After much agonizing deliberation...
 

...I finally pulled the trigger on my first bike: Fuji Cross 3.0

I have no intention of doing any cyclocross any time in the near future, but this bike seems perfect for me at this time. The sturdier frame and larger tires should support my weight well, and the shifting system felt and operated much more smoothly than any of the other bikes I tried in my price range. The range of gears seems to work well for me as well at my ability level. The guys at Performance Bike were extremely helpful. I actually got a good deal of riding done (for me, anyway) on various bikes right there in the parking lot. I picked up an inexpensive light set at Wal-Mart on my way home, so I could get a short ride in that evening.

Anyway, any feedback or suggestions on upgrades I might consider would be appreciated.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=339250

you can change components, If the ones that come on it, as is, are not your favorite.

Commuting ? Mudguards .. :thumb: and a U Lock and HARDENED SECURITY Chain to Keep It.

It's a decent bike so you shouldn't need any upgrades for a long time. Just get on the darn thing and ride. After a while you will figure out what you want to add or change, maybe starting with water bottle cage, rear rack, different saddle or whatever you want.

Nice bike. Fuji is a good value for a bike. Not sure about this bike, but most cyclocross bikes have a crankset with a gearing designed for cyclocross. I personally like the range, but most people prefer a more road bike type of crankset. Depending on the area you bike, you could change it to a standard double or a triple without too much trouble. See if you like it how it is, you may not need to change it at all.

Good advice. Don't be influenced by strangers on the Internet posting what they prefer on their bike. Just ride your bike, enjoy it and as time goes by YOU make the decisions on if you need or want anything else. Heck you just bought it why start thinking about upgrades already? Also don't agonize over buying this item or that because one item might be considered "better" by BF strangers, just buy what you like when you want it and your biking will be fine.

You might want to swap the stock cross tires for some street slicks. You'll get a better ride,and the stock tires don't have any puncture protection.

Yeah, that was my only reservation when looking at cyclocross bikes. Turns out the area I live in doesn't have much in the way of hills, and my conditioning is pretty low at this point, so the gear range seems to work pretty well for me. When I get in better shape, I may look into swapping it out for a 50/34. I do like the two-ring crankset.

Really? Did you seriously just ask that?? :p

Seriously though, you're right. I'm not one to spend money on something just because someone else says I need it. I think the agonizing is over at this point. :)