What cyclocross bike should I buy?

Question

I am new to the sport of cyclocross and am ignorant as to what is a good cross bike. I am looking for something to race on. I am a cat 3 road racer and a semi-pro mountain biker, I need something in and around 1200 bucks. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

i built up a surly cross chek full ultegra w/ avid ti brakes, custom dura ace/open pro wheels, and WCS bits for 1200 bucks.  

built the wheels myself to save money and got the frame on sale for 350.  ritchey WCS bits and saddle were used, but cyclocross is so messy, everything looks used after your first ride.  around 18 lbs complete.

look at the lemond proprad.  you have lots to choose from w/ 1200 bucks.  i dont run super expensive stuff on cross bikes because the mud and c**p destroys most of it fairly quickly.

Answer 2

hi there.  you'll enjoy 'cross the best if you have a bike that fits...that's your top priority.  

I'd agree with the above poster that the redline is a good bike and good deal. Redline knows what they're doing with 'cross - they've had a production 'cross bike as long as anyone.

If you're built long legged, or long torso'd, you might pay a lot of attention to top tube lengths - some brands are short, some are longer (lemond). Size for the top tube, as long as you have stand over height.  As a semi-pro mountain biker, I'd think you might be more serious about 'cross than the average person looking for their first 'cross bike.  Can you afford a bit more?  When you start to get to $1500+, you'll get better parts...at least 105 if not ultegra on shimano, or maybe some sram rival parts.  Worth it IMHO, because Tiagra, on many $1k bikes, is a bit heavier and may not last as long.

you want it just for 'cross racing? or want it for all-around riding, some commuting?  if just for racing, in addition to the redline, kona, bianchi, trek, and jamis have some nice bikes, and except for the kona jake the snake, they're all pretty racy - the big difference being the trek has a longer wheelbase when compared to the jamis. the bianchi, jamis and trek all have low bottom brackets and steeper angles - nice for cornering but maybe if you want to hop the barriers, not the best for you.

of course, in addition to buying what fits, hopefully your LBS can help you with service and swapping out parts to make sure it fits (stem, seat, bar, etc.)

check out this answer, might be of help too:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 3

I suggest a Redline Conquest.  I believe that they fall into your price range, which is a very good choice if you ask me.