Commutercross bike recommendations?

[Jezston]

After much procrastination, my friend who wants to get back into cycling has decided he wants one of these cyclocross bikes for it's ability to be a sort of jack of all trades.

He does however want one that can take mudguards, and possibly even a rack, so this rules out 'proper' cyclocross bikes, and takes us into the 'commutercross' subcategory.

Recently, he discovered the Orange RX9 which, well - actually seems pretty much spot on to be honest.

Before he splashes the cash, anything else he should consider?

 

[vickster]

Whyte Charing Cross or Saxon Cross. Cyclesurgery have them on sale at the mo

The orange one is rather lovely however. Just make sure he locks it up very well if leaving anywhere, especially in London as it will stand out among all those black and grey bikes out there

 

[Jezston]

Haha, I texted my friend telling him to check out the Whyte Saxon Cross - he thought I was talking about some kind of white supremacist metal band!

 

[samsbike]

Genesis croix de fer, the 2013 model has some changes to make it easier to fit a rack I think.

Specialized tricross and I am not sure if Trek have something similar.

On a bit of a leftfield choice, check out Surly and Salsa in case they do something that works.

 

[DRHysted]

Boardman CX

 

[StuAff]

Trek do indeed have something similar- the Crossrip. If it's anything like as good as my Portland (its predecessor), worth looking at.

 

[Paul99]

Rose bikes have some nice cx/commuter crosses with a good spec for the money.

They also have a bike already built up with mudguards, rack and dynamo lights http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pro-dx-cross-3000-randonneur/aid:611464 but it is £1600. Ultegra groupset though.

For £1100 they have the http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pro-dx-cross-2000/aid:611965 with 105 groupset. No rack or guards but it looks like they could be fitted if the randonneur has them.

 

[Jezston]

For £1100 they have the http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pro-dx-cross-2000/aid:611965 with 105 groupset. No rack or guards but it looks like they could be fitted if the randonneur has them.

That is some enormous discs!

 

[Jezston]

Trek do indeed have something similar- the Crossrip. If it's anything like as good as my Portland (its predecessor), worth looking at.

That Trek looks pretty good - but the highest 'Elite' spec they do is Sora?!? Shame that. Happilly pay another £100-£150 for Tiagra. Especially burns when there are 105 equipped equivalents out there for under £1200.

 

[vickster]

Anything from Ridley?

 

[Ben M]

Genesis Vapour.

 

[mip]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-pro-13

 

[Accy cyclist]

I like the colour,it even tells you the colour on the downtube incase you forget!

 

[downfader]

I'm getting the 2014 Croix de Fer from Genesis this year to replace my Jake. This years model is the one that has been redesigned to fit racks/guards easier.

 

[gaz]

I got the Pinnicle Arkose Three for just the same purposes as your friend. Been working fine for me with a rack, full length mudguards and 25c tyres.