Keep this or new bike (Cyclocross)

[FlyingCyclist]

I've been asking this question to myself for the last couple of days.

"Do I really need a new bike?"

Considering that I've been looking and finally know that I want to buy a CX bike, do I really need to buy one?
Looking at those bikes, they don't look much different to the bike I have, except for more gears.

At the moment I have this bike and is the only bike I've owned in my entire life (I'm 30yrs of age!).
It's quite heavy, well it is to me anyway. Climbing my steps outside when I'm knackered after a ride is tiring!
So a lighter one would be more convenient, and even more convenient climbing hills while cycling.

It has the same old HARD seat on since I bought it. I use a Gel cover all the time which is a saviour.

Changed the rubbish cantilevers to v-brakes 2 years ago, they've bedded in from riding it this year.

Instead of giving it a new seat, gears, rear mech, crank, chunky tyres for offroading, and maybe new fork. Also need new bearings in everything where it moves. Wouldn't it be more cost effective to buy a new bike altogether?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I think you'd be amazed at how different a new bike will feel compared to the basic model you've currently got. A cyclocross bike will weigh a good 2 to 3 kg less than what you have (possibly more than that) and the larger 700c size wheels will roll faster and more easily.

The height you have your saddle at in the photo suggests to me that the frame might be slightly on the small side for you so buying a new bike in a size that suits will also make a difference.

If you like your current bike you could always hang onto it and use it as a project. My current knockabout bike was bought with this in mind - I planned to run it until parts wore out then have some fun customizing it (though I hadn't anticipated quite how quick the poor quality parts would wear out ).

If you have the budget for it I don't think you'd regret buying the CX.

 

[lesley_x]

Cyclocross bikes are great fun and good over longer distances. It will probably be lighter, roll faster and be loads more fun. I reckon you would notice a huge difference.

Sometimes in life it has to be about a bit of fun rather than needing something

 

[FlyingCyclist]

That's settled then.

 

[DCLane]

That's settled then.

David - don't know how tall you are but I've a Spesh Tricross on eBay at the moment: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/specialized-tricross-56cm-large-2011-24-speed.156075/

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Thanks for the link, but I'm not interested in buying a new bike just yet. Maybe in a few months, or even early next year.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

I think you'd be amazed at how different a new bike will feel compared to the basic model you've currently got. A cyclocross bike will weigh a good 2 to 3 kg less than what you have (possibly more than that) and the larger 700c size wheels will roll faster and more easily.

The height you have your saddle at in the photo suggests to me that the frame might be slightly on the small side for you so buying a new bike in a size that suits will also make a difference.

If you like your current bike you could always hang onto it and use it as a project. My current knockabout bike was bought with this in mind - I planned to run it until parts wore out then have some fun customizing it (though I hadn't anticipated quite how quick the poor quality parts would wear out ).

If you have the budget for it I don't think you'd regret buying the CX.

From the crank to the bottom of the saddle, it's 28.5" if that helps at all?

Yes it might be wise of me to keep this bike and give it an overhaul, new ball bearings, new parts etc. I'm sure I'll learn how to take the parts off and put them back on again.

The only thing about buying a new bike especially a CX, is that I have no idea which Make would suit me within my budget of £1000! I could push it a little further by around £200.
So far, I've thought of

Specialized Tricross X13 2014
Kinesis Crosslight Pro6
Boardman CX Comp 2014 or the Team 2014 edition

 

[vickster]

Buy the bike that makes you smile when you test ride and you find most pleasing to the eye

Personally, of those Kinesis, only because you can spec as you wish and you don't see many around (unlike Specialized and Boardman)...and whichever one isn't black or grey

 

[KneesUp]

David - I mean this advice in the nicest possible way, because I recognise in you some traits I have - but I think you'd be best for now just riding the bike you have rather than what you might buy at some point in the future.

It's nice to look at bikes. It's not that nice to get fit enough to ride them easily, unless you're the sort of person who likes feeling light-headed and out of breath - but you have to do the latter bit at some point. Look on your old bike as an efficient way to get fit. If you can easily ride a heavy MTB around where you live, then when in the future you get another, better bike, you will be ready to fly. If you had a light bike now you'd have to ride it further or faster to get as much exercise as you will moving the bohemouth (as I refer to my bike in my head)

I spend about six months looking at bikes at various price points, but then once I'd paid my tax bill and so on it turned out I was skint. Again. So in the end I got a £26 bike off eBay. It's not the bike I'd have chosen - it sort of chose me by being nearby and not getting many bids. It's nor got drops, which I like. It's got knobbly tyres, which I don't like. It's the heaviest bike I've ever owned (albeit for it's age and type it's not enormously heavy) but it has got wheels, pedals, brakes, a saddle and handlebars - and ultimately when I'm riding it that is all that matters. I ride the bike I have because the alternative is not riding at all, and because the endorphin rush and the feel of the wind in your hair doesn't care what the geometry is or who made the groupset or what exotic material the stem is made from.

So get out there and ride young man. Try and go either a little further or a little faster each day, and perhaps in a year you will have grown to love the bike you have and not want to change, but you will definitely be a lot fitter and will have much more riding under you so you will know what you want and be much more able to enjoy it.

(Incidentally I'd like a CX too - if I had £500 or so to spend, get a Boardman CX Comp. At £700 I'd look at the Fuji Feather 1.3. At £1000 I'd look out for a deal on a Croix de Fer - or get the Boardman and have a week off riding it )

 

[Berties]

as it says on my croix de fer, one bike many hats,they cover all bases,just change the tyres to 35 cx for off road and 28 conti hard shells on road,