I'm going round in circles… the same old question – road bike or CX?

[joanna]

I'm going round in circles… the same old question – road bike or cyclocross?

My cycle to work scheme bike shop sells trek and genesis. I'm torn between the Trek Lexa SLX (pure road bike) or the Cruix de Fer. Both are the same price, so price isn't part of the decision.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/lexa-slx-compact-2014-womens-road-bike-ec054299
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/croix-de-fer-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec052633
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure/multi-sport/croix-de-fer

Actually, according to the Genesis website the Cruix de Fer is a 'multi-sport' and not a CX as such. This wouldn't worry me, as I wouldn't be doing pure off road with it, or take part in CX events.

Both look like brilliant bikes. And have great reviews from what I have seen online. I'm just having real trouble deciding!!

My riding consists of…
- All year round commuting: 20 miles a day
- In the summer: off road over the downs 2/3 times per week. (I've got a mountain bike and probably wouldn't want to take the CX bike off road).
- Cycling holidays: so far 2 non-supported and camping/ 1 to come supported. Aspiring to do more – both supported and non.
- Signed up for a couple of sportives.

My Spec Sirrus is great, but pretty old now, and needs upgrading. Plus, I really want a new bike

Each time I think I know which to go for… I change my mind almost instantly.

 

[Cycleops]

If it were me I would go for the Croix de Fir, but that is because I like a steel framed bike. Ali frame with carbon fork feels rather dead to me. The major difference between the two are the wheels, the CdF has 35c tyres which are going to be a lot more comfortable than the 25c on the Trek, something to consider if you are touring. The wider tyres can also handle rougher ground rather better.

 

[KneesUp]

I'd have the Croix de Fer (Cruix de Fer/Croix de Fir) in a heartbeat - I like steel frames too - the Croix just looks right, and will easily be tough enough for commuting on modern (badly maintained) roads and more recreational use on paths and trails (perhaps not a black run though!)

 

[Cycleops]

Plus they give pedals and toe lips with the CdF! Unlike the mean Trek ********s!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I would take the Genesis simply because I hate Trek as a brand

 

[Crackle]

Go and test ride them.

 

[Sods_Laur]

I'd lean towards the CdF as well - it's got mudguard eyelets which will be v useful when cycling in the winter and you can stick panniers on it, unlike the Trek.

 

[raleighnut]

Another vote for the Genesis I'm afraid. Reynolds frame and rack mounts and you could always put thinner tyres on for the summer (28 Marathons, I tour on them and I'm over 12 stone) and swap to the 35's for winter.

 

[jefmcg]

I rejected trek and specialized a few years ago when I was looking at women's bikes, because of the extra vagina-tax (will that get censored?). The equivalent featured "unisex" bike seems to be http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/madone-21-h2-compact-2014-road-bike-ec041058 which is £200 cheaper.

Just saying. Of course, there is no definite reason for WSD. Try them both, and see which one feels better.

 

[vickster]

Maybe cheaper but it looks horrid!! The blue is much nicer

 

[sazzaa]

Genesis all the way!

 

[AndyRM]

Another vote for the Genesis from me. A guy at work has one and it's both a cracking bike for the money and a lovely ride.

 

[jefmcg]

To be clear, I wasn't trying to recommend the madone, just un-recommend the lexa on the basis that they charge £200 for a slightly different geometry and blue paint.

 

[vickster]

Genesis here (as long as it's not black...i.e. the one linked )

 

[joanna]

Wow, thanks so much for your replies. No doubt which I should go for then!