CX bikes?

ownerofpi

I'm in the market for a CX bike that I can use through the coming months for some commuting, winter riding (second set of wheels with slicks/winter tyres) and for when I want to take those training rides a little more off road (loads of bridleways and old railway lines near me).

My LBS has a Specialized Crux Elite Disc which as much as I would love is pricey at £1500.

Being new to the CX market I don't know whats hot and what isn't. My LBS was pushing a 2011 TriCross they have in but a couple of reviews say its pretty pants. I'm guessing with CX bikes a decent groupset doesn't really matter as its going to take some punishment anyway and therefore be more costly to maintain? The On One Dirty Disco looks amazing value, but its not on the website anymore

Bearing that in mind, do the collective have any ideas or suggestions for a decent CX bike under £1500? I don't need panniers as I can keep all my stuff at work. Disc brakes would be preferred.

Thanks

sloppyschleckonds

Have a look at the CX thread in 'your bikes' may give you some idea of what others are splashing the cash on. £1500 will get you a lot.

ownerofpi

Some inspirational stuff there indeed.

Shame there are no Boardmans in stock in any of my local Hellfrauds as the sizing seems to be a bit odd (I fall between L and XL).

Monty Dog

Lots of choice - big consideration is whether you want rim or disc brakes. If you have other bikes and want to swap wheels around, it's a factor.

rickyrider

I'd love to have £1500 to spend on a crosser... will get a v good steed for that. Personally, it's a no brainer to get a bike with discs. As someone who rides mtb as well as road, disc brakes are so much better in the wet, let alone muddy stuff if you actually use a cx bike in anger. Give it a few years and they'll be standard on road bikes too I'd wager. It's just daft romantic nonsense that they aren't already UCI approved for road IMO.

I know of friends who ride Kinesis Crosslight Pro 6's - that'd be pretty much top of the list for me. Only downside as far as I can tell is a slightly fragile paintjob.

EDIT: Oops - hadn't read posts properly re possibly using second set of wheels. So yeah, as Montydog says, that might be an issue re rim v disc. But disc still way better

ownerofpi

I'm certainly hoping for something with discs. I'd probably pick up a second set of cheap disc compatible wheels for winter.

A few reviews (and comments on other forums) seem to slam the Whyte "cross" bikes for being pretty poor. Anyone here have any personal experience?

Who knows....I might even try a couple of races as there is a local championship run not far from me :roll:

Monty Dog

For general trail riding and tearing up singletrack discs are probably worth having, but not for CX racing IME where grip and traction is more important than slowing down - not one rider in the World Cup top 10 races on discs, even though they are sponsored by companies that make them.
I sold my disc CX bike and stuck with cantis/vee on my 2 CX bikes, particularly as I have 3 pairs of wheels with CX tubulars.
The Whyte bikes have really weird geometry with ridiculously slack headtube angles which makes handling ponderous - so test ride first but the joy of a CX bike is the sharp-handling, not a 29er with skinny tyres.
CX has enjoyed a resurgence - big fields at most local leagues.

mroli

I have a Condor Bivio X and really love its versatility - I can chuck a pannier rack on it, I have it set up with discs, but it has Vee/canti mouldings that tidy away when you're not using them. Its not going to be the cheapest option, but it is a nice option.

Just got the CRC email and the Forme Calver (discs) is close to £1k: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/forme-calver-cx-sport-disc-2013/rp-prod91382

Anonymous

This is what I have in mind at the moment
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... e-ec043683

rickyrider

Carbonator wrote:

This is what I have in mind at the moment
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... e-ec043683

Always thought BMC bikes were a bit minging, but that is very tasty looking machine I must say.

Anonymous

rickyrider wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

This is what I have in mind at the moment
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... e-ec043683

Always thought BMC bikes were a bit minging, but that is very tasty looking machine I must say.

I was not a fan of BMC's either until I saw (and picked up!) the Racemachine RM01 Ultegra Compact 2013 Road Bike in the flesh (white with black/red, not black with white/red that seems incorrectly shown on Evans site).

The CX BMC is well worth seeing in the flesh if you like the picture too Not super light (not sure how light an ali CX bike with disc brakes could/should be) but is my fave so far.

Edited to add that the BMC has Shimano disc brakes. I have heard that Avid disc brakes are worth avoiding.
Anyone have any input regarding this?

springtide9

Although I've only had one ride on it so far (1.5hrs), I can recommend the Planet X XLS.

It's a great bike although if I had £1500 budget I'd recommend spending up to your limit on a better set of wheels as they are pretty heavy. The wheels are built to last, but the weight is noticeable spinning them up to speed.

Only ridden on the road so far, but it's stuff where it needs it and very compliant over rough roads (I'm running Conti GP 4 Season, 28mm).

