andresc39

Hey All,

I recently had my lovely mountain bike stollen and am looking to get a new bike. I'm thinking I'd like a cyclocross bike this time around--something that can give me almost the speed and handling of a road bike, but also take the abuse of crappy roads, crappier weather, and some path riding.

Would anyone have a suggestion for what type of bike to look into (in and around the $1000 range)?

Thanks!

Slow Train

Hi andresc39!

I will be building up my first cross bike in a few weeks so while I can't offer you any specific recommendations ( I'm sure you will get plenty of opinions ) I can say the following:

1) The cyclocross style bike is a good fit for your requirements.
2) The Specialized Tricross Sport is in your price range. I am building up a Specialized Tricross S-Works (a bit more expensive) but I can't say how or why the Sport would be better than another brand.

3) There are many bike to choose from (this category is growing!) - I like to make it easy on myself by first choosing the LBS. That and your price range should give you 3 bikes to choose from.

andresc39

Thanks Slow Train!

In my research I found that Fuji, Jamis, Bianchi and Trek all make cyclocross style bikes as well. I'd love some feedback from anyone who has experience with any of their cross bikes!

I'd like to get a decent bike that will I can use "off the shelf" but will allow me freedom to upgrade later without major overhaulling...looking preferably for an aluminum frame... would appreciate any advice anyone would have!

Thanks

bkrownd

They're all fine, so the first consideration is which models you can actually test ride in your size, in your area. Basically, you should get what feels best. Second consideration is the frame/fork material you want. Then you can worry about other stuff like wheel quality, components, mounting points for fenders, service, etc...

jpearl

Some cyclocross bikes have a more relaxed, versatile riding geometry, and some have a more straight forward, race geometry. Generally at your price range, the bike you would find would be of the former, not the latter. On average, bike shops don't carry as many varieties or brands of 'cross bikes like they do with road or mountain bikes, so shop around to every shop you can reasonably find and test ride whatever they have rather than just going by brand name alone.

Ronsonic 

I'm really a fan of the Redline Conquest. Fast, light, rugged, decent parts package. Gotta love it.

Ron
Yes, I want them to sponsor me, too.

phillybill

I believe that a Surly cross check can be had for the price that you are looking at. And the Fuji that I saw at preformance is a good price.

If your not worried about weight the Binchi Volpe is a nice bike with decent equipment. I have seen it at the LBS for about 850.

Personally I have had a Proprad, Gunnar and a Redline Conquest. They were all nice bikes, but I liked the ride of the proprad the best.

Currently I ride a Bianchi San Jose that is the same frame as the Volpe and is is a nice ride around town. SO I would expect the Volpe to be very similar. And I am building up a Ridley Crossbow that I have high hopes for.

For my money look at a Crosscheck, or a Volpe.......have ridden a Tricross, but was not what I was looking for.