CX Bike - Dirty Disco or XLS?

redjeepǃ

I'm looking to buy a CX bike to replace a road bike as I've realised that I have too many similar bikes. I want something that I can use off road, light touring, as a commuter and probably some racing (CX and Adventure).

I've looked at various options and have narrowed it down to either the Planet X Dirty Disco or the XLS.

The DD is configured with flatbars and hydraulic brakes, the XLS has drops and mechanical discs. I like the DD frame, hydro brakes and that its slightly less racy than the XLS, but feel I probably want drops.

Any suggestions ? Can I race CX with flats without being laughed at :-) .

Monty Dog

DD is more suited to general riding than XLS which is more CX race oriented. You can ride flat bar CX in everything except National Series - nobody will be laughing because they're all focused on their own ride - after the first couple of laps, most riders are just focused on getting around. At local league races, you'll see all sorts including MTBs, road bikes with deep-drops just having a good time.

redjeepǃ

Thanks Monty.

I can see me going for the DD as I see it as more of an all rounder. For instance it seems that the current 'Round the World' world record is held by one. I don't have any great aspirations in this area, but its nice to know that it can handle some touring duties if needed!

If I do get seriously into CX, which I'm not intending either, then I could always swap out the bars, shifters and brakes.

bendertherobot

There's loads of choice. Depends what the main focus will be.

If you want a grand tourer that you could do CX on (depending on how good or bad you might be) then have a look at a Genesis Croix De Fer. That will do everything. It won't be fast as a CX but it's a brilliant bike.

Some touring, and some faster CX, something like the Genesis Vapour or Kinesis Pro 6.

Pure CX I'd be looking at the Planet X for sure.

Personally my next one will be a Condor Terra X. Will do commuting great but should I ever do CX will do that well.

redjeepǃ

Thanks Bender, I'd looked at several alternatives including the CdF, which I liked. I also have a Genesis Core HT which I love.

I'd discounted it as I felt it would be too heavy for racing. I can't see me doing CX too seriously, but will probably do adventure races on it, which i will take seriously enough.The DD is meant to be more of a general all rounder than the XLS and although it doesn't do racks or mudguards I reckon I'll get away with a large Carradice and Crud catchers if I need them. After all if Mike Hall can ride one around the world, then I can probably do a few days credit card touring next summer :-) .

bendertherobot

The Croix is heavy(er).

The main thing not to discount is proper mudguards. For round the world they would have added weight and been potentially dangerous working loose into wheel etc. And he got extra protection from that rather large saddle bag!

So, something that takes proper guards should be on the list.

The new Canyon Inflite looks pretty good in that respect.