[Bearfan]

I have been riding hardtails and full suspension bikes for many years. I am now leaning to doing much more cyclocross. I do a lot of running races and mud runs and cyclocross seems to be a perfect combination of both. So the question is, what bike to get? Where do I start? I'd like to stay somewhere in the $1000 range, a bit more or less. There are so many bikes! I've read some reviews, but I'm looking for great value, good components, 20lbs or less. I need help! Giant, Jamis, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Trek??????

 

[Crank-a-Roo]

Kona Jake the Snake.

 

[Coolhand]

Same bike I always post- Redline Conquest. Used if you can find one.

 

[biken]

Sounds like you have a lot of bike experience. If you are able to do your own wrenching/maintenance then you should checkout BikesDirect- great specs without the high price.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm

I was basically in your shoes and went to my only two bike shops in my area and neither one carried cross bikes. So I based my fit on how the road bikes fit and ended up ordering online.

 

[danprater]

What's up Bearfan,

I just registered here at RBR in order to sell my Raleigh Team Cross and thought I'd reply to your inquiry. It's on eBay as well as CraigsList out here in NorCal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140435648924
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1877822236.html

More generally, the conquest or the snake are both super popular. Honestly they're all about the same. Try to make sure you get a bike with a carbon fork. Some have Al forks, and that's some harsh business right there. And secondly, ensure the person who set up the front brakes knows how to abate brake chatter, a common problem on cross bikes because of canti brakes.

Good luck, and if you want my bike, just let me know. The price is negotiable.

Later,
Dan

 

[Coolhand]

Here is the link to his RBR Classified Ad as well:

http://classifieds.roadbikereview.com/showproduct.php?product=21562&cat=4

 

[danprater]

Thanks Coolhand! Meant to come back and post that.
:thumbsup:

 

[RyanDe680]

You could also try Specialized TriCross or Giant TCX range

 

[Bearfan]

Thanks for the input. A 56 is too big for me, I'm only 5'7".

 

[jetdog9]

Kelly Knobby X

 

[Coolhand]

Thanks Coolhand! Meant to come back and post that.
:thumbsup:

No worries- thanks for supporting RBR!

 

[euro-trash]

Same bike I always post- Redline Conquest. Used if you can find one.

That's a good one in that range. Really, there are any number of solid, simple, well designed aluminum bikes with a carbon fork in that price range (Redline, Kona, Raleigh, KHS, Tricross, Trek). I agree used is a great way to go, which opens up Salsa and Ridley as options.