CX Bike to replace Hybrid .. advice & recommendations?

kevinharley
kevinharley Posts: 554
edited May 2013 in Road buying advice
My Boardman Hybrid Comp was recently stolen.

Insurance Company have agreed to provide a replacement bike, but I want drop bars and to keep the disc brakes, so I'm considering a CX bike. Most of the bike's use is commute and journeys for work, with occasional evening / weekend rides. The bike needs to be a bit of a do-it-all - mudguards, rack, able to tow a Chariot Trailer, and ... although I am never likely to use it for its proper CX purpose :oops: , it would be nice to take it on some milder off-road trails ...

Not sure how much yet the Insurance will cough up, but it won't be a lot, and looking at the relative prices of the Boardman (£500), and disc-equipped CX bikes (starting at £700 upwards), I guess I'll either need to put some of my own money towards it, or accept a cash payout and go second-hand (which I'm happy to do)

Here are a few options I'm considering - so far limited to what Wheelies Direct would provide on behalf of the Insurance ...

Roux Conquest 3500 (£779)
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p60727 ... -Bike.aspx

Genesis Croix De Fer (£899) (love the look of this bike, and rode a mates a few weeks ago ... worth the extra, given that I'm skint??)
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p57505 ... -Bike.aspx

Roux Etape 250 (at £699, much closer to what I can probably afford ... and its a touring bike with disc brakes .. presumably it would be tough enough for my requirements? Is it likely to be heavier than a cx?)
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p60729 ... -Bike.aspx

Ridgeback Cerium Touring Bike (£849)
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p48084 ... -Bike.aspx

Saracen Urban Hack 1 (£899)
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p56750 ... -Bike.aspx

TBH, think I'll struggle to find the funds to go up to £899 ... but have seen the Saracen Hack second hand for £500 ono recently ... would that be a good bike for the cash?

Any other suggestions / thoughts?

Thanks

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