Cyclocross Novice - Commuting Choice

Nymzee
Nymzee Posts: 7
edited November 2014 in Cyclocross
Hi there first time poster. I've just been offered the chance to do the Cycle2Work scheme through work and due to a recent change at work I'll have a ~30 mile commute every day.

I currently have a Genesis Core MTB which I'll be using for the mean time but I foresee it being very impractical for my commute. We have the scheme through Halfords a local store but their stock is limited to Boardman which are good bikes but don't tickle my fancy but they can also source a few others.

Now please note I know close to nothing about bikes other than how to ride one but I'm going down the CX route as I live in the Lake District so my terrain won't always me smooth tarmac.

Generally just looking for some advice/tips on bike choices for under £1,000. So far bikes I've looked at that I like are:

Specialized Tricross Elite Disc C2 (2014)
North Threshold A1 (2015)
Genesis CdF (Proper version not the cheaper alternate)
Orange RX9

I've looked at Cannondale and although they're great bikes j don't like the look.

Much appreciated if I get any help!

Oh and don't know if it helps but I'm about 6'3" maybe 6'4" and weigh 12 stone/76kg

Comments

  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    When you say "going down the CX route" do you mean just rough commuting rather than doing CX? If so, personally, I'd say CDF. It's tough as.

    But, what do you mean by not the cheaper alternative? Do you mean the Croix De Fer rather than the CDF (which is a model in its own right).
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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  • Nymzee
    Nymzee Posts: 7
    Yes sorry, rough commuting to and from work but also for weekend rides around the Lakes. I have no interest in racing.

    And yes that's what I meant I just wasn't sure how to spell it.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Quite alright! I think that they are all good bikes. The Norca and Orange are, perhaps, more aimed at CX whereas the other two, perhaps, more aimed at rough road.

    For me, the Croix is the best choice. But, under £1k you still "suffer" from having to have one with a steel fork. I think that the Croix was crying out for a carbon one. To get that you have to go up a model or two.

    Tell you what though, this might offer excellent value and, IMO, might be a good compromise. You do the rough stuff but, say the need takes you to do a nice summer 100 miler, a tyre swap should see it fly.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... -15-48939/
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • Nymzee
    Nymzee Posts: 7
    Yes I was a little bit worried about having a steel fork on the bike but wasn't sure if I personally would notice too much having only ever been on bikes with suspension. I can go over £1,000 technically but it'd just cost me some excess but I don't mind that for the right bike. I don't want to have to upgrade it often.

    I read a review of a Focus bike a while back I think that was good. Are they the ones that comes with the new technology for quick removal of the front wheel? Or am I thinking of something completely different.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Nymzee wrote:
    Yes I was a little bit worried about having a steel fork on the bike but wasn't sure if I personally would notice too much having only ever been on bikes with suspension. I can go over £1,000 technically but it'd just cost me some excess but I don't mind that for the right bike. I don't want to have to upgrade it often.

    I read a review of a Focus bike a while back I think that was good. Are they the ones that comes with the new technology for quick removal of the front wheel? Or am I thinking of something completely different.

    Yes. THere's a review on Road CC as well. Both reviews seem very sound.

    You're absolutely right that you won't notice a difference going forward now. But, as time goes on, you may want to go that bit faster (these things are relative, marginal gains). The Focus looks good.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • Nymzee
    Nymzee Posts: 7
    I'll add the Focus to the list (if Halfords can source one).

    What do you know about Specialized Crux Elites? If anything? I've been a bit of a Specialized fan boy since I dreamt of getting a P1 as a kid but never actually owned a model. Also, would you say building my own custom bike is a pointless endeavour?
  • matt@theforce
    matt@theforce Posts: 647
    I was overly impressed with my Merida CX4 (I wish I still had it)

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