Best steel framed bike for Cyclo-Cross?

IsaacJohnson
IsaacJohnson Posts: 52
edited April 2012 in Road buying advice
Budget approx £1000
My Weight 115kg
My Height 183cm (6ft)

Hi should I go for the highest grade Reynolds (725,753 or 853) Or does anyone know of a very good non Reynolds frame? I want the bike to be fairly light, but this is by no means my number one priority. Agility, handling and comfort are paramont. I also want disc brakes. I'm not going to be racing, just fun, enthusiastic riding (I'm exMTB).

Bikes that have caught my eye so far:
Genesis Croix de Fer
Cotic X
Voodoo Wazoo

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.
The road is long...so take a shortcut.

Comments

  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    this

    Much more practical and a brilliant hoot to ride. Should squeeze in 32mm tyres no problem at all.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • IsaacJohnson
    IsaacJohnson Posts: 52
    Looks good. I always liked the inbred so this should have good DNA (no pun intended) Thanks
    The road is long...so take a shortcut.
  • FransJacques
    FransJacques Posts: 2,148
    If you don't mind used the Lemond Poprad uses a 853 main triangle with 725 stays. The CdF is a boat anchor, 2kg frame + 1kg fork. If you want a heavy bike get that.

    There are still some local frame builders who make CX bikes for your budget - unless your 1 grand is for the whole bike and not just the frame. Check out Chas Roberts for example.

    If you're budget is £1000 all in, you'll sadly get what you pay for. Also check out the Plug Freezer or Fridge CX bike, she's steel as well.
    When a cyclist has a disagreement with a car; it's not who's right, it's who's left.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    sorry to muddy the water but ive just picked up a Cannondale Caadx 105 (alloy frame) after initally thinking of the CDF. Its a great bike and im really impressed with it so far. Ive used it on the road with some road wheels and it flys along and the 105 mix is great value given the build quality. worth a look
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    sorry didnt see you wanted discs ...please disreguard my post
  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    Soma Double Cross DC could be worth a look? Or a Gunnar Crosshairs? Or a Planet X Kaffenback?
  • IsaacJohnson
    IsaacJohnson Posts: 52
    Thanks guys for the advice.

    I have no problem with buying used with the same budget. That Poprad looks very nice. There was one for sale on here this week looked very good. It said it was Platinum Steel, which apparently is good. It was a 2005 model going for £675. Are the Reynolds framed ones newer? As yet, it's the only one I've found. I have to say I picked up a CdF at my LBS and it did feel heavy.

    The Gunnar looks nice but new, it's a bit too expensive for me. Maybe I'll have a look for used. I didn't like the look of the Planet X

    Thanks again

    My MTB is a Cannondale and whilst I love it, It is the main reason I want to transfer to steel. I thought buying a new bike would be cheaper than keep replacing my fillings. The reason I fancied a CX bike is I thought I'd probably get much lighter than its hardtail equivalent. Since it's mainly single track and bridal paths I use, I thought it makes the perfect compromise.
    The road is long...so take a shortcut.
  • gwillis
    gwillis Posts: 998
    Tough call for you but it's great fun looking for a new ride . You can take a kilo off the CDF just by sorting the wheels for lighter ones ( done by another forum member). I love my Caadx but I guess you already guessed that. It's now my steed of choice over my carbon rides and it must be doing something for me as Im still picking up the odd KOM on strava too

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