Picking a Cyclocross Bike For My Commute

spedit

So I had been looking at buying a road bike for my commute to and from work in an attempt to get a bit fitter but was stopped in my tracks when I heard about cyclocross bikes. I wasn't completely bowled over by the shape of the road bikes I had looked at so was taking my time a little to decide. Fortunately, that was a blessing in disguise as someone then mentioned to me about cyclocross bikes. I wanted something that was a little bit more similar to the mountain bike style that I've been use to riding in the past so these look perfect. Plus, there is one part of my commute that's a little bit off-road so maybe a road bike wouldn't be so suitable anyway. Just seems like a no-brainer to pick a CX bike if you want a bike that's a jack of all trades. I've got about $2,000 Australian dollars to spend so about $1,500 US dollars say. I know my friend bought a Cannondale earlier in the year for around that price and he's pretty happy with it but then he's always had their bikes so would be biased in his review. I wouldn't mind something different anyway so was wondering which brands are the best at around that price bracket? I've been looking at the different brands for sale online but have no clue really where to start. I want something lightweight but durable and it has to be comfortable to ride so a good seat would be desirable. Guess that is something I can address afterwards with a gel seat. A recommendation on what I can buy to make the seat as comfortable as possible would be great, its always been the thing that's put me off most about riding, I've never ridden a bike that's remotely comfortable. In regards to everything else, I'm a novice so wouldn't really know what I'm looking for. I just want a smooth, comfortable ride from a reliable piece of kit. Thanks in advance for any advice.

imatfaal

Based in London so difficult to give actually priced recommendations - but:
1. hybrids are also great and the riding position takes less getting used to
2. try before you buy - bike fit is very personal
3. put aside enough cash for helmet, lights, lock etc. otherwise can be a shock
4. personally I love hydraulic disc brakes and would have this a requirement on a new bike

fenix

It's not really much to do with the seat - the size of the tyres and the pressure is more important.
Does it rain there ? If so you want a bike that can take full mudguards.

Maybe something like this if you can get it ? http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/ ... ondon-road

The Rookie

Most the major manufacturers do decent crossers, the Spesh Crux or Giant Anyroad spring to mind.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bi ... 747/76169/

The alternative if you like Mountain bikes is to get a rigid 29er MTb and to drop the bar height (no spacers and invert the stem, flat bars) and fit suitable tyres.

tgotb

The seat's a completely separate issue to the rest of the bike, and gel saddles can often be counterproductive because they can spread the weight onto areas that don't like bearing weight. Took me ages to find the right saddle; once I did I bought a load, and have identical saddles on everything from road bike to MTB. Saddle fit is very specific to your riding position and (especially) anatomy, so what works for one person won't necessarily work for another.

Buy your bike with complete disregard to the saddle, then visit a really good bike shop and ask them to help you choose the right one for your anatomy. Many bike shops have test saddles which you can borrow for a few days to check you have the right one.

meanredspider

Be aware that CXers are quite specific and what you might want is a gravel or adventure bike. The differences:
1. The geometry - CX has a high BB - I don't like it.
2. The chainset: CX have quite short and narrow front end gearing - not good for the road.
Etc
Try both before you buy

spedit

Fenix wrote:

It's not really much to do with the seat - the size of the tyres and the pressure is more important.
Does it rain there ? If so you want a bike that can take full mudguards.

Maybe something like this if you can get it ? http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/ ... ondon-road

I understand what you are saying, I'm an amateur when it comes to bike knowledge so please forgive my ignorance, thanks for pointing me towards the article.

spedit

Thanks everyone for all the input you've given, looks like I need to consider a little more exactly which style will best suit my overall needs. Maybe a CX isn't necessarily the way to go after all.

imatfaal

Aluminium "GT Grade" 105 looks a great bike - gets rave reviews as well