Cross bike recommendations? Options

[John McNiel]

Basically I'm looking for a bike that handles well on the road but can run an off-road tire and isn't too fragile for some trail riding...bunny-hopping logs or whatever. I have a single-speed road bike (felt dispatch) but it's way too flimsy for trails even if I threw some beefy tires on it. Also need tall gears for longer road trips.

I'm thinkin a cyclocross bike would be the ticket (never had one so that makes it even more intriguing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )

What's a decent ride for $1k or under? I've seen Giant and Specialized stuff - they seem ok.

Any tips appreciated!

[jlthree]

Basically I'm looking for a bike that handles well on the road but can run an off-road tire and isn't too fragile for some trail riding...bunny-hopping logs or whatever. I have a single-speed road bike (felt dispatch) but it's way too flimsy for trails even if I threw some beefy tires on it. Also need tall gears for longer road trips.

I'm thinkin a cyclocross bike would be the ticket (never had one so that makes it even more intriguing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )

What's a decent ride for $1k or under? I've seen Giant and Specialized stuff - they seem ok.

Any tips appreciated!

The most cross bike for the money will always be the Redlines. They are amazing!

[billn]

Giant TCX 2 - the bike for you.

[F1ceramic]

Ridley makes good cross bikes. I've been riding one for the past 2 seasons. Their alloy bikes might be around $1000.

[irodetoday]

Redline for best all purpose
Ridley for race inspired
Surly to beat the sh..it out of

[John McNiel]

I did check out the Redline stuff, and Ridley, Giant, etc... The Giant was nice except for the lower grade components, but for the $$ that's expected. I have a Giant STP-1 for jumping and goofing around...love that bike.

I ended up getting this bad mofo: (Scott CX Team)

http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9083/45048/cx_team

Perfect for what I was looking for. Climbs like a mountain goat. Sweet ride!
(Yeah I know I originally said under $1k... I'm easy to upsell...)

Thanks for the suggestions!

This post has been edited by John McNiel: May 24 2010, 02:43 PM

[jlthree]

The Scott bikes are really nice, enjoy! Had I known you were an easy mark I would have encouraged you to look at the Jamis Supernova. It's a cross rider's dream.

I did check out the Redline stuff, and Ridley, Giant, etc... The Giant was nice except for the lower grade components, but for the $$ that's expected. I have a Giant STP-1 for jumping and goofing around...love that bike.

I ended up getting this bad mofo: (Scott CX Team)

http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9083/45048/cx_team

Perfect for what I was looking for. Climbs like a mountain goat. Sweet ride!
(Yeah I know I originally said under $1k... I'm easy to upsell...)

Thanks for the suggestions!

[John McNiel]

Haha...I resemble that remark!....

I'm digging this Scott more each day. I was entering a trailhead last weekend and there was a Mtn bike dude standing there getting ready to ride in...he looks at my bike and says 'You're not taking that in there are you?' I said are there any drops or heavy terrain? He goes 'yeah...you don't want to take that in there!' I said...see ya at the bottom!

That Jamis looks pretty sweet as well. Ahh...too many bikes...not enuf time.

This post has been edited by John McNiel: Jun 3 2010, 12:53 PM

[bv]

Haha...I resemble that remark!....

I'm digging this Scott more each day. I was entering a trailhead last weekend and there was a Mtn bike dude standing there getting ready to ride in...he looks at my bike and says 'You're not taking that in there are you?' I said are there any drops or heavy terrain? He goes 'yeah...you don't want to take that in there!' I said...see ya at the bottom!

That Jamis looks pretty sweet as well. Ahh...too many bikes...not enuf time.

Buttermilk Trail?

[John McNiel]

Buttermilk Trail?

lol - Yep! I get lots of weird looks from MTB guys on this thing.