Cyclo-cross bikes??

[makster]

I've just been given the chance through work to buy a bike through the cycle to work scheme.
I've been toying with another hardtail or something full sus.
Most of my riding is cross country rather than hardcore downhill, so had kind of ruled out the full sus. I figure that when I go to Afan etc, I can just rent something for a few days if I feel the need!
I've just sold my modern(ish) Rocky Mountain Hammer as it wasn't getting any use so I dont think I can justify buying another modern hardtail.
A few mates have road bikes and they've been twisting my arm to get one too.
I had a brain wave yesterday and thought 'why not buy a cyclo-cross bike?'
I've never riden one but always thought they looked good fun (especially for the terrain I mainly cycle on).

My question is, does anyone else have one that they use for both off and occasional on-road riding?
I dont think I'd use it that much on road, just for some winter training rides etc

 

[dbmtb]

Do it. It's a no-brainer.

 

[kaiser]

Just bought one myself in very similar circumstances. Whats you budget? I think I looked at most bikes under a grand. I ended up with a Cube X race comp. But I shortlisted:

Genesis croix de fer: Looks good but heavy
Genesis Day one alfine: As above really

Neither are sold as pure cross bikes though, more your do anything bike.

Cannondale CAADX : IMO the better looking bike

Cube X race comp: IMO the better specc'd bike

It came down to the calls to the shops selling both, the LBS won in the end. I've only covered around 50 miles but loving it so far, almost as quick as my road bike and I think a change of tyres will put it level pecking. I've also done one CX race which was sore and a wee bit of minor off road and it was fine. All in all very impressed

 

[legrandefromage]

just check out any Wu-tangleds' posts

 

[jonnyboy666]

i like them, they are a good laugh to ride and if you are doing a little road ride on them them are more comfy than a road bike because of the position and the tyres but also if on that road ride you get bored you can hit some trails

win win!

 

[legrandefromage]

i like them, they are a good laugh to ride and if you are doing a little road ride on them them are more comfy than a road bike because of the position and the tyres but also if on that road ride you get bored you can hit some trails

win win!

I dont know why we have mountain bikes really...

 

[100%]

Defintiely get one!

I love my cross bike!

 

[KeepItSteel]

worth also considering an On-One Pomepetamine.

Road/Cross geometry, built to take off road jaunts, but fast on the road with up to 32mm tyre clearance.
Also, they are almost maintainance free with the Alfine hub, and stop on a dime with discs.

I think they just released a new version with 11sp Alfine for under £1000 too.... a true all rounder.

Ive built/ridden one, and they are very smooth and fast rolling. On the heavy side, but that gives you confidence it can take the hits off road.
I used drop bars, but that may limit shifter options on the 11sp Alfine. Although no probs with 8sp as they now have the J-Tek drop bar STI.

Just dont look at the daft name on the top tube!

 

[makster]

Budget is £1000, or there abouts.
Thanks for the advise...I'll check some of these bikes out.
This'll be the first new bike I've bought since 1989

 

[makster]

Just bought one myself in very similar circumstances. Whats you budget? I think I looked at most bikes under a grand. I ended up with a Cube X race comp. But I shortlisted:

Genesis croix de fer: Looks good but heavy
Genesis Day one alfine: As above really

Neither are sold as pure cross bikes though, more your do anything bike.

Cannondale CAADX : IMO the better looking bike

Cube X race comp: IMO the better specc'd bike

It came down to the calls to the shops selling both, the LBS won in the end. I've only covered around 50 miles but loving it so far, almost as quick as my road bike and I think a change of tyres will put it level pecking. I've also done one CX race which was sore and a wee bit of minor off road and it was fine. All in all very impressed

Liking the Cube so far!! Gets cracking reviews too. Thanks for the tip