bike for newbie

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JMack on September 25, 2009 at 3:40pm

Salsas are great bikes, but those are two very different rides you're comparing.

CXM actually did a review of the La Cruz is a previous issue. It's a great bike for all around riding, trails and cross. Little on the heavy side and the disc brakes are something you don't see on the race course too often.

I would say that the Con Crosso is more of a true cross racing bike, and is actually raced by the Clif bar Team.

Can I ask what the budget is? And what the intentions are? i.e. racing, touring, singletrack, etc.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by paula engel on September 25, 2009 at 4:41pm

budget is a concern, I would like to keep it under $2000. My intentions are to use it as an all round bike but I do want to do a few cross races. I want a bike that would function well at a cross race but not limit the all rounder. I would like to use it as winter training bike too, when the roads are a little to gross for my road bike. yes, some single track.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JMack on September 25, 2009 at 5:56pm

I think the con Crosso would be a great choice but it may be pushing the budget a bit.

As long as you're not racing UCI races, the La Cruz may be the way to go. It's likely to be heavier, but maybe a little less harsh in rough terrain than the aluminum frame of the con crosso. And if you're looking for an all arounder, expecialy for when the weather gets harsh, then the disc brakes are a big benefit.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my personal choice though, since it would fit the budget...

I've been riding a Van Dessel for over a year and love it.

Do you have the chance to ride both bikes?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Erik Nordenson on September 26, 2009 at 10:19am

What size bike/frame are you looking?>

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by paula engel on September 26, 2009 at 1:26pm

Not sure. My road frame is 54, my mt bike frame is 17"

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Erik Nordenson on September 26, 2009 at 3:02pm

I have a 2 year old Blue CXC Medium, 54 cm cyclocross frame that is for sale. I am asking $700.00 for frame, fork, headseat, Campy front derailleur, seat clamp. Willing to negotiate. Check out the web site for more specifics.
http://www.rideblue.com/bikearchive.php?state=cxc

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hamilton on September 26, 2009 at 7:07pm

I just rode the chili con crosso at Interbike and really did not like it, it was a bit of a let down because I loved the bike on paper. The Van Dessel was pretty good. A bike that surprised me was the Felt F15X. It rode really well and you can get the same frame in a cheaper Rival or 105 build to keep it under budget. I understand the Blue CXC is a great bike so I'd snatch up that offer for the used blue frame. A carbon frameset under a grand is a good deal. I also became a big fan of the TRP eurox brakes, they were spec'd on most of the bikes I rode and I thought they were great.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Blaine Krueger on September 27, 2009 at 8:29pm

Try and get a test ride on a few from a local shop.
You might find somthing under budget you like better.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carl Ring on September 28, 2009 at 8:12am

For what you want as an all-around bike, I'd look at the Gary Fisher Presidio. Its similar to the old lemond Poprad, but tweaked a little to make it a better all-around bike. It would meet your price point too. It won't be the lightest bike, but with some good wheels it would definitely be raceable (steel bikes work, a couple of guys rode all steel Richard Sachs bikes to top tens at CX nationals last year)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by paula engel on September 28, 2009 at 6:52pm

What do people think about the Scott CX Team? I found a demo that has been ridden twice for $1400. Ultegra, seems to fit except for the handle bar stem length?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by paula engel on September 30, 2009 at 7:33am

In the end I opted for the con crosso. I couldn't find a Fisher, Felt or the La Cruz in my size. The local dealer gave me a great deal on the con crosso.
thanks for all your thoughts and opinions.
Happy riding.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JMack on September 30, 2009 at 8:10am

Glad you were able to get a good bike. Let us know how it works out for you.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page