way to go. Mechanical discs should still provide superior modulation and stopping power over Canti's or Vbrakes especially in the wet.

Just my 2 cents.

Yours in cycling,

LesMcLuffAlot