Cross bike. Which 'un?

[Monsieur Remings]

Well, I need a commuter through winter and something good for light, off-road trails. I know a crossbike fits the bill and have narrowed it down to 3, although I am open to other suggestions.

Unfortunately, two I would have gone for, the Giant TCX SLR 1 or 2 (2015) are unavailable in my size anywhere but here is the TCX SLR 2 of 2016...

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p84055/Giant-TCX-SLR-2-2016-Cyclocross-Bike.aspx

This one, very highly rated...

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p72794/Genesis-Croix-de-Fer-20-2015-Cyclocross-Bike.aspx

...and finally...

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/Raleigh-2015-RX-Comp-Cyclo-Cross-Bike

for which I can find very little in the way of reviews.

I have to go finance so preferably 0%. What do you all think?

 

[Booyaa]

Out of those one, the Genesis (but on the same page they have a Kona Jame)

 

[Dayvo]

Unfortunately I have no knowledge of the bikes you featured, but (although I haven't ridden it properly yet) I've just bought one of these:

http://www.primera-sports.com/focus-2016-mares-ax-disc-tiagra-cyclocross-bike.html

But the other Focus CX bikes look equally as good:


http://www.primera-sports.com/bikes/cyclocross.html?manufacturer=38

 

[outlash]

I would say the CdF isn't a 'proper' crosser, more of a road bike but I saw someone racing with a CdA on Sunday so maybe not.. The Raleigh is a looker with decent spec, the giant does nothing for me. You're need mounts for guards (and a rack?), I know the Croix has them. What about the other two?

As an aside, I love my Cannondale CAADX. Raced cross on Sunday, went out for a road ride on it today in full winter bike mode (guards, slicks and lights). If I only could have one bike etc etc....

 

[Mrs M]

I would say the CdF isn't a 'proper' crosser, more of a road bike but I saw someone racing with a CdA on Sunday so maybe not.. The Raleigh is a looker with decent spec, the giant does nothing for me. You're need mounts for guards (and a rack?), I know the Croix has them. What about the other two?

As an aside, I love my Cannondale CAADX. Raced cross on Sunday, went out for a road ride on it today in full winter bike mode (guards, slicks and lights). If I only could have one bike etc etc....

I had a wee drool over the CAADX at the LBS yesterday, very nice .

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I would say the CdF isn't a 'proper' crosser, more of a road bike but I saw someone racing with a CdA on Sunday so maybe not.. The Raleigh is a looker with decent spec, the giant does nothing for me. You're need mounts for guards (and a rack?), I know the Croix has them. What about the other two?

As an aside, I love my Cannondale CAADX. Raced cross on Sunday, went out for a road ride on it today in full winter bike mode (guards, slicks and lights). If I only could have one bike etc etc....

Yep, have a Supersix so the geometry would work out but variety is the spice of life etc. And I know, the Giant 2016 is a horrible colour scheme which is a shame given the predecessor of 2015 in SLR 1 and/or 2 mentioned above.

Why do you say the CDF is not a proper crosser?

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Thanks all by the way. Any more?

Like the look of those Focus too Dayvo...decisions.

 

[Mrs M]

Giant or Cube.

 

[outlash]

Why do you say the CDF is not a proper crosser?

I don't know TBH, it's just never struck me as one. But as I saw one (albeit a CdA) being raced on Sunday so goes to show... The CAADX is pretty relaxed geometry wise, if you want something more 'heads down', there's the SuperX....

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Yep, not really for racing per se. Due to selling a bike earlier in the year (and doing a lot of running ) I need a tough commuter but I also have a lovely, gravel off-road trail very nearby which will be ideal for the kids when my youngest can start riding and for myself in poor weather. Being a long-time cyclist, I also want the option of something that kicks a bit of anus.

 

[outlash]

I see a fair few Kinesis crosslights at races. Well regarded frames.

 

[EasyPeez]

The Genesis is easily the nicest bike of the ones you've chosen imo, and if it's tough you're after, then surely if it's good enough to break a round the world record on it'll handle your commute ok -
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/vin-cox-sets-new-round-the-world-record-27795/

Like @outlash I wouldn't have it down as a 'proper crosser' either. More a quick-ish adventure bike that's great for commutes and tours than an off-road racer.
You'd do well to get some test rides booked as I think you'll find the 3 bikes you're looking at would all feel quite different to ride (different frame materials, wheelsets, geometries etc) and spec means little compared to feel really.
Oh, and the Giant is fugly btw!

 

[Wafer]

Want mudguards? Not sure the Giant does if so.
I'm waiting for LBS to get new CdF in to test ride with a view to getting one for local roads with rough country lanes and canal paths etc... Seems to do everything, comfy steel frame, I'm planning on getting carbon fork, fatter tyres to deal with the rougher stuff but has road gearing, disc brakes and can even take a rack I believe. Very well regarded and yeah, sits in that expand area between cyclocrossers and road bikes...

 

[PK99]

Well, I need a commuter through winter and something good for light, off-road trails. I know a crossbike fits the bill and have narrowed it down to 3, although I am open to other suggestions.

an adventure road bike would seem to fit your bill better than a cyclocross bike

 

[Tojo]

Pedalon have 2015 Giant TCX SLR 2 for sale at £799 but only in medium if thats the size your after.....

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant-tcx-slr-2-2015.html