New to Cyclocross...what should the first bike be?

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Hodson on September 23, 2012 at 6:00am

Go SS as it's:

a) less expensive,

b) lighter (if that matters to you),

c) simpler to learn on (no gear selection mumbo jumbo to learn),

d) less to keep clean during races.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shaw on November 19, 2012 at 3:29pm

I've owned a Jake the Snake. Good little bike. IDK about the rest.

That being said, just buy one and see what you do and don't like about it. I went thru a few bikes before I ended up with a Crosshairs for all-round gravel/cross riding and a Full Tilt Boogie as my race bike.

M

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Permalink Reply by VanBrudenrijden on December 19, 2012 at 8:06am

Go with something with at least 105 (or Rival, not a fan of SRAM though), Ultegra is a great performance value if you think you will be racing in years to come, or if your backup plan is to use the bike to commute or road race on (yes, I know several people who road race on their cyclocross bike).   Don't worry about the frame or the brand, you will not get into a carbon frame at this price point anyway, so AL is AL.   Check the geometry and ride the bike!!!  A year or two old used bike is usually a great value and plan on paying about 50 - 60% of MSRP.   A used bike may also have several upgrades that will save you money in the future.   I would stay away from a single speed its a whole other ball game.   You might want to also consider a single chain ring in the front, with all the gearing options it can be a great way to lighten the bike and make racing less complicated and mechanical issues to a minimum   Front chain ring drops suck and are prevalent with new racers.  You would get a WAY better bike if you could up your price by about $200, good used bikes start at about $750 if your lucky.   Be patient and wait for the right bike.  Make some low ball offers (but not too low to piss off the buyer) in the beginning  you would be amazed at how some people will drop their price for the right person.  Also, don't buy cause you think its a great deal, buy because its the right bike!

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