CX Stolen - need replacement advice!

hotdiggitty

hi guys,

Finally time to de-lurk! Well until quite recently I was the proud owner of a Boardman CX...that was until it was stolen from our communal bike shed anyway! So now having made an insurance claim I've been put in touch with a Cycle replacement specialist (Wheelies Direct). Not my choice but looks like we're stuck with each other now!

I loved my Boardman, having been a first time CX owner and would honestly get another if it was an option but (as we know) it's a Halfords Exclusive. Wheelies have done some calculations and with market value and the fitted accessories they've arrived at a Settlement figure of around £1300 to be used on any of their current models.

So this is where you guys come in - now I'm pretty sure I want another CX, I just can't decide which is best from their range! Spec-wise they've pointed me in the direction of the 2012 Spesh Tricross Elite Disc but I can't seem to find any reviews and I'm wondering if it's worth the money or whether I should get something cheaper and splurge on accessories? I mainly use it for road commuting but it does see some off-road use (although nothing too technical) and I genuinely will enter some CX races in the near future! Welcome everyone's thoughts on this

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/c575/Cyclocross.aspx

bails87

Spesh don't seem to make bad bikes, no idea on that one specifically though.

hotdiggitty

Any opinions on these two? Both CX one Disc and one Canti. I like the idea of the Genisis's Avid BB7 over the BB5 brakes on the Boardman so suggesting the Cannondale might get me flamed!

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p48835/Cannondale-Caadx-105-2012.aspx
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p48081/Genesis-Vapour-Disc-2012.aspx

This Kona has some half CX/Road bike appeal as well!
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p51391/Kona-Honky-Inc-2012.aspx

cjcp

Looks-wise, I prefer the Genesis and Cannondale. SimonAH of these parts has the last and think he changed the front brake. Lovely bike up close, though.

I'd be inclined to go for disc brakes if you want to use it on the road - better in the wet. You can now race with disc brakes, too.

veronese68

I'd definitley go for discs. I've got a Kona Jake with canti's and they have caused a few heart in mouth moments.

hotdiggitty

On this, I think the Genesis is the one the go for! Thanks guys

meanredspider

The Genesis looks pretty good though expensive to have only Tiagra on it. Compare it to the pricing of a Focus Cayo (road bike) in full carbon with 105, and the Genesis looks very pricey (albeit that may not be your problem). I prefer the Shimano to SRAM shifters on the Boardman and BB7 is a bit better than BB5

hotdiggitty

I really wish Wheelies stocked Focus or I'd probably have gone for the Mares AX 4.0 or 2.0!

I agree it is an inferior groupset etc to the 105 on other bikes, seems like us CX guys pay a premium for the disc brakes, mudguard and rack mounts!

sungod

maybe too late for you, but why accept using wheelies?

it's like insuring a patek philippe watch, then being told that 'watchies' must replace it but you can only choose from casio or swatch

unless your policy states explicitly that replacement may not be like for like, or that you can only replace via wheelies, then afaik you should get what you want

after an accident i had a claim last year, wheelies were completely useless, unable to supply most items, and gave me absolutely no confidence they could do the repairs

i explained to the insurer why i was not satisfied with this, so wheelies simply reviewed/confirmed the photos and damage descriptions, i provided evidence of item pricing, and the insurer gave me the money