Which cyclocross bike?

GEPC
GEPC Posts: 123
edited February 2008 in Commuting chat
After much deliberation over what bike to upgrade to I have decided to go for a cyclocross bike. I am most likely not going to race it but I want a bike that gives me the flexibility of being able to go on and off road and also be a good commuter.

I don't want to spend more than about £800 and so far have narrowed it down to three bikes.

Planet X Uncle John budget build.

Pinacle Expede 2007 model which is on offer at Evans

Focus Mares Cross

If anyone has an opinion on any of these bikes or any other suggestions I would love to hear them.

Cheers

Comments

  • tardington
    tardington Posts: 1,379
    The Mares one looked nice! So do the Felt ones.

    :shock:
  • house_trained
    house_trained Posts: 41
    Just the list I was thinking of, although the Genesis Vapour looks good as well.

    I've been getting a little obsessed with Integrated headsets - whether they're a good or bad thing. That all put me off the Pinnacle for a little while, but I'm thinking of going with that one now - I like the spec and the carbon seat stays sound like a good thing. Most road bikes these days seem to have one, so maybe they're not such a bad thing (although the Genesis doesn't). Any personal experience on this front would be welcomed.

    I don't think the Focus comes with pedals, and I'm not sure if it has eyelets for mudguards - something the other bikes do have. So you might want to look into that.

    Also, ChainReactionCycles have 3-4 models that you can buy as a kit and put together yourself. I'm really tempted by these, as I've been doing my own maintainance for years and like the "hassle" of setting a bike up myself. I'm just waiting for my employers to start the Bike to Work scheme...the longer they take, the more time I have to find new options - and more options means more ummming and ahhhing.
  • dirk_van_gently
    dirk_van_gently Posts: 826
    I have Felt F1x, so I'm biased. Shop around, and don't forget your local bike shop. One thing I would point out about the F1x, is that there are no bosses (think that's what they are called) for a rack or mudguards.
    http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70373
    That's a lot of bike for 800 notes
    Looks like Evans have some good deals on Crossers. Seems like they are becoming more popular.
    If you see the candle as flame, the meal is already cooked.
    Photography, Google Earth, Route 30
  • jedster
    jedster Posts: 1,717
    I commute on an uncle john with guards/rack/dynohub/b&m lights/28mm gatorskins - pretty much ideal for my needs. Haven't tried the laternatives though
  • GEPC
    GEPC Posts: 123
    Thanks for the comments.
    The Felt is probably top of my list now. Hadn't realised it was on offer at Evans.
    Just waiting for the company to fill in the ride to work forms then I am going shopping.

    Cheers

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