Totally new, never biked before, but very interested.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by AndyB on February 19, 2009 at 9:16am

First thing to do is to get properly fitted. Others may disagree, but if you can't get fitted for a 'cross bike, I would suggest you get fitted for a road bike, then go 1-2 cm smaller for the 'cross bike. What is your budget? There are a bunch of manufacturers who make sub-$1000 bikes, some under $700. Of course, you get what you pay for re: quality, weight, geometry, etc and you can always get better deals if you buy used. The Kona Jake, Motobecane Fantom, K2 Enemy and Bianchi Volpe may be good options for you.

here is a link you may find helpful: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-238173.html

Andy

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hamilton on February 19, 2009 at 9:19am

I'll add that unless you want to watch a bunch of ebay auctions to find cheap parts it's usually cheaper to just buy a complete bike than to build one. The bikes AndyB lists are all decent entry level bikes.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charles on February 19, 2009 at 10:58am

Thanks for the low down guys. I looked up how to find out the size i need, i'm going to try and get measured for a street bike and do the appropriate math in order to be fitted for a cx. I guess now all i have to do is save and wait.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Surly Bastard on February 19, 2009 at 12:10pm

First thing find you need to find is a cyclocross race series and the group behind it. There's gotta be some local crossers near you. Can't believe your local bike shop doesn't know what's what.

As a Marine I think you might find this the perfect challenge.Even if you don't, a cyclocross bike is pretty nice for all sorts of riding, so you can't go wrong.

And THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE! We appreciate it!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by andrew on February 19, 2009 at 8:46pm

charles, welcome. of course a subscription to Cyclocross Magazine is an essential part of the orientation to 'cross...

but in terms of bikes...we've had a few other related discussions, here's one:
http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topics/cyclocross-bicycle

definitely focus on size and fit. if your local shop doesn't know anything about 'cross, is there one a bit further away that might? if not, the shop should at least be able to size you right for a road bike, and you could be slightly more upright than a typical road bike fit (shorter stem, more rise, or slightly shorter tt).

check out the discussion above for some recommendations, but focus on service and fit. what's your budget?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charles on February 20, 2009 at 1:08am

i'm stationed near death valley, in the middle of the desert... In a small town. There is one bike shop in town, and they only seem to carry cruzers and mountain bikes mostly. There is a small collection of road bikes... But they don't seem to now much about cx. The closest major city is about 2hrs away, and a bit of an inconvienence. Budget is low haha, it's going to take me a while to save up the cash. That's why i'm trying to find out as much as i can, migh as well be fully prepaired. Being a marine and all, this sport really cought my eye. I run, i exorcise, and all that, but it gets old and boring after a while. This sport has alot of potential for keeping a simple minded marine entertained haha. And thank you for your support surly bastard, as well for everyone who has passed along information to help me in this

• ▶ Reply