Cyclocross bikes

pottssteve

Fellow Enthusiasts,

I was thinking about getting a touring bike until I read the cyclocross article in Cycling Plus. I want a bike that's versatile - for commuting, light touring and just riding on road and track. Can anyone recommend a suitable bike, please? I'm looking to spend around a grand. It must have eyelets for rear rack and mudguards. The Specialized models look good, does anyone have experience of these, please? I know nothing about cyclocross bikes, so any advice appreciated.
Thanks.

pintoo

I started off with the same requirements as you, plus I wanted the bike in steel, not alu.

I looked at the Surly Cross Check (CX) and Jamis Aurora Elite (touring). I ended up getting the Jamis because while I'd like the bike to be capable of going off road, I don't plan to race it in a CX event. The Jamis offered me more options and spec, and better (Reynolds) tubing. Plus, it's capable of hacking across fields, towpaths and the like, has relatively wide tyres and cantilever brakes.

The Focus bikes on WIggle get very good reviews if you're still after CX. I avoided them only because I'm hell bent on steel.

pottssteve

Thanks, Pintoo,
I'm not sure I can get Jamis or Focus here in HK - will have to check out dealers. I like the look of the Specialized and don't mind alu. Why the steel fetish?
Steve