Final 3: Your Opinions Please
 

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a new ride. I do not cx race, just looking for a fast and comfy commuter, kid hauler, and "second" road bike. The bike will likely see little to no dirt as everything is tight, hilly singletrack in my woods. I am looking for decent road performance if anything.

What would you folks get in this range? Experience on any?

Masi Speciale CX
Surly Cross Check
Soma DC (custom build with similar specs to others)
Other options?

Thanks all.

Wrong forum.

This could belong in a number of forums...

I would go with the one that fits the best. These are all steel framed CX bikes in the same price range. All 3 are very good bikes. I went with the Soma because the tall headtube & long top tube work for me. YMMV.

Michael

Masi Speciale Randonneur

It will give you more heel clearance for panniers and the longer wheelbase will make it more stable hauling the kid trailer. Plus the color is great.

Surly's are very popular with just about everyone. I saw some Masi's at Century Cycle in Medina OH a few weeks ago. They are very nice looking bikes. All Shimano equipped so, parts should be easy to find. I'm seriously thinking about buying a Masi SS this summer.

Check out the Specialized Tricross Sport or the Bianchi Volpe.

Right forum (ignore 2nd post).

I concur with knobster. Specialized Tricross as one of the best overall cx (serious, commute, casual) in my opinion. Specific model recommended: Tricross Comp, but the Sport is quite good too.

The Masi is like riding a road bike with fatter tires. It's fork is shorter than most cross bike forks. I have a great time on mine.

I see a lot commuters riding Surly Cross Checks.

i personally like the Salsa la Cruz, but all of the aforementioned bikes will not let you down. frankly, it's hard to go wrong with a quality CX bike.