Winter Roadie: BD Cyclocross Bike?
11-09-07, 07:28 PM
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Winter Roadie: BD Cyclocross Bike?
Winter is quickly settling in here in Chicago and I'm getting ready to hang up my road bike. I was considering a Motobecane Cyclocross special as a winter bike (https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_cx.htm - $499).
Has anyone ridden one? What are your thoughts? Or would it be better to just put some meatier tires on my roadie and keep going? I'm a little nervous about having my bike torn up due to salt on the roads, etc.
Has anyone ridden one? What are your thoughts? Or would it be better to just put some meatier tires on my roadie and keep going? I'm a little nervous about having my bike torn up due to salt on the roads, etc.
11-09-07, 07:51 PM
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Sensible shoes.
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I run a CX as my winter roadie and it does a fair job of it so, I think you've got the idea. As to salt corrosion: WD-40 after every outing. People might **** about it, but it works for that purpose. I recommend studded tires (again).
As to the specific model you're suggesting, I dunno. I am obligated to say "shill", however.
As to the specific model you're suggesting, I dunno. I am obligated to say "shill", however.
11-09-07, 08:58 PM
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Sensible shoes.
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It beats a trainer. Most days.
Since you're new, I'll just point out the shill jab was tongue in cheek.
11-09-07, 09:13 PM
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11-09-07, 09:24 PM
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11-09-07, 09:38 PM
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How much does it weigh?
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True, I gagged too... and if it is a shill, it may have worked:
Because I'm actually considering sending this bike's info along to a friend who is looking to get a first-time bicycle. We're running out of patience looking at ebay/craigslist... and his budget is sickeningly low (ugh
) and I want him to *at least* have 700c wheels, drop bars, and a decent set up.
Unless anyone can make better suggestions local to LA ?? My friend's "budget" is $400.
Because I'm actually considering sending this bike's info along to a friend who is looking to get a first-time bicycle. We're running out of patience looking at ebay/craigslist... and his budget is sickeningly low (ugh
) and I want him to *at least* have 700c wheels, drop bars, and a decent set up.Unless anyone can make better suggestions local to LA ?? My friend's "budget" is $400.
11-09-07, 10:34 PM
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I would very seriuosly consider getting a MTB with slicks. An MTB can be an excellent road bike, but the reverse is not true.
-Z
-Z
11-09-07, 10:56 PM
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I know I have brought up this argument may times before, but why CX for winter? The only benefit I can see would be disc brakes that may work better if slush starts junking up your rims and brake shoes. You should be more worried about corrosion from salt and water (snow/slush) which can be taken care of by cleaning your bike routinely and using either cheap parts which you can replace after a few seasons or components made from high end materials like titanium which won't corrode. Unless you live in an area that snows rocks and sticks in the winter and/or live somewhere in the woods where there is no regular road clearing the idea of riding anything but a road bike on the road in winter has always seemed silly to me. Just my 2.13 cents.
11-10-07, 04:49 AM
#12
How much does it weigh?
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Only if it's a 29er. The difference between 700x wheels vs. 26" wheels, whether slick or not, is very noticeable... in acceleration, speed, manoeuvering, everything. Sure, 29er is just a way for MTB folk to not concede to running 700c wheels, but still - 29er with slicks, sure, close to a road bike experience. 26" with slicks? Not so much.
11-10-07, 09:12 AM
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I just got the Fantom Cross from sprtymama on ebay for $687. Less than the price at BD. It will be my winter commuter sometime roadie. I have ridden it 3 times to work and back (26 mile rt) and it functions fine. I had to adjust the rear derailleur but that was it. Rack and fenders will make it perfectly suited to my purposes. It is equipped with a mix of mostly Tiagra with a 105 rear derailleur. Excellent value (Does that statement make me a shill)
https://cgi.ebay.com/2008-ALUMINUM-CA...QQcmdZViewItem
https://cgi.ebay.com/2008-ALUMINUM-CA...QQcmdZViewItem
11-10-07, 09:58 AM
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I have got the Moto Fantom Cross about a year ago and it has between 4,000-5,000 miles. It's been through some heavy abuse, 5 wrecks that I can think of, though I haven't raced it. Only complaints I have had were the original wheel set (which doesn't seem to like curb hopping and larger roots) but I notice they no longer have the wheels that came stock on mine, and the lack of rack eyelets which new models are equipped with. I think it's a really comfortable ride have done 100 miles on it no problems. Though I recently killed the rd, rd hanger, chain and about 12 spokes on an off-road ride though I think no bike would have escaped this destruction. Darn sticks
