Thinking of getting a road bike or Cross

[Zippy]

I have been commuting quite comfortably on a Specialised Hard Rock with semi-slicks for a good while, with the highest ratio block to keep up a decent speed. Its ok, but I have felt a draw towards a return to a road bike for some time.

A couple of considerations: some of my route is rough cinder and potholes and I may need to ride on muddy trails in the rain for some time. That's why I'm thinking of a Cyclo Cross rather than a complete road bike. A more aero-dynamic MTB sounds ideal and maybe that's a Cross?

Secondly, my budget would be limited to around £800.

Any suggestions and makes/models I could be looking at? I would consider second hand as well to get something higher spec for the budget I have.

 

[PK99]

I have been commuting quite comfortably on a Specialised Hard Rock with semi-slicks for a good while, with the highest ratio block to keep up a decent speed. Its ok, but I have felt a draw towards a return to a road bike for some time.

A couple of considerations: some of my route is rough cinder and potholes and I may need to ride on muddy trails in the rain for some time. That's why I'm thinking of a Cyclo Cross rather than a complete road bike. A more aero-dynamic MTB sounds ideal and maybe that's a Cross?

Secondly, my budget would be limited to around £800.

Any suggestions and makes/models I could be looking at? I would consider second hand as well to get something higher spec for the budget I have.

have a look at the specialized tricross. As a true cross bike it's pretty poor, but as an all purpose commuter and towpath bike it is very good

 

[Zippy]

have a look at the specialized tricross. As a true cross bike it's pretty poor, but as an all purpose commuter and towpath bike it is very good

Hi - thanks; looks the kind of thing and if I were to change my route to road only I guess I could narrow my tyres down a touch with those wheels.

Can I ask you what makes it "poor" as a pure cyclo cross?

 

[upsidedown]

A Galaxy or similar would suit your needs pretty well. Tough as old boots and good tyre clearance, and you can carry as much as you will ever need on a rack.
My old one used to do towpaths, firetracks and loose stone without any trouble.

 

[ferret fur]

I can really recommend the Scott cross comp. I don't know if this is still for sale at this price

http://www.slanecycles.com/scott-cyclocross-comp-bike-2008-p-3802.html?currency=GBP

but it is a lot lighter than the Tricross and rides just as well. For some reason it doesn't seem to get recommended much. It seems to size up quite large so if you can try one out first it would be a good idea.

 

[Moodyman]

Kona's renowned Jake the Snake. At £900 ish you get a decent frame and 105 groupset.

 

[Stephenite]

I have a 2009 model Jake the Snake and i love it.

Very versatile and will handle the rough parts of your ride well enough. I bomb along on mine on cinder and stone tracks, through mud and up and down stuff i previously thought only a MTB could handle.

But there are other options out there. Not sure if its within your budget, but i like the look of the Croix De Fer. Looks very sexy.

Now is a good time to buy a new bike as the shops want to clear out ready for the the 2011 models.

 

[Norm]

The Genesis Croix de Fer does look lovely, and that from a Tricross owner. The disc brakes it wears are, IMO, a step forward for an all-road, all-weather machine.

I'd still probably take the Tricross, though, the rear cogs being from the MTB rather than the road range could prove useful if you do get into some big off road stuff.

 

[downfader]

The Genesis Croix de Fer does look lovely, and that from a Tricross owner. The disc brakes it wears are, IMO, a step forward for an all-road, all-weather machine.

I'd still probably take the Tricross, though, the rear cogs being from the MTB rather than the road range could prove useful if you do get into some big off road stuff.

Oh. My. God.

That Genesis. Looks sweet. I think disc brakes are awesome, I'd love it it Kona did a proper Jake with discs.

 

[BikeM]

+1 for Croix de Fer as a new owner of said bike. Brakes much better than the Tricross. No granny gearing for the hills...or looked at positively...good for building up leg muscle strength !

Also +1 vote for the Tricross as I really enjoy riding it, but the problem is the brakes are terrible in the wet and only just OK when dry. You can climb any hill on the Tricross but only descend in the dry !

 

[Jezston]

In before anyone else mentions it - disc brakes are now race legal, so expect to see a lot less cantilever brakes and a lot more disc brakes on Cyclocross bikes.

I believe Genesis and Trek at least have already got disc-equipped cross bikes coming out for 2011

 

[primalgeek]

+1 one the Croix de Fer. You will have to change the saddle tho' as the stock one feels like two razor blades

Or if you want a CdF like bike (steel cross bike with disc brakes) but with a hub gear then what about waiting for the 2011 Genesis Day One Alfine to hit the shops?

 

[Zippy]

The Croix de Fer - OMG I think I just wet myself - its gorrrrgeous!

As a second option - anyone rate the Genesis Vapour at £200 cheaper? However, I would rather spend the extra £200 and not live to regret being cheap on the purchase.

 

[Moodyman]

Or if you want a CdF like bike (steel cross bike with disc brakes) but with a hub gear then what about waiting for the 2011 Genesis Day One Alfine to hit the shops?

Am salivating. That would be my dream bike. I wanted a Chromoly frame, Alfine Hubbed, disc braked drop and there weren't any in 2010. Settled for Charge Mixer instead which is lovely but I do wonder how much nicer it would be with drops.

 

[primalgeek]

Am salivating. That would be my dream bike. I wanted a Chromoly frame, Alfine Hubbed, disc braked drop and there weren't any in 2010. Settled for Charge Mixer instead which is lovely but I do wonder how much nicer it would be with drops.

Pretty much the same wish list for me, but I decided the drops were more important than the hub gears. Absolutely love the Croix de Fer and I'm increasingly going on "little" (so I tell my wife anyway ) detours on my way home.
Just a pity that Genesis are bringing out a bike that ticks all the boxes so close to me buying the CdF.

Another thing to throw into the mix (if it's a choice between CdF and DOA) is that for 2011 the CdF is £1099 whilst the DOA is £999.