Looking for cyclocross bike for around £700-800

Darren88
Darren88 Posts: 9
edited September 2010 in Road buying advice
As the title states im after a cyclocross bike, I would stretch to £1000 for the right bike.

90% of my riding will be on roads but as I have kids I want the option to go offroad but it wont be anything major.

Was considering the following bikes but their no longer available:

Focus Mares 2010

Giant TCX 2 (2010)


Im looking for a well spec'd bike but obviously a little eye candy wouldnt hurt either

I would welcome all suggestions, these are some possibilties so far:


Orbea Mud

Ridleys crossbow

Boardman Pro CX

This in Jet black: Cannondale CX9

Uncle John Ultegra SL

Marin Toscana

Comments

  • Tostaryman
    Tostaryman Posts: 89
    Hi there- not sure what size you need but a quick google seems to show some tcx 2s left in various sizes - like here for example http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/products. ... 6379&rs=gb
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    Thanks for your quick reply, unfortunately im 192cm tall so will need a XL - 58 frame in most bikes

    From what ive seen the focus mares and the giant tcx 2 are both available but in smaller sizes.

    Also I should have stated that im looking to purchase a bike nearer december/january so by then any 2010 left overs will probably have gone.

    Thanks
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    This in Jet black: Cannondale CX9
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    Or incase I win the lottery - the Daddy

    Cannondale SuperX SRAM
  • jordan_217
    jordan_217 Posts: 2,580
    2010 Kona Jakes are currently £600 at Grafham cycles. Last time I was in they had lots of stock in most sizes.

    I bought one about a month ago and am really pleased with it. My regular road bike has been pretty redundant since I got it. Highly recommended.
    “Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    Im really not sure about the Kona Jakes maybe someone else has experience?? Just seems a little basic and not particularly nice on the eye either??

    Thanks for the suggestion though.

    I dont mean that disrespectfully its just that im only going to spend this sort of money once on a bike so I want to be very happy with it both in spec's and cosmetically
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    Uncle John Ultegra SL
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    What are your thoughts on this bike? Its reduced from £99 to £799 and is one of very few cyclocross bikes with disc brakes Marin Toscana
  • wiffachip
    wiffachip Posts: 861
    bianchi d2 axis,was £1000, may get a good deal now though
  • DazCr
    DazCr Posts: 32
    Hello SkyRide'ing buddy, nice to see you on here...!!

    You probably know what I'm gonna say but I'll say it anyway!

    Boardman CX....

    Fantastic value with Rival Double Tap, Carbon levers, BB30 bottom bracket.

    Despite fantastic spec for the price, no skimping on the frame: welds so smooth you could mistake it for Carbon from a few feet and very well finished. Internal cable routing and carbon forks....

    CX bikes are now starting to get disc brakes but I reckon great for a mountain bike when you're heading down a steep drop off but would rather lose the weight on a CX...

    Hey, we could even get matching outfits for the matching bikes and 'wow' them on our rides. Or something like that....

    I am a little biased being a Boardman fanboy but this is only through experience of their bikes - Anyone else have any thoughts on this....? (apart from the expected 'don't buy a bike from Halfrauds)....
    Boardman HT Pro with a few mods
    Boardman Team Full Susser
    Boardman Hybrid
    A retro hardtail seemingly made of lead
  • DazCr
    DazCr Posts: 32
    ....however if I'm to make a balanced argument, the Uncle John could have tempted me with the Ultegra kit....but:

    The total weight is not listed but the frame seems a little on the heavy side...

    Prefer the Mavic wheels on the Boardman...

    Think the Boardman edges it on spec...

    Prefer SRAM components with more positive gear changes and the 1:1 ratio meaning more tolerance of cable stretch, etc but I guess that's really just a personal thing
    Boardman HT Pro with a few mods
    Boardman Team Full Susser
    Boardman Hybrid
    A retro hardtail seemingly made of lead
  • jordan_217
    jordan_217 Posts: 2,580
    Darren88 wrote:
    Im really not sure about the Kona Jakes maybe someone else has experience?? Just seems a little basic and not particularly nice on the eye either??

    Thanks for the suggestion though.

    I dont mean that disrespectfully its just that im only going to spend this sort of money once on a bike so I want to be very happy with it both in spec's and cosmetically

    Too far! :wink:

    No worries, it's your cash - why buy something you're not going to be totally happy with? IMO the online pics of the bike don't do it justice and I've been (pleasantly) surprised by the Jake, it's a lot better than I was expecting.
    “Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”
  • Darren88
    Darren88 Posts: 9
    Hey Daz how you doing mate??

    Not sure about the matching outfits/bikes etc we would look a bit special lol

    When are you due your new C2W bike?? Your thinking of the Boardman CX arent you??

    I'll be making me decision around dec/jan so will be ready for new skyride season and the london to brighton.

    Now all I need to do is get in shape lol

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