Brakes are excellent and highly recommended over rim brakes over the winter (unless you would prefer less weight for racing). Descending last night on a steep, rough and gravelly road, when it was raining, was actually enjoyable and a lot faster and safer than on my road bike. Brakes are a fantastic upgrade over rim brakes for 'feel', but are still not as good as hydraulic brakes as you can feel the 'disconnect' with the calliper due to the cable (a bit like when you have air in a hydraulic system)

In terms of speed, there wasn't a huge difference in my time over the same terrain in similar conditions. The Cross gearing of 46/11 actually wasn't as restricting as I was expecting. I haven't checked yet on SB, but it didn't seem much different to running a compact 50/12.

I would say that the frame design isn't one built for comfort. Not that it's uncomfortable, but the riding position still had a fairly large saddle to bar drop (similar to my N2A), but does have a shorter top tube.
It is also noticeable that the cross geometry although has similarities to a road bike, but there are subtle differences, with a feeling that you are riding closer to the ground, and a slacker fork angle that helps offroad riding. I also have an old Jamis Nova and the ride position is much different... that feels much more like a touring riding position.

Obviously the XLS doesn't have any provisions for mudguards or racks, so your only options here are race bike guards (Raceblade). But if you are looking for an upright commuter then maybe the XLS isn't the bike for you.

Personally I was also big fan of the Orange RX9 although this was mostly based on "looks":
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gallery/a ... ok-36284/1

rubertoe

Have a look at the new Whtye 2014 bikes. You can get one with the new TRP Hyrd mechanical/Hydraulic brakes....

mroli

Carbonator wrote:

Edited to add that the BMC has Shimano disc brakes. I have heard that Avid disc brakes are worth avoiding.
Anyone have any input regarding this?

Avid BB7s (road) have been great for me. I know that Ugo uses the standard BB7s and doesn't seem to have any problems with them.

springtide9

mroli wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

Edited to add that the BMC has Shimano disc brakes. I have heard that Avid disc brakes are worth avoiding.
Anyone have any input regarding this?

Avid BB7s (road) have been great for me. I know that Ugo uses the standard BB7s and doesn't seem to have any problems with them.

Nothing wrong with my BB7's so far in terms of performance (or rubbing)

paulg99

If you don't mind buying on 'tinternet then Rose Bikes have some cracking CX bikes for under £1500.

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pr ... aid:612142

The linky is for the one I am pondering at the moment. I don't think you can beat the spec for the price.

ownerofpi

Sorry but that BMC is gopping!

I'd rather buy in a shop so I can be assured to get the correct size and be able to try it first so online places like Rose and Canyon are out I'm afraid.

Re: Racing - I wouldn't be able to race competitively, mostly just done for laughs and as a test of ones true patheticness.

Anonymous

ownerofpi wrote:

Sorry but that BMC is gopping!

No need to apologise, but please post a pic of your new CX bike when you get it so that we can all pass equally critical judgement on its looks.
You could also post one of your current road bike while you are at it. Preferably indoors in different rooms ;-)

springtide9

Carbonator wrote:

ownerofpi wrote:

Sorry but that BMC is gopping!

No need to apologise, but please post a pic of your new CX bike when you get it so that we can all pass equally critical judgement on its looks.
You could also post one of your current road bike while you are at it. Preferably indoors in different rooms ;-)

He does have a point, I'm sorry to say but that BMC does looks horrible, but we each have different tastes.

ownerofpi

Carbonator wrote:

ownerofpi wrote:

Sorry but that BMC is gopping!

No need to apologise, but please post a pic of your new CX bike when you get it so that we can all pass equally critical judgement on its looks.
You could also post one of your current road bike while you are at it. Preferably indoors in different rooms ;-)

I don't mind other BMC bikes but the mismatched rear triangle/seat tube interface on that particular one just looks plain wrong to me.

I sincerely apologise for having a different opinion, rest assured it won't happen again.

EDIT - although I must admit it does look better on the BMC site rather than the Evans one! Wonder if Evans have cocked up the picture somehow

Anonymous

I am not a fan of the seat stay joining the seat tube low down either and its what always put me of BMC's.
They are nicer in the flesh though and think some of them are very good bikes now.

One thing I wanted in a CX is that it is different to my road bike, so discs etc, and I kind of thought the 'odd' frame shape may actually be a good way to go with this bike.

Thinking of maybe waiting for a carbon/hydraulic disc CX, but still tempted by the BMC.
Need to ride one really I guess.

rubertoe

Carbonator wrote:

I am not a fan of the seat stay joining the seat tube low down either and its what always put me of BMC's.
They are nicer in the flesh though and think some of them are very good bikes now.

One thing I wanted in a CX is that it is different to my road bike, so discs etc, and I kind of thought the 'odd' frame shape may actually be a good way to go with this bike.

Thinking of maybe waiting for a carbon/hydraulic disc CX, but still tempted by the BMC.
Need to ride one really I guess.

this

buccal

Carbonator wrote:

I am not a fan of the seat stay joining the seat tube low down either and its what always put me of BMC's.
They are nicer in the flesh though and think some of them are very good bikes now.

One thing I wanted in a CX is that it is different to my road bike, so discs etc, and I kind of thought the 'odd' frame shape may actually be a good way to go with this bike.

