Cx bike for commuting (and sportive rides eventually)

[John A]

Hi All,

I'm new here and new to cycling and looking for some advise on my first proper bike. I'm due to get a bike via the Cycle2Work scheme, but as yet I'm torn on which bike to get. I have chosen cyclocross as they are a bit more rugged for the commute, and hopefully I'm able to put some slicks on it for the odd sportive road ride in the future.

I have been looking at the following (i'm stuck to Evans Cycles):

Norco Threshold A3 2014 (Sora 9 speed 11-32T, 46/36T chainset) £650
Fuji Feather Cx 1.3 2014 (Claris 8 speed 11-32T, 50/34T chaiset) £700

From what I understand the Norco has the better gear set but I think it is a good bit heavier (over 1kg more) than the Fuji (11.14kg). Should this weight difference matter much given that i'm not intending on throwing the bike over my shoulder for CX races?

I also like the fact that the Fuji has a compact chainset which is better for on the road, is it possible to fit a 50/34T to the Norco?

Finally, I'm open to some suggestions other than these, but I don't really want to go above £800. I've also read that cantilever breaks aren't the best so would like to stick with discs if possible.

Many thanks,
John

 

[evo456]

There are some cx bikes discounted inthe ex demo section that would fit your budget. Some are brand new with just the manual missing , if the sizing it's right could be a small bargain

 

[jack smith]

Look in the sales and last years models you'll get LAODS more for your buck, but go with the nor co out of the two it has a much better specification for less

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Do you guys recommend CX bikes for commutes?
I'm currently riding a MTB for my commute, has slicks on it, front fork locked, and do my training on it with that setup.

I'm toying with the idea of a Merida Cyclocross 3/4 or a Whyte Dorset.
Basically, wanting to stay with disc brakes, but want something which is sturdy for my weight, the super smooth roads of Plym and eventually to try a few audaxes.

I won't be doing cyclocross events, but I hope to ride a few sportives too, I'm doing BikeBath this year, and will no doubt find something else to ride afterwards.
I was originally torn between a cyclocross and a 'bent, but I don't think the 'bent would be suitable for my needs, and you don't really see many in Plymouth either, so can't try it.

 

[jack smith]

a cx bike or even a road bike would be good for you, im 100 kilo and i ride a road bike, but for commutes and rougher areas like tracks a cx bike is perfect a big step up from a mtb, you will find it lots easier and faster

 

[BSRU]

CAADX bikes are very nice and light CX bikes.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

a cx bike or even a road bike would be good for you, im 100 kilo and i ride a road bike, but for commutes and rougher areas like tracks a cx bike is perfect a big step up from a mtb, you will find it lots easier and faster

Thanks Jack.

I'm 149kg (and dropping), but think the road bike would be trashed in Plymouth. Too many badly laid roads, potholes etc.
Although, while waiting for my new bike, the insurance company lent me a racer (Was a Muddyfox one) which was nice to have more speed again on, so it's sort of spurred me on for wanting a CX.
I just think the frame and wheels would take more of a battering, even though I am predominantly a road cyclist. (Or am I wrong on this?)

 

[jack smith]

no in that case definatley go with the cx bike! but look in the sales sections for one at a better spec for a lower price new bikes are released yearly and they only ususally change the colour, so you can get the same biek for a few hundred less in some cases

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

CAADX bikes are very nice and light CX bikes.

I'm considering the Merida so I've got one make, but the Whyte had a pretty good review by Road.cc, which raised my eyebrows.

Will look into the Cannondales, seen a few around and they do look nice.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

no in that case definatley go with the cx bike! but look in the sales sections for one at a better spec for a lower price new bikes are released yearly and they only ususally change the colour, so you can get the same biek for a few hundred less in some cases

I'm not looking immediately, as my current bike is only a month old, but hoping when I hit 100kg or so, I'll buy the next, having saved for it of course.

 

[jack smith]

its a good incentive! im currently at the point of gaining weight cycling cause i build muscle stupidly quick, need to get to my bmi which is rediculous lol

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Thats awesome!
I've built / toned my muscles, it's all weight loss now, which for me is the main reason I'm cycling.

The CX is just so I can ride faster and harder, without worrying I'm going to break something.
Took my old racer to my LBS last month, and he was surprised it was still in one piece, considering what I did to it as a kid, and said it wasn't worth the metal it was made from. So that's also spurred me on for the CX.

 

[jack smith]

im highly surprised at my road bike to be honest, it goes out in all weathers, has me belting down hills and over potholes, gravel cycle tracks allsorts hitting off curbs ect and is still great!

 

[theloafer]

love my boardman cx team..

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

love my boardman cx team..
View attachment 41561

That's one smexy bike there @theloafer !