Advice on which Cyclocross…?

Hi, I'm new to the forum and after 2 weeks of research have arrived at 3 bikes to chose from…
1. Boardman CX Team Bike 2014 - £899
2. Cannondale CAADX DISC 5 105 - £1099
3. Merida CYCLO CROSS 4 - £999
All look good spec the later 2 are on 105 group set and the Boardman on SRAM Apex
Despite Boardmans association with Halfords I kinda like the frame finish of the boardman.
My overall preference was the Cannondale
But the Merida seems to be best overall spec and under £1k
What's the consensus among those in the know and why please?
Thanks
1. Boardman CX Team Bike 2014 - £899
2. Cannondale CAADX DISC 5 105 - £1099
3. Merida CYCLO CROSS 4 - £999
All look good spec the later 2 are on 105 group set and the Boardman on SRAM Apex
Despite Boardmans association with Halfords I kinda like the frame finish of the boardman.
My overall preference was the Cannondale
But the Merida seems to be best overall spec and under £1k
What's the consensus among those in the know and why please?

Thanks
0
Posts
Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]
Balls1310… WOW the Planet X is a helluv a lotta bike in the same budget… however, it can't take a proper set of mud guard which I know I.m going to want in winter… what a shame!
I really wanted to avoid customising a brand new bike bearing in mind my budget started at £700 ... I've convinced myself it's worth spending a little more to get a good all round starter package... Besides, isn't the 105 groups et far superior on the cannondale than boardman?
I have rival and it's lighter than ultegra, I'm pretty sure apex is lighter than 105, I'll let someone else inform you about the quality as I've never ridden it
plus I'm a big fan of sram ergonomics, the rival levers felt good in my hands whereas shimano didn't, but that's just personal
that's my opinion anyway, I think the boardman is a decent bike and best value there, and with upgraded wheels will be a lot better than the cannondale for the same price, others may disagree
Depending on how much cross you will actually do, thought this was quite interesting about the new Defy disc
http://road.cc/content/news/123546-gian ... isc-brakes
Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]
Might help focus the mind and also open up the option of some Kinesis CX disc wheels too...?
Plus you might want to read the 100+ pages on the Boardman CX bikes in commuting chat:
viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12796558
I think a lot is to do with how well it fits and how you want to use it. That said I have been very happy with mine.
Matt great diary… jeez that a lot of miles you do mate, I'm amazed! Sounds like the Merida was very good virtually out of the box!
That's a good question…I was a mountain biker (that never went on mountains) and until some scrote nicked my 'uninsured' Scott I used to ride bridal paths/ canal tow paths etc with a slick tyre. I haven't ridden a racer since I was a kid but really would like to build up fitness then start hitting the roads more. I have a couple mates with CXs and it seems the perfect bike for what I need over the next 12 months.
It was great out of the box but needed a couple of minor tweaks to suit my riding style (tyres/cassette ratios), otherwise everything was just wear and tear 8)
Sorry to be ignorant ...BC? ...do any other retailers offer affiliated discounts on any other brands?