Cheap Cyclocross Bikes

Inquitus

I am looking to get a Cyclocross bike to enjoy some of the muddy mayhem over the winter period.

I am guessing any cyclocross bike of entry spec will do the job, there are some brands I am not familiar with here, the Pinnacle Arkose One looks good value, I would discount any without 2 lever shifting except if they were very cheap. I would also imagine disk braking on cheap bikes is probably a bad idea?

Basically I want something functional at a good price that won't fall apart and will allow me to hack around in the B races having some fun and keeping in shape this winter.

Any input would be welcome.

Ridley X-Bow 1317A Sora (2013) €830

Pinnacle Arkose One (2013) €698

Pinnacle Arkose Two (2013) €942

Norco Threshold A2 Disc (2013) €988

Scott CX Comp (2012) €942

Specialized Tricross X3 (2014) €872

Cannondale CAADX Tiagra (2013) €936

Roux Conquest 3500 (2013) €907

Roux Conquest 2300 (2013) €639

RobFowl

Would you consider second hand?

Inquitus

RobFowl wrote: »

Would you consider second hand?

Yes absolutely, it's where the best value is to be had imo. Not any knocking about atm but keeping an eye.

RobFowl

I have a Flanders with 10 speed 105/Frogeyes/FSA 46/36 and American classic 440 wheels if you want to have a look?
Upgrading to a Ridley X night (and will still finish close to last in the B races )

couerdelion

I told my wife I needed a cyclocross bike last night. She didn't understand that each of my bikes has a different purpose and none of them were suitable for CX. Argument was avoided when I asked if each of her handbags had a different purpose and if it would be ok for me to buy more bikes to suit my cycling outfits.

Doesn't help you choose which bike to buy though...

Inquitus

couerdelion wrote: »

I told my wife I needed a cyclocross bike last night. She didn't understand that each of my bikes has a different purpose and none of them were suitable for CX. Argument was avoided when I asked if each of her handbags had a different purpose and if it would be ok for me to buy more bikes to suit my cycling outfits.

Doesn't help you choose which bike to buy though...

I have yet to discuss this with my wife, I am not looking forward to it

Have,

1 x Road Bike (Race)
1 x Fixie
1 x XC MTB

now need,

1 x CX Bike
1 x Winter Trainer / Audax Bike

I like the handbag angle though

woodseb

Inquitus wrote: »

I am looking to get a Cyclocross bike to enjoy some of the muddy mayhem over the winter period.

I am guessing any cyclocross bike of entry spec will do the job, there are some brands I am not familiar with here, the Pinnacle Arkose One looks good value, I would discount any without 2 lever shifting except if they were very cheap. I would also imagine disk braking on cheap bikes is probably a bad idea?

Basically I want something functional at a good price that won't fall apart and will allow me to hack around in the B races having some fun and keeping in shape this winter.

Any input would be welcome.

Ridley X-Bow 1317A Sora (2013) €830

have a look at the ridley ones on chain reaction - they have the same ones with tiagra components, the x-ride has the carbon fork and lighter frame

Inquitus

woodseb wrote: »

have a look at the ridley ones on chain reaction - they have the same ones with tiagra components, the x-ride has the carbon fork and lighter frame

Aye they have em at a great price but none in my size, all small or 58cm

woodseb

Inquitus wrote: »

Aye they have em at a great price but none in my size, all small or 58cm

yep, not a whole lot of them left - i may have got one of the last ones;)

the ridley sizing is a bit different from other bikes so you should double check that

Inquitus

woodseb wrote: »

yep, not a whole lot of them left - i may have got one of the last ones;)

the ridley sizing is a bit different from other bikes so you should double check that

The Ridley sizing chart has me well confused.

http://data.ridley-bikes.com/sizes/sizes-en.pdf

I have an inside leg of @ 31.5" / 80cm when shopping for trousers and am 177cm tall @ 5ft 9.5"

Trying to tally that with the above chart for Cyclocross bikes doesn't marry up, am I misunderstanding what "leg size" is here?

Seaneh

For what it's worth, I have a tricross and I love it.

The new Shimano Claris (2400) groupset is lovely too, it's 8 speed but the thumb shifters are gone now and it has proper dual control shifters like Sora/Tiagra/105/Ultegra/Dura Ace and shifts perfectly. It's basically just 8 speed sora.

Lemlin

Is a CX bike a sort of more racer like Hybrid e.g. A racer with flat handle bars?

Inquitus

Lemlin wrote: »

Is a CX bike a sort of more racer like Hybrid e.g. A racer with flat handle bars?

Its a road bike adapted for racing off-road, so tyres are wider and knobbly, only canti or disk brakes allowed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross_bicycle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRZOa_E9Qs8

Raam

Don't buy a Ridley online without being very certain of your size. I would normally take a 58 but I can't figure out if I'm a 56 or 54 in a Ridley.

