New Bike Time

The Critic · May 4, 2012

I am in the market for a new bike. After riding mountain bikes for a long time, I am looking to make the switch to a cyclocross bike. I test-rode a Specialized Tricross back in 2010 (or so) and really enjoyed the ride and the promise of a lighter bike for daily use, while still having a slight amount of ruggedness that a pure road bike lacks. Most of my use will be for riding on paved roads, but I would prefer a lighter bike and I prefer the seating position of the cyclocross bike I rode.

The budget is about $2k, and I am seriously considering this model:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62219&scid=1101&scname=Road

One of the Specialized Concept Stores was offering $1900 + tax, a free fit, and lifetime derailleur and brake adjustments.

However, I just stumbled across this listing:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2994521460.html

Normally this bike sells for about $1300, so $900 is low. But I do not know if I fit well on a 56, as I have been told that people usually downsize a bit for the Crux?

Let me know what you guys think, whether I should be looking at different bikes or if these are solid choices.

Thanks.

BeerCan · May 4, 2012

Here are a few I would look at. BTW are you able to build the bike or do you want one that is complete?

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/cyclocross/2012-conquest
http://www.bianchiusa.com/archives/10-bicycles/d2-special/axis/
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm

Some of the motobecanes and the bianchi look pretty good.

SLCraig · May 4, 2012

If you are looking for mostly road and looking for something a little more comfy allow me to suggest a commuter style bike. I am looking at buying this exact bike at some point because it a perfect compromise for a bike that can handle very light off road use, as well is very comfortable and right at home on roads and bike paths. This bike is also very inexpensive and this particular model has a sweet internal hub..

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/seek/9774/49360/

JHZR2 · May 4, 2012

I like specialized stuff. The main thing is to do some riding on a variety of options. I had my heart set on a new 29er that just didnt feel right when riding. I had never considered Scott, but when I rode it a little bit, I couldnt justify anything else. It just felt right, which is the key.

dailydriver · May 4, 2012

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
If you are looking for mostly road and looking for something a little more comfy allow me to suggest a commuter style bike. I am looking at buying this exact bike at some point because it a perfect compromise for a bike that can handle very light off road use, as well is very comfortable and right at home on roads and bike paths. This bike is also very inexpensive and this particular model has a sweet internal hub..

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/seek/9774/49360/

That is nice, but I get the sense that The Critic wants drop bars, light cantilever brakes (although those discs look sweet!), and a full derailleur system.

stephen9666 · May 4, 2012

Quote:
while still having a slight amount of ruggedness that a pure road bike lacks.

What "ruggedness" does the cyclocross bike have that a road bike wouldn't have? The ones you're looking at basically have road bike geometry. Are you referring to the design and materials of the frame itself?

I'm not criticizing, just curious what you're looking for. I wouldn't totally write off road bikes. There are a lot with compact or semi-compact frames that have basically the same geometry and appearance of the bikes you're considering. But, cross bikes do have some differences. I can't put fenders on my road bike if I wanted to, but they would fit on a cross bike.

As far as fit, a lot of people recommend Competitive Cyclist's fit calculator. I haven't tried it, though.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Do you remember what size you test rode in the Tricross? It looks like the Tricross and Crux have pretty similar geometry, assuming the Tricross you rode was a 2010.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62222&scid=1099&scname=2012

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45905&eid=4670

Also, if you're comfortable assembling the bike yourself, there are some real bargains on Bikes Direct and other internet sites. I have two BD bikes and I've had good experiences with both orders. But, you do have to be able to do a complete setup of the derailleurs and brakes, or pay someone to do it. DIY'ing it isn't too tough, but it's not for everyone.

The Critic · May 5, 2012

Thanks guys. To answer the questions:

1) No, I cannot build a bike for my life. I can work on cars but I can/will screw just about anything on a bicycle.

2) I am looking for road and some light off-loading, yes. But the cyclocross bike that I rode in the past and today, seemed to have a better sitting position that I was more comfortable with.

3) I prefer disc, but definitely do not need them - they are a luxury item.

4) I rode a 56 TriCross back in 2010.

Anyway, I went ahead and placed an order for the Crux Comp Disc Apex from one of Specialized's concept stores. It should be here on Thurs. I test rode one of the ones in store today and thought it rode great. I am probably speaking out of my butt here since I am not a seasoned pro with this stuff, but it was one of the best bikes I have ever ridden.

Now I just need to figure out trailer hitch and bike rack options. Cycling is definitely not a poor man's sport.

BeerCan · May 5, 2012

Nice. I think that is a pretty sweet bike. Hope you enjoy it.

mrsilv04 · May 5, 2012

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Cycling is definitely not a poor man's sport.

ANYTHING with tires and wheels is not a poor man's sport.

SLCraig · May 5, 2012

Originally Posted By: dailydriver
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
If you are looking for mostly road and looking for something a little more comfy allow me to suggest a commuter style bike. I am looking at buying this exact bike at some point because it a perfect compromise for a bike that can handle very light off road use, as well is very comfortable and right at home on roads and bike paths. This bike is also very inexpensive and this particular model has a sweet internal hub..

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/seek/9774/49360/

That is nice, but I get the sense that The Critic wants drop bars, light cantilever brakes (although those discs look sweet!), and a full derailleur system.

Well, I only suggested an urban style bike for the position. They can be had with any of those things. A bike does not have to be only the way it's sold. The Seek 0 is the only one in the line that has an internal hub for example, the rest have derailleurs, etc.

dailydriver · May 7, 2012

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Originally Posted By: dailydriver
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
If you are looking for mostly road and looking for something a little more comfy allow me to suggest a commuter style bike. I am looking at buying this exact bike at some point because it a perfect compromise for a bike that can handle very light off road use, as well is very comfortable and right at home on roads and bike paths. This bike is also very inexpensive and this particular model has a sweet internal hub..

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/model/seek/9774/49360/

That is nice, but I get the sense that The Critic wants drop bars, light cantilever brakes (although those discs look sweet!), and a full derailleur system.

Well, I only suggested an urban style bike for the position. They can be had with any of those things. A bike does not have to be only the way it's sold. The Seek 0 is the only one in the line that has an internal hub for example, the rest have derailleurs, etc.

Granted, but The Critic seemed to want a complete, set-up ride with NO 'swapping out'/modding of the way it comes off of the showroom floor.
Anything I've ever owned, after the gruppo (Campy Record usually), was ALL a mix of different companies' parts.

dailydriver · May 7, 2012

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Originally Posted By: The Critic

Cycling is definitely not a poor man's sport.

ANYTHING with tires and wheels is not a poor man's sport.

Yes, I like seeing the look on the uninitiateds'/uninformeds' faces when I tell them that some ONE SPEED bikes (world class pursuit track machines) start at $15K, and go up from there!!

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