Thinking of maybe waiting for a carbon/hydraulic disc CX, but still tempted by the BMC.
Need to ride one really I guess.

I have had my BMC for a couple of months now. Really happy with it and my thinking was exactly the same as yours on the looks front.

It felt much more lively to ride than a caadx disc, and way lighter than some of the steel equivalents.

Will be swapping onto 28s and putting guards on for winter commutes later in the year.

unixnerd

Guy who runs my LBS does a few CX races and he uses a Merida Cyclo-Cross 4, he was showing me it the other day. Discs, 105 and a decent spec for 999 if I remember correctly. I picked it up and it didn't weigh a ton.

ownerofpi

Guy who has one of my LBS also rides a Merida, says they are really good but he isn't a stockist and the only one near me closed down earlier this year.

There is an Evans over in York so I might take a trip over there next week and see the BMC in the flesh, along with anything else that is available. I'd prefer to support my LBS but they only stock Specialized and Whyte so there isn't a huge amount of choice. Reading a lot online and on here has been an eye opener, suddenly the Crux doesn't look all that amazing!

uzubairu

springtide9 wrote:

Although I've only had one ride on it so far (1.5hrs), I can recommend the Planet X XLS.

It's a great bike although if I had £1500 budget I'd recommend spending up to your limit on a better set of wheels as they are pretty heavy. The wheels are built to last, but the weight is noticeable spinning them up to speed.

Only ridden on the road so far, but it's stuff where it needs it and very compliant over rough roads (I'm running Conti GP 4 Season, 28mm).

Brakes are excellent and highly recommended over rim brakes over the winter (unless you would prefer less weight for racing). Descending last night on a steep, rough and gravelly road, when it was raining, was actually enjoyable and a lot faster and safer than on my road bike. Brakes are a fantastic upgrade over rim brakes for 'feel', but are still not as good as hydraulic brakes as you can feel the 'disconnect' with the calliper due to the cable (a bit like when you have air in a hydraulic system)

In terms of speed, there wasn't a huge difference in my time over the same terrain in similar conditions. The Cross gearing of 46/11 actually wasn't as restricting as I was expecting. I haven't checked yet on SB, but it didn't seem much different to running a compact 50/12.

I have the On One Dirty Disco and use it for commuting and a bit of riding on my days off.
I felt a little bit scared/unsafe cycling in the wet with rim brakes on my previous bike.
Also running Conti GP 4 Season 28mm and had no problems in 10 months.

Lovely bike.

ownerofpi

buccal wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

I am not a fan of the seat stay joining the seat tube low down either and its what always put me of BMC's.
They are nicer in the flesh though and think some of them are very good bikes now.

One thing I wanted in a CX is that it is different to my road bike, so discs etc, and I kind of thought the 'odd' frame shape may actually be a good way to go with this bike.

Thinking of maybe waiting for a carbon/hydraulic disc CX, but still tempted by the BMC.
Need to ride one really I guess.

I have had my BMC for a couple of months now. Really happy with it and my thinking was exactly the same as yours on the looks front.

It felt much more lively to ride than a caadx disc, and way lighter than some of the steel equivalents.

Will be swapping onto 28s and putting guards on for winter commutes later in the year.

Looks like the stays on the BMC are pretty flat, is this the case?

Just found out I'm moving departments at work so keeping uniform at work is no longer an option...the dreaded panniers might now have to come into effect

xixang

trying ringing paul milnes in bradford. He specialises in cross bikes. most of my old club got his bikes a few years back

Monty Dog

AFAIK Paul Milnes has closed his shop and concentrates on online sales via ebay.

buccal

ownerofpi wrote:

buccal wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

I am not a fan of the seat stay joining the seat tube low down either and its what always put me of BMC's.
They are nicer in the flesh though and think some of them are very good bikes now.

One thing I wanted in a CX is that it is different to my road bike, so discs etc, and I kind of thought the 'odd' frame shape may actually be a good way to go with this bike.

Thinking of maybe waiting for a carbon/hydraulic disc CX, but still tempted by the BMC.
Need to ride one really I guess.

I have had my BMC for a couple of months now. Really happy with it and my thinking was exactly the same as yours on the looks front.

It felt much more lively to ride than a caadx disc, and way lighter than some of the steel equivalents.

Will be swapping onto 28s and putting guards on for winter commutes later in the year.

Looks like the stays on the BMC are pretty flat, is this the case?

Just found out I'm moving departments at work so keeping uniform at work is no longer an option...the dreaded panniers might now have to come into effect

Yup, stays are indeed almost flat

matt@theforce

My friend has a Dirty Disco and likes it but he does have constant problems with juddering through the fork and the bb7's he runs constantly have problems with pads wearing quickly.

I on the other hand have a Merida Cyclocross 4, I've had a problem with what looked like a crack in the fork although myself & the bike shop think it was just a crack in the paint but Merida replaced the fork regardless.
I've done over 1000 miles in the last 2 months and love it, I completed a 100mile sportive on saturday and it was very comfortable.