The same old question yet again, help looking for a cyclocross bike.

[RSW099]

Hi guys!
I’m about to ask the same question that has been asked 843 times already

I’ve spent the last few years cycling to work on my old Pashley, it’s perfectly fine for the commute, but I would like to get there a bit quicker and for the ride to be a bit more fun, it’s about 10 miles each way. My thoughts so far are for something lighter, didn’t really want a mountain bike, a pure road bike I’m not sure about as I have a couple of tracks to go down, so a cyclocross bike is what I’m thinking.

I’m not really up on the latest bikes and models, so I don’t know where to start looking. I did pop into Halfords just to see what they had. The Boardman CX looks quite a good spec for a beginner like me. However Halfords are not part of my works cycle 2 work scheme.

Could I have some ideas of what to look for, suggestions of good bikes and what you think would be the best option for me?

Thank.

 

[2pies]

All the major manufacturers have a CX bike in the C2W price range. Its a fairly competitive market because they are so well suited to commuting.

The Focus Mares AX 5.0 is as good as any. Deore disc brakes, Tiagra gearing, mudguards, front & rear lights thrown in as well. Literally read to ride.

http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2014/cyclocross/mares-ax/mares-ax-50.html

But I'm sure you'll see plenty of others that are equally suitable.

 

[lesley_x]

I can thoroughly recommend my giant tcx. It's a fun and comfortable bike.

 

[sazzaa]

I did all the research for buying a cyclocross in autumn, my choices were between Genesis Vapour Disc and the Boardman CX Team, and I think i had a Felt and a Cube in there too. Went with the Genesis and it's bloody brilliant. Really fun to ride and takes on the bumpy part of my commute with ease. Can't really compare it with the others though as I haven't ridden them!

 

[vickster]

Which brands can you get?

Ridley for something a bit different? Daddies of cx

 

[RSW099]

Thanks for all the idea's so far, I'll have a bit of googling and reading to do on those.

Any more suggestions and please let me know.

Vickster, I think I can find most brands, just not Boardman's with their deal through Halfords,
Sazzaa, what made you pick the Genesis over the Boardman, Felt and Cube?

 

[LimeBurn]

Focus Mares - or Planet X now do 3 models I think. The new one being the Pickenflick of whatever its called, Titanium frame and in the flesh it looks really nice too as I had a quick look at it yesterday.

 

[sazzaa]

Sazzaa, what made you pick the Genesis over the Boardman, Felt and Cube?

Was just drawn to it, the fact it's stunning and I hadn't seen any on the roads probably drew me towards it. Boardman got ruled out because I didn't want to have to deal with Halfords and wasn't a fan of the top brakes. Think the cube was slightly above budget and can't remember why I ruled the Felt out. The genesis was the only one which didn't look like a boys bike too. And I love green.

 

[RSW099]

Ah, like the answers, green is a good colour!
Is there a lot of debate on top brakes? I think as I've spent the last few years cycling in an upright position think I'd quite like top breaks. Another thing to put some more thought into.

 

[geekinaseat]

I bought a Giant TCX 2...

I wish I'd gone for a Genesis Croix de Fer instead, not that there is anything wrong with it, I'm just not feeling the love.

 

[sazzaa]

Ah, like the answers, green is a good colour!
Is there a lot of debate on top brakes? I think as I've spent the last few years cycling in an upright position think I'd quite like top breaks. Another thing to put some more thought into.

No idea, it just looked like I'd have less space for lights etc!

 

[RSW099]

The Genesis Croix de Fer looks nice, just slightly out of my price range I think.

No idea, it just looked like I'd have less space for lights etc!

That is true, yet another thing to think about, this is getting more and more difficult, haha. But fun.

 

[RSW099]

Another question
Just wondered what people thought of Boardman bikes, I've see some forums praising them and other not being very nice.

 

[evo456]

Another question
Just wondered what people thought of Boardman bikes, I've see some forums praising them and other not being very nice.

Good machines for the price and spec , limiting factor tends to be the initial setup. Get them when there is a promo running - it represents a really good value for money deal., but may not be enough to offset what the tax savings could be with a C2W supplier for your scheme.

 

[RSW099]

More and more to think about!!

OK, does anyone ride a Ridley X-Bow? I've not seen any up close, just wondered what they are like in real life?