I'm looking for recomendations on what brands of cyclocross bikes maybe worth a look in the $500 to $1000 range. I'm looking for something just to play with. Thanks!

i guess from what i'm familiar with, i'd recommend the Redline Conquest Sport, which should be +/- $800ish. there aren't a lot of CX bikes under $1000 that aren't either flat out crap or bad geometry/design for being CX. i have a built-from-a-frame Conquest that i'm happy with. just had it out on the packed snow trails, today

Avoid the motobecanes at all costs unless your simply looking for the parts package. I bought a Kona Jake frame last spring and recently upgraded to a Major Jake.

i second that.

with the Motobecanes you are basically paying for all the parts and getting a $40 frame thrown in - and they are not very good frames.

Check out the Surly Cross Check:

http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

J