Newby choosing a bike

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Permalink Reply by Kris Fleming on November 22, 2014 at 5:46am

105 is MORE than serviceable as a groupset.  Having any group set-up and tuned properly is what is paramount in all cases.

As for fit, do you know the rest of the geometry on your "56cm road frame"?  That is important.  If you know the Effective top tube length (ETT) and seat tube angle (STA) on your road bike, you can figure out reach.  I'd be looking to have a very similar reach between my road bike and CX bike.  Maybe 1cm shorter on the CX, but that can be accomplished in most cases with a slightly shorter stem if needed.  The issue is, CX bikes usually have a slightly more relaxed geometry (at least in the sizes I typically ride), so being able to do the calculation, to compare apples to apples is very helpful.  Basically 1 degree difference in STA effects your reach in relation to ETT by 1 cm.  So a bike with a 52cm ETT and 75 degree STA will have nearly the same reach as a bike with a 53cm ETT and 74 degree STA, etc.  I'd probably start with frames that are named 56cm and compare the geo from there.  

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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Zukin on November 23, 2014 at 6:05pm

I agree with everything Kris says about bike fit.  Once the CX season comes to a close (December), that's a good time to find a used bike.  I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on a 105 group, or SRAM Apex, as Cross is notoriously hard on components, and you don't want to subject high-end bits and pieces to mud & sandpits.  The newer generation of CX bikes use disc brakes, and they're gaining popularity, so for $1,000 you may find a really sweet rim-braked bike that the owner want to get rid of.  The Specialized Crux is a nice all round frame IMO -- you see a lot of them at CX races.  You may also find that an aluminum framed bike will better fit your budget.  See you out there...

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Permalink Reply by Jon Paul on November 23, 2014 at 11:28pm

Thank very much for the added input Kenneth! I'm going to attempt to be patient in my search. I wish I could test ride a few bikes, but that's the price of living in the mountains.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Paul on November 23, 2014 at 11:27pm

Thank very much Kris! I appreciate the time and input. I'll chime in when I pull the trigger.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Paul on December 9, 2014 at 7:46pm

Kris and Kenneth,

Your input was helpful. I ended up getting a 2015 Giant TCX Slr 2 in the Medium size. I found it used on Craigslist from someone that works in a shop for a good price, and only an hour from home. I may need to play with the stem length a little, but I think the fit is good. I did an hour ride on single track and fire road with lots of mud, wet sand, rocks, roots and step hills. One of the most fun rides I've done. I was impressed with the cross bikes ability to handle the terrain and slick conditions. I'm excited to try some events, but for now I'll be trying to get in shape in between snow storms.

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