Hello all from Pittsburgh
 

Hey all! My name is John, I'm from the south hills of Pittsburgh. I'm 34 and a runner (16 miles per week right now, aiming for 20-25), looking to add cycling to my cardio again so I don't get burned out on running.

I haven't had a touring bike since college, but I've had mountain bikes (some seeing many miles, some seeing far fewer) :)

I'm considering a cyclocross bike so I can do the rails-to-trails, 25 and 50+ mile road tours (using a spare set of smoother tires?) and commuting on good & bad roads. I'll post up elsewhere for advice on that, just wanted to say hey.
Take care,
John

Welcome to Bikeforums, John.

Welcome John from a fellow Keystone state rider! I also have considered a cyclocross bike, and still may yet go that route. It would be a great bike for your application. I have a few mountain bikes, and a road bike, but something in between would be a nice addition for me also.

Thanks! I'm excited that I found this place, I need direction on my purchase - plus, seeing so many others excited about cycling keeps me excited somehow (same with my running and motorcycling).

Which forum would be best to bring up my cycling intentions and ask for advice on whether to get a cyclocross bike and put different tires on for big tours versus getting a road bike and putting sturdier tires on for rail-to-trails and/or commuting? General Cycling Discussion?

Commuting or General Cycling foruma are good places too start... If you plan on racing CycloCross, that forum is good too.

I commute on a Bianchi 'cross bike that I take on trails sometimes. How much do you have budgeted?

I have about $1,500 to spend on the bike and equipment...

Hi John and welcome to Bike Forums. I'm a little south of the South Hills - Monessen.

I'm sure you'll find the forums a vast source of information. Conincidentally I've been happily riding an XS800 (one of Cannondales cyclocross bikes) for about three years now.

Druhl, thanks for the local welcome.

How do you like your Cannondale? Would you recommend it? I've actually been looking at an 03 Bianchi Axis in Mt. Lebanon, haven't had a chance to see what's available from Cannondale.

The Bianchi Axis is awesome. The '03 is great but lacks a triple for the really steep climbs. I have the '04 and it is virtually identical except for the triple and paint scheme.
Cannondale is good too but they spec'd Tiagra for the shifters and front derailer while Bianchi used 105 for those. C'dale has better cranks and BB though.
Anyway welcome to the forums.

Blastradius, do I *need* the triple? We have steep climbs, but not like Colorado steep or Alps steep, you know? I could save quite a few bucks getting the 03 and maybe put that toward other upgrades or equipment...

I'd get the '03. In fact, it's a triple crank without the inner granny gear.

No denying I LOVE my Cannondale, though I have to admit knowing they're made locally (Bedford) played a part in my choice. Looking at a Bianchi in Mt Lebanon? Must be TRM - great shop, great guys. I'm certain the Bianchi is a great bike. I don't personally like the newest version of Cannondale's Cyclocross bikes as well as I do mine. Component changes have made me glad I bought when I did (it's a 2001 model with 105 shifters, front and rear derailleurs). I bought the XS with the goal of riding predominately rail trails (I can reach about 6 different trail heads along the Youghiogheney River Trail in between 10 minutes and an hour) but also wanted something I'd enjoy on the road. I haven't been disappointed in any way. I do occassionally change the tires particularly for events like the MS the 150 - Escape to the Lake (Erie).

My XS is a double by the way. I've not missed a third ring on the rail trails - ever. As you've mentined southwest PA has some genuine hills. There are times when I would have appreciated a third ring. I can't say if I had it all to do over again that I'd do it differently.

Nice making a connection with someone local - we'll have to stay in touch.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. Hopefully, the 03 Bianchi Axis at TRM will still be there when I get over this flu :(.