CX bike for Triathlons? Suggestions?
 

I'm planning to start doing some triathlons, and rather than go down the road bike route (I'm still an MTBer that likes trails, and going full road with slick tires really doesn;t appeal to me), I was thinking I would get a CX bike instead. I figured I could throw on a couple of slick tires if need be for races, but I can't see myself caring about a couple of minutes a road bike might gain for me (at least for now).

So with that being said, could anyone recommend a CX bike that might be a good compromise? Something fairly light, with more race oriented geometry? But having read up on cyclocross racing over the last couple of days, now I'd definitely want something thats capable of holding its own in a CX race as well... I'm easily distracted...

I know nothing will be able to do all of these things perfectly, but a good middle-ground would be great. So far I've been looking at the Specialized Tricross Comp, Ridley Crosswind, or maybe a Salsa Las Cruces (haven't heard of scandium before, is it all its cracked up to be?). But I'm not sold any one in particular so far... So either complete bikes or just frame suggestions would be great.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry for the "test" subject line, I'd been trying to post for about a day, and the full message keep giving back a "fatal error: timeout" message. It worked with no text though... something to do with the server upgrades apparently.

Specialized Tricross Comp. If this do-all bike doesn't seduce you into tarmac (and CX), nothing will. :)

With regard to the comment about scandium frames, I've had my scandium frames for 3 years (bought slightly used - 1 national title) and have had on problems

Trek Xo1 its preety much an anodized black 1200, with canti breaks, and full 105 not bad price too.

Well its good to see I didn't get any "Thats a very bad idea" replies. Now I just have to go out and find a store that has frames for 6'4" people, from the first few calls I've made, this could be the fun part.

Thanks for the help, and if anyone else has any experience with any of the three I mentioned, or has other suggestions, just let me know.

Given your cycling needs, you're gonna want to look at CX bike that is more "race oriented" with a good road feel. I'd nominate the Cannondale Cyclocross. It's stout enough for CX racing (as was raced on by Italian CX champ Enrico Franzoi) while still having a stiff and upright frame that is used by many as an off-season road training bike.

Likewise, I've seen the Bianchi Cross Concept used as a high-performance road bike.

I'd veto the Ridley, the geometry is pure cross and you won't find it suitable for your needs, the top tube is way too short for road riding. lovely bike otherwise.

I don't know, I find my Ridley to be rather comfortable for the long rides. I guess it's a matter of if you get it dialed in properly. I ride mine more like a road bike this time of the year.

Dont misunderstand me, I like my Supercross, But the bottom bracket is higher than my Jekyll mountainbike's. That combined with a steep seat tube angle and short top tube means that I am sitting much taller than someone riding a purpose built Triathalon bike (and displacing that much more wind).

I could change components to lower my profile, but I would loose the ability to throw my arse off the back of the seat in steep decents. that's kind of the reason I went with the ridley in the first place. There are other cross bikes with less cross-like geometry that would make a better multi-purpose bike.