Best bang for buck cyclecross bike sub 1k??

[Milzy]

The cycle to work scheme will be coming around again very soon.

This time I want to enter the world of cycle cross. I fancy going along the canals to Liverpool etc.

I'm wanting SRAM, disc brakes & compatibility for some chunky tires. I may even enter some races for the laugh.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Have a look at FOCUS bikes. I had a Mares AX a couple of years ago and it was a brilliant machine that out specced anything else for the money at that time.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Merida Cross 4 looks pretty reasonable to me specification wise and its a pretty nice looking bike imho

http://2013.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2014/59/CROSS/Cyclo Cross 4

 

[Milzy]

I do like this

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m117b18.../RS_GB/31503?gclid=CJqp4tvB2rsCFaXItAodp3EAbA

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I do like this

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m117b18.../RS_GB/31503?gclid=CJqp4tvB2rsCFaXItAodp3EAbA

Steel though wonder what the weight is.
I would want a real lightweight cross bike as you may have to carry it during competition.

 

[Milzy]

It's steel which is forged & machined in an advanced way. Very comfortable ride. My arms are strong.

 

[Dusty Bin]

It's steel which is forged & machined in an advanced way. Very comfortable ride. My arms are strong.

It's a boat anchor. You need something a bit lighter if you have any thoughts of competing on it..

 

[tigger]

This, but you'll have to forego Sram unfortunately
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXXLS105/planet-x-xls-shimano-105-cyclocross-bike

Otherwise this has it all plus you can get an extra 10% off with British Cycling membership. Not quite such a dedicated CX race rig as the Planet X, more of an all rounder and a bit heavier. Cracking value though...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_991994_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[derrick]

Merida Cross 4 looks pretty reasonable to me specification wise and its a pretty nice looking bike imho

http://2013.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2014/59/CROSS/Cyclo Cross 4

That looks pretty good to me.

 

[zizou]

Its not sram but the giant tcx with shimano 105 would be my choice

 

[vickster]

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte-s...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/45709?listing=true

Don't know the terms of your scheme, but CS have The 2013 Whyte Saxon Cross in their sale, 55cm only though so you'd need to be 5'8 to 6ft ish

Make an admirable commuter too which is of course a key criteria for c2w

 

[Milzy]

The Planet X not in the Cycle2work scheme unfortunately, however they do now have finance packages but there's no point paying tax when I don't have to. I like the Giant tcx. I'm about 5' 7 & I'm on a 54 now but I'm going to drop lower & have a higher seat for a more racy steed next time.