First of all, hello - I usually post in the road, SS/FG, or nutrition forum but am finally in a position to use bikes for function; how novel!

Anyways, I'm selling my fixed gear to get something that's a better all-round functional ride. This will be primarily a commuter and I'm settled on the functionality of a cyclocross frame, or at least a frame set up for canti brakes, rack capabilities, and fender clearance. I also like the idea of having a bike with a road drivetrain that can go on dirt roads and light singletrack and even load up for a ride-camp-ride weekend.

I'm torn between a lower end Scattante aluminum frame that will be a great commuter and excellent #2 road bike, or something nicer and heavier like a Handsome Devil or Surly that can be configured any number of ways, can tour, but not quite the geo or weight I'm used to. Thus, I turn to those who have been in the commuting business for a while - what do you find to hit the sweet spot between commuter beast, backup road bike, and light tourist?

I have a spare low end Shimano groupset (2200 or 2300) and cheap wheels to throw on for now, along with bars, stem, seatpost, and saddle. I'll want to upgrade wheels, switch to a compact double and 105 or Apex/Rival level eventually. I figure I can get $450 for my fixed gear and here's what I'm looking at:

Scattante XRL Cyclocross ($225, leaving $225 for upgrades):


Handsome Devil ($420ish for frame):


Surly Cross Check ($380, leaving $70 for upgrades):


I know that the Scattante will have a much different functionality than the Handsome or Surly, but I still am trying to figure what style of ride will be the most practical...

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR INPUT!

The Handsome Devil and Cross Check look nearly identical. The Cross Check is kind of the Swiss Army Knife of bikes -- decent at just about everything, not particularly great at anything. I'd always pick the CC, but that's just me. I think the weight differences won't be that noticeable between the three, but the versatility would.

Go with the Cross Check. The Handsome Devil looks quite similar, and the Scattante doesn't look as versatile.

You got it - they're almost the same. The Handsome is sold in a small, locally owned shop down the road, so that's why it's in the mix.

The thing is, 'cross bikes aren't much different than road bikes. Heavier frame and braze-ons is about it.

I think you should get something truly different, like a hybrid or a proper urban bike. Learn how to slow down a bit. Learn how to sit upright and enjoy the lack or a crick in your neck. Enjoy the fenders, steel, racks, and lights. Revel in that extra useful 10 lbs.

On my cyclocross bike, I forgot how to coast downhill. I re-learned it again on my urban bike. It was wonderful.

However, if you're really stuck on a cyclocross bike, I'd probably go with the Scanttante and build it up properly.

I would get the handsome devil. Especially if it's from a local shop.

Jeremy- Know what you're saying about something totally different, and I do want a bike that feels like more than just another road bike. The functionality of the steel frames and the many possible configurations with the horizontal dropouts are a huge factor for sure. I have lusted for a cyclocross bike for some time, but my knee problems are another factor in me selling my fixed gear. Another plus for a proper townie. I suppose the steel frames will fill the capacity of a cross bike or grocery getter equally well.

ratell- That's what I'm thinking. Super cool guys that mostly do fixed gear and custom builds on steel frames. Always prefer to support the neighborhood.

You are gonna get a lot of love for the Cross Check around here. The Handsome is very similar and also a Local Minneapolis outfit so I like that too. My unscientific data suggests that around here in MPLS I see more cross checks under the committed commuters than any other one model of bike by far.

Aluminum? I think not. The versatility of the CC for me is it's strength. You can build exactly what you want with it. You might not choose it but you cant go wrong if you do.

There would be many more possible frame choices if you increased your budget some. At your current budget, you might also want to take a look at the Pake C'Mute.

The C'Mute looks like another fine choice, again looking very much like the CC at first glance; thanks for the mention. I am well aware that there are great frames out there for a little more, but for the purposes of this bike I don't see any reason to spend more than $400 or so on the frameset. Plus if I had more in the budget, I'd probably stick with one of these frames, and upgrade from the crappy wheels and 2300 gruppo.

I'd go with the Handsome Devil. First, because buying from a shop that you like is worth $70 IMO. Second, while it seems functionally similar to the Cross Check, I like the geometry of the Devil much better. The Cross Check has a relatively long top tube and a ridiculously short head tube. The Devil "corrects" these and has longer chain stays, which is good for commuting.

Edit: I should mention that I have a Cross Check. I'd trade it for a Devil.