Hi All,
firstly, sorry for double posting, but I thought people in the commuter group might also be able to help me -- sorry if that's rude. I mainly use my bike for commuting about 8-10 miles roundtrip. I want to get involved with cyclocross at some point btu my main desire is for it to be a good commuter bike as well. I previously had the motobecane CX2. I'm trying to quickly find a replacement because I can't get to work. I liked the CX2 but did have a problem with constantly adjusting the breaks, it was really obnoxious (any suggestions there? -- by this I mean they were ALWAYS rubbing the wheels then I'd need to readjust, took forever -- maybe my tires kept getting bent??). Anyway, I'm not opposed to buying used and am looking to spend 400-500. I was considering https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1815944650.html but would love any other suggestions/comments on that particular bike or its components. Wouldn't be opposed to buyign a decent frame and gradually upgrading some parts. Anyway, any help you can offer would be wonderful.

I'd say go and get your wheels professionally trued

Cantilevers can be fiddly to adjust, but once you get the hang of it it is really pretty easy (a bit of art AND science involved). If it is a wheel truing issue, have a local shop with a good mechanic de-stress and re-tension both wheels (if you are uncomfortable doing that yourself).

The CL post looks WAY off on the size - he says 63 but that teeny headtube would imply something like a 54-56 cm, MAX.

If you're in Houston, don't even bother with gears - you really don't need them for commuting or for any local cx.

I'd be on the lookout for a used Bianchi San Jose or might even consider the Motobecane CX uno

sorry - i left out the most important part of this post. My motobecane CX2 was great and the getting it trued would have been a good call -- but it was stolen on monday. trying to pick a replacement.
Ben

I have a Kona Jake that I use for a commuter and for longer rides, no plans on doing CX in the near future, just a solid bike that works well for commuting (can take racks / fenders no problem), keep on the knobby tires and it can handle some rougher surfaces just fine --- throw on some slicks for road cycling and a little less resistance and your set.

I'm waiting for next years model - hoping the 2010 Jakes will be $700 again, like the 2009s were this year, which I stupidly missed. Great bike.

Thanks Guys. Good suggestion regarding single speed- I'm from Pittsburgh,Pa then later Durham, NC so used to some serious hillls. By the way, that bike was 56 cm max, maybe 54 cm? Regardless, I need 58. I was hoping it was smaller than 63 (as it looked) but not that small. Anyway, https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1837648284.html looks overpriced doesn't it?
Ben