bhaubold

Having trouble with the search function for some reason. I'm looking for a steel frame cyclocross bike. I've always had steel frame bikes and have never ridden an aluminum framed bike. Can't afford a carbon bike, so it's steel or maybe aluminum. I'm really looking for a steel cyclocross bike with at least 105 components under $2000. Any advise will be appreciated

Bob.

fietsbob

other than China, via POE . LongBeach/Oakland/Tacoma WA

you have several small framebuilders all around you in the SF bay area,
Brent Steelman can make a nice cross frameset, in Redwood City, for example.

more builders via UBI resources list at bikeschool.com

kmancrx

A bunch of companies offer 105 equipped aluminum bikes with 105 for under 2k. Infact you may be able to have enough left over for a extra tires, pedals and the like.

pacificcyclist

Tiagra 10 and 105 10 speed are relatively the same shift quality, being the 105 probably a teeny bit lighter.

In the Tiagra 10 level, you have 2 bikes to choose from. The Bianci Volpe which is a kind of a touring bike, but can be used as a cyclocross and the Masi Speciale CX. I've tried both steel CX and the CXR and the aluminum is definitely stiffer and harsher to ride compared to the steel frame with all things being equal (tire size). That's due to the nature of the cyclocross sport -- it's a racing sport and hence comfort over long periods of time is a non priority over weight and speed since the race lasts only 45 to 60min in length. I also ride a carbon road bike, so that was why I chose the Masi CX steel as I needed something close to my carbon frame in terms of riding comfort. For a custom build, you can go either Soma Double Cross or Surly Cross Check with 105 level stuff if you want.

ModeratedUser

I wouldn't rule out craigslist for source. When I was looking at SF CL there was quite a bit of CX related stuff offered.

fietsbob

Or .. going in the flesh to Bike Shops, and seeing what they have available.
[even though it may not be on the floor when you show up]

vesteroid

I WAS a huge proponent of lbs. I always WANTED to buy local. So far this year that has been a truly disappointing experience. There are quite a few shops withing easy driving distance of my home. I would guess 10. I have been in at least 5 of them and called the rest.

Over this season I have purchased 3 bikes, and numerous accessories. In all that, almost without exception, none of the bike shops have had anything in stock. You spend all your time driving over there, hoping you get someone to help you with half a brain, and then being told they can order it.

I am talking about things as simply as conti 4000 tires, carbon cages, gator skin tires, cassettes, etc (not to mention the bikes)

On my last bike purchase I went to bike shop 1...told them what I wanted in my cross check build...they said they needed to price it..called back next week said it would be one more week...one more week, said it would be next week...went to bike shop 2...told them...they said they needed to price it...week later...called and said around 1400...no list of components (I didnt specify the exact components I just said what I wanted in general) I asked for an exact price and a real list (otherwise how would I know 1400 was fair)....week later didnt get it.

I went online bought all the components, frame seats etc, had them delivered in 3 days, no local tax, 200 dollars cheaper and then had the bike built by the same shop that wouldnt give me a price.....

Then they wonder why folks wont come in and buy....the facts from my perspective is they stock almost nothing now, and have no more help than a web page does, and cost more.

I am just not seeing the value.

PS when I bought my bike, good god try and find a xl frame or a 60-62 frame on a lbs shop floor....no one had one, all wanted to order.

SlimRider

You're looking for the Raleigh Roper ~ $1500
www.raleighusa.com/bikes/steel-road/roper-12/

Good Luck!

ModeratedUser

I'm in somewhat the same boat as you. I'll look at 58-62 frame for cross and was told I have to put down a sizable down payment, it was something like 1/3 of the price for them to get it in the store. They told me the down payment was completely refundable. I was thinking to myself, "then why even have it?"

Oh and like you I have about 10 good shops within about a 5 mile radius of me. I know I've given at least 3 my contact info and request for info on CX bikes. Not one has called back to let me know what they can get. It's Orange and Los Angeles county CL for me! Oh and online stuff too.

wez312

Someone already mentioned it but I'll throw a vote in for a Soma Doublecross as well. I have the disc version. Absolutely love it.

4Rings6Stars

+1. I like my Double Cross Disc (Tange Prestige) but I use it as a commuter/tourer. Feels a bit heavy to me though, I don't think I would race on it.

I also like my IF Planet Cross (Reynolds 853)....but good luck finding one complete for under $2K

Also +1 on keeping your eye out and buying used. LOTS of good deals on used bikes right now. Definitely a buyer's market. The classifies on thepaceline.net see lots of high end steel bikes move at reasonable prices.

fietsbob

Redline conquest classic is a steel frame/fork, but to hit a U$D1100 price point
it's Tiagra for the derailleurs.. probably have to upgrade to 105 a piece at a time
after the sale. or have retailer upgrade the components locally..
https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...-metro-classic

Stuka

If you're not concerned with brand name, don't rule out carbon...
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/209...cross-Bike.htm

Erik_A

See this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...el-cross-frame

I would look for a used Lemond Poprad (or whatever Trek called them after they bought out Lemond) that uses tubing. If the 59CM (largest) fit me I would have bought one.

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...Disc&Type=bike