dsam2

I have a friend who would like to get a cyclocross bike. He has a 650 dollar budget (I know its a small budget, but it is what it is.) Craigslist in my area is garbage and the used bikeshops have poor selection and seem to be overpriced. So, I am thinking his only option with a budget that size is to buy online, and even then his options seem really very limited. I was unimpressed with the bikesdirect.com options. I think my vote has to go to the Nashbar CX1. What do you all say? Any better ideas? Does anyone have any experience with the Nasbar CX1? Thanks for your feedback!

JBHoren

There's a very cherry 58cm Bianchi Volpe on the C&V classifieds for $525. I own one (in red) and love it. Bears looking into, if the size is right for him.

Singlespeed92

2011 Origin 8 700CX 54cm (I think,may be a 56,I'll double check)
This is mine,just set it in the LBS used/for sale spot last week for $500 (+ shipping,of course),near mint condition,ridden road,gravel,and every trail my 29"er SS has been on,will fit up to 41mm tires,SS or gears (comes set up at 3x9 with touring crankset,mtn cassette,always lovingly maintained by the LBS. PM if interested.

dsam2

I should have mentioned that he is 6ft 5in (long legs and arms w/ shorter torso) I would imagine that he would need at least a 60cm frame at that height.

FMB42

Well, that'll surely reduce the used bike selection. Meanwhile, his $650 budget will be more or less sufficient for casual and/or entry level racing. If he just wants a CX bike for general use then $650 will be more than enough imo.

If he's serious about getting out on a CX course he might still want to hold out for a high quality used CX at a good price. However, purchasing a new and properly sized NB CX1 would, of course, put him in the saddle right away.

Btw, your friend might also consider renting a few (CX bikes) just to get a feel for them before he buys (some race events do offer bike rentals).

Singlespeed92

Yeah...that was kinda a pertinent tid bit of info