Ok cyclocross bike dilemma

P.Uffing
P.Uffing Posts: 7
edited September 2009 in Amateur race
As i move to the dark side of riding off road on a cyclocross bike rather than mtb i am in need of a steed for the upcoming season. I am really hooked on the planet x uncle john but also love focus bikes so have half a mind on the mares disc option, as i really like my brakes to work too!!
Any help or advise to a newbie please, i would like to stay around the £800 mark as i dont want to spend too much on a bike that i am going to be bunny hopping and riding mtb trails sometimes on? Not even been to a cross race yet, but like the idea of getting dirty on the drops :wink:

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    http://www.ride-bikes.com/products.php? ... 2334&rs=gb
    I like bikes...

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  • P.Uffing
    P.Uffing Posts: 7
    Ta for that, but looking at the groupset that is one reason why the PX is such good value as there is a plenty of Ultegra rather thann Tiagra maybe?
  • brownbosh
    brownbosh Posts: 602
    If you are looking to race im not sure you are allowed disc brakes. Someone here will know for sure but i think i read that somewhere?
  • mister biscuit
    mister biscuit Posts: 46
    Disc Brakes are only forbidden in UCI sanctioned races. so, if you're going to compete at that level, they're a no-no. since there aren't that many of them, it's likley to make no difference.

    on another note, the genesis croix-de-fer is a 'cross bike with discs - £999 i think...
  • mister biscuit
    mister biscuit Posts: 46
    http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/series/croix_de_fer
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    P.Uffing wrote:
    Ta for that, but looking at the groupset that is one reason why the PX is such good value as there is a plenty of Ultegra rather thann Tiagra maybe?

    Personally I'd rather get a top notch frame, rather than worry about what groupset is on it.
    I like bikes...

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  • longdistanceclara
    longdistanceclara Posts: 10
    I would say an important part to look at is the brakes. Disc brakes are certainly a good option apart from being banned from UCI races (so hope that doesn't become the rule at our level). If you don't go for discs then make sure you are happy with the brakes that you have. I changed my Avid Shorty's to Frogglegs and they amazingly are worse so now considering a set of mini V brakes for next season.
  • RRPHOTOGRAPHIC
    RRPHOTOGRAPHIC Posts: 14
    what about a cyclocross bike for small people or people with short legs -- which manufactures apart from Giant make cyclocross frames for stumpy people ?
    http://www.photoshelter.com/c/rupertrivett
  • 8673sharp
    8673sharp Posts: 28
    I rode cross a couple years ago and a few people rode on MTBs, think thats pretty much the same. Why dont you borrow a MTB to have a go, before committing the big bucks.
  • P.Uffing
    P.Uffing Posts: 7
    Well, a planet x uncle john came yesterday after mucho deliberation and went for a ride last night and loved it. Brakes are lx canti's which are for a purpose i spose bt certainly not discs. rode it 90% off road and felt nice, not harsh and wasnt twitchy at all, but ended up with a snakebite puncture as i was probably running a little too soft at 50 psi for a 14-5 stoner, but will start another thread re pressure if i cant find owt.
    The finish and everything about the frame is excellent and i also will use it for a winter bike too so isnt a waste of cash i would defo reccomend a PX !! :)
  • powenb
    powenb Posts: 296
    For around £800 I would get the new Kinesis FiveT.
    Here http://kinesisbikes.co.uk/product.php?id=12
    If you can stretch to it, get it with the carbon fork.
    It has the same geometry as their World Cup proven frames.
    But is more usable as it comes with bottle bosses.

    I have a couple of Kinesis bikes, and rate them VERY highly.
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    powenb wrote:
    For around £800 I would get the new Kinesis FiveT.
    Here http://kinesisbikes.co.uk/product.php?id=12
    If you can stretch to it, get it with the carbon fork.
    It has the same geometry as their World Cup proven frames.
    But is more usable as it comes with bottle bosses.

    I have a couple of Kinesis bikes, and rate them VERY highly.

    I've just ordered one of these (frame only at £225). They look excellent value for the money.
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    powenb wrote:
    For around £800 I would get the new Kinesis FiveT.
    Here http://kinesisbikes.co.uk/product.php?id=12
    If you can stretch to it, get it with the carbon fork.
    It has the same geometry as their World Cup proven frames.
    But is more usable as it comes with bottle bosses.

    I have a couple of Kinesis bikes, and rate them VERY highly.

    Got a Kinesis CrossLight, less than a year old, never ridden it off road but its developed a crack in the chainstay where it narrows near the tyre - not great, but Wiggle should take it back hopefully. Nice ride though, still rideable even with cracked frame.

    Never had a problem with cantilever brakes in cross races, even hammering down Pen-y-ghent Lane in Three Peaks, been best part of 20 years since I raced cross though. Less weight the better I always thought, especially when the bike's on your shoulder, and you're absolutely knackered. :)
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,463
    Hope you enjoy the cross bike - I always found it far more enjoyable for a proper cross course than using an MTB. The problem I found was that at local cross events the courses gradually turned into short MTB races rather than cross races when MTB's became popular. For a course with plenty of dismounting and carrying a proper cross bike is great - are the courses more like that again these days as I've noticed a lot more manufacturers producing specialist cross bikes when I've been window shopping lately.

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