Looking for bicycle advice (cyclocross)

Question

I'm going to be getting a new bike in the next couple of weeks and am wondering if a cyclocross would be the best choice for me. My concern is that other "hybrid" products seem to be ok at each of the things they are meant to do but not great. Unfortunately, I can't afford a good road bike and a good mountain bike. There's also situations I'll be in where I will be on the highway traveling as well as dirt roads.

top priorities for the bike

1. commuting - 5 days a week

2. fitness - 3 days a week

3. day touring on hwy (60km / 40miles) - 1 day week

4. biking/camping trips with combination of hwy and dirt roads (100-200 km / 120-240 miles) - a couple weekends a month

I don't plan on racing.

I will panniers to load camping gear & food for weekend trips

An example of a weekend camping trip I plan on doing is 100km on hwy and paved roads and 40km on dirt road to get to my favourite camping spot. The dirt road isn't accessed or maintained a lot so sometimes it's hard, smooth and has a few potholes, other times it is loose gravel.

I've been checking out the Brodie Romax and Scott Cyclocross Comp. Going to checkout Norco, Trek and Rocky Mountain as well.

Answer 1

You're one well-experienced rider and I salute your well-oriented fitness and acumen in cycling. Trek has a 2008 FREE color catalog ( the CYCLOCROSS bike has a close-up photo and the specs are all THERE.) Amongst the cyclocross you had mentioned--Please take time to look at a RIDLEY cyclocross bike ---also find time to look at the Kona 'Jake the Snake'.  They have sweet specs and got wonderful reviews from serious riders.

Answer 2

08 Masi Speciale CX

$979.99

Masi's Speciale CX is great for getting dirty on your local cyclocross course and excels on weekend tour adventures and commuting to work. Known for its smooth and responsive ride, the Speciale CX's frame and fork boast Masi's double-butted chromoly steel, plus rack and fender mounts for year-round.

Pictures : http://www.masibikes.com/images/bikes/sp...

'08 Redline Conquest

$1,049.99

The Conquest boasts Redline's stiff and super-light 6061-aluminum frame and fork for a superb ride. It gets up to speed quickly, climbs effortlessly and corners with precision. Plus, it comes with a quick-shifting drivetrain with FSA's Compact crankset and Shimano's reliable shifters.

Pictures:http://www.westhillshop.com/ProductImage...

'08 Jamis Nova Pro

$1,099.99

Master the elements with Jamis' Nova Pro! It boasts a 7005-aluminum frame with carbon seatstays and a carbon, cross-specific fork that offer a light, lively and smooth ride, no matter the terrain. Perfect for light trail riding, cyclocross racing, commuting and touring, the Nova also comes with a slick-shifting Shimano/FSA compact 18-speed drivetrain that provides the perfect range of gears and Avid cantilever brakes that offer mud clearance and quick stops in all conditions. This sweet all-purpose bike also boasts Alex's svelte wheels and a plush Selle San Marco saddle.

Pictures: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_b...

'08 Redline Conquest Sport

$699.99

Redline's Conquest Sport is perfectly suited to cyclocross racing action, on- and off-road adventures and your everyday commutes, too! You'll appreciate the nimble-handling lightweight aluminum frame and fork. And, the Shimano shifting and FSA triple crankset provide the ideal gearing for all types of terrain, while the Tektro cantilever brakes offer excellent stopping power, even in the mud. Plus, with its durable aluminum components, reliable Alex rims, clipless pedals and top-notch Kenda tires, the Sport can get down and dirty and make your commute to work or weekend rides much more fun, too!

Pictures: http://www.seattlebikesupply.com/marketi...

Hope this helps!!!!

  

Answer 3

Without knowing anything about the bikes mentioned already, I can say that cross bikes tend to make lousy commuters. A frame made for cross is made for very specific use and conditions. As a result, it can be kind of clunky and squirrely on paved roads. Since you're primary use will be commuting/touring, I'd avoid any cross specific frames and look for something aimed at touring/distance riding. You don't need an off-road specific bike if you ride on a gravel road. For that you just need the right tires and wheels. For example, Gatorskin tires and a good pair of high spoke count wheels.

Good luck!