Big M

I found a deal for a 2007 Conquest Sport on closeout for $560.

-52/42/30 crankset, 8-speed 12 - 25 cassette
-Shimano Sora Shift levers, front and rear derailleurs
-Tektro Cantilever brakes with Shimano Sora levers
-Wellgo clipless pedals
-FSA BB-7401AL bottom bracket, 107mm spindle, BB Shell Width 68mm English
-700 x 32c Kenda Eurotrek tires

I checked a bunch of reviews and am seeing that it's nothing special.
But is it special considering that it's only $560?

Also, is it any better than my Raleigh Cadent, or would I be spending more money on a sideways move?

If I get this bike, I would end up selling the 2008 Raleigh Cadent FT1 "hybrid" I bought last month.
I like the Raleigh a lot, but it's no cyclocross bike. I don't feel comfortable taking it on fire roads or through the woods. The Conquest should be fast enough for my commute as well as off-road capable, and a good starter bike for cyclocross.

Raleigh Cadent: Alivio front, Deore rear, EF-50 controls, Tektro mini V-brake, 28/38/48 Shimano crank and 11-32 SRAM 8sp cassette.

Thanks in advance.

motorcade

I just bought this bike for my 14 y/o son as a starter CX bike and (change the tires) road bike. Just note that the tires it comes with are not CX tires, so you will want to add that to your investment if you plan to race CX or go off road.

Big M

Cool. Any first impressions?

I'm getting scared away by people saying how bad Sora derailleurs are and that the Sora shifter is hard to live with. Starting to get in my head, especially since my Raleigh's drivetrain is working so well and it seems to do 80% of what I'd do with a 'cross bike.

Another issue is that the shop with the deal is 150 miles away. I have family in the area and I could make a weekend out of it, but still...all that way to save $300 on a bike I don't really need.

cachehiker

Friend of mine just went fully loaded from Portland into Northern California on one. She's putting cross tires on for this season but might be moving away mid season.

I rode 8-speed Sora for years. I actually liked the feedback from the shifters better than the 9-speed Tiagra stuff I now have kicking around unused. The front derailleur was temperamental though and it took me a few tries to get it just right. The rear derailleur was always sluggish but swapping it over to the old hybrid and upgrading to a 9-speed 105 RD was dirt cheap.

motorcade

My kid loves his Conquest Sport. He built some CX barriers in the back yard and is now wearing out the grass on a loop around the house. No mechanical issues that I know of.

DeusExa

I got my Redline Conquest Sport 07 in July, for a great deal at the LBS. Much more comfortable ride than road bike, with the road bike geometry. Also, accelerates well....cantilever brakes are a little finicky, though... Apparently, 2-3 guys at the shop use this as there workout performance commuter...good for long distance touring too...

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hlight=deusexa
read my thread for info on my choice.