RobFowl

Raam wrote: »

Don't buy a Ridley online without being very certain of your size. I would normally take a 58 but I can't figure out if I'm a 56 or 54 in a Ridley.

Ritchies in Swords are dealers and can advise.
I thought I'd be a 54 but am a 52, apparantly the sizes are relatively large

rollingscone

TCX2 for €950 doesn't make your list?

dave_o_brien

RobFowl wrote: »

I have a Flanders with 10 speed 105/Frogeyes/FSA 46/36 and American classic 440 wheels if you want to have a look?
Upgrading to a Ridley X night (and will still finish close to last in the B races )

What's the size like on this compared to that lovely Ridley Orion you own?! How much are you looking for for it?

RobFowl

dave_o_brien wrote: »

What's the size like on this compared to that lovely Ridley Orion you own?! How much are you looking for for it?

It's a bit smaller ideal for some one 5'7-5'8 (little small for me at just shy of 5'10)
425 ono

dave_o_brien

RobFowl wrote: »

It's a bit smaller ideal for some one 5'7-5'8 (little small for me at just shy of 5'10)
425 ono

Ah, sh*te... Too small for me then! FWIW, that's a very good price.

DKO

I am 6'1'' and bought a Ridley x-bow 3 years ago - a 54 cm frame.
At first i felt like i was riding a gate, but thats just the high bottom bracket, once i got used to it i felt fine on it, i really like it now.

woodseb

DKO wrote: »

I am 6'1'' and bought a Ridley x-bow 3 years ago - a 54 cm frame.
At first i felt like i was riding a gate, but thats just the high bottom bracket, once i got used to it i felt fine on it, i really like it now.

i'm just over 6 foot and also have a 54 frame which fits fine if its any help to anyone

marcofan

Always go a size down when getting a cross bike
i havent decided if i am doing cross this season so may have a giant tcx for same with shimaon 105 levers and ultegra mechs
must have a look at the calender and see if i can squeeze some racing in

Lemlin

Just to resurrect this thread a bit. I have a racer (Specialized Allez Sport) but I just can't get used to it. I don't like the curved handlebar, the cycling position and have tried but can't settle into it.

I previously had a mountain bike and I'm wondering if a CX bike would be right for me.

The problem is I find whenever I go into a shop the sales people continually push me towards racers when I say I'm not sure exactly what I want.

I am in a cycling club but essentially I just do running with them. The group cycles are on a Sunday morning and I haven't time to disappear for several hours when I've two young kids.

The bike I'd want would be for 1-2 hour 20 to 40k cycles to help brush up my fitness for running. I would be going on some potholey back roads but would mainly try sticking to the N3. The region is very hilly though.

That's why I think a CX sounds right for me.

nak

Lemlin wrote: »

Just to resurrect this thread a bit. I have a racer (Specialized Allez Sport) but I just can't get used to it. I don't like the curved handlebar, the cycling position and have tried but can't settle into it.

I previously had a mountain bike and I'm wondering if a CX bike would be right for me.

The problem is I find whenever I go into a shop the sales people continually push me towards racers when I say I'm not sure exactly what I want.

I am in a cycling club but essentially I just do running with them. The group cycles are on a Sunday morning and I haven't time to disappear for several hours when I've two young kids.

The bike I'd want would be for 1-2 hour 20 to 40k cycles to help brush up my fitness for running. I would be going on some potholey back roads but would mainly try sticking to the N3. The region is very hilly though.

That's why I think a CX sounds right for me.

A cyclocross bike also has drop bars. Not that different to a road bike, use mine for commutes and winter road spins with slick tyres. Nice to have the off-road option too.

Lemlin

nak wrote: »

A cyclocross bike also has drop bars. Not that different to a road bike, use mine for commutes and winter road spins with slick tyres. Nice to have the off-road option too.

Bike shops keep telling me that if I do start cycling with club eventually I will be behind other members with racers if I am on a CX.

nak

Lemlin wrote: »

Bike shops keep telling me that if I do start cycling with club eventually I will be behind other members with racers if I am on a CX.

Fitness is more important! I have been on club rides on my cross bike with road tyres and dropped people on the climbs. It isn't any slower than my road bike. Braking not as good with cantilevers, mini-vs were good though.

Inquitus

nak wrote: »

Fitness is more important! I have been on club rides on my cross bike with road tyres and dropped people on the climbs. It isn't any slower than my road bike. Braking not as good with cantilevers, mini-vs were good though.

Probably bite you in the arse racing, but beyond that no issue.

dave_o_brien

Lemlin wrote: »

Bike shops keep telling me that if I do start cycling with club eventually I will be behind other members with racers if I am on a CX.

Why would you get a cross bike to ride on the road when you already have a road bike? Get a cross bike if you plan on doing cross. There is no advantage to a cross bike if all you plan on doing with it is road riding.

Lemlin

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Why would you get a cross bike to ride on the road when you already have a road bike? Get a cross bike if you plan on doing cross. There is no advantage to a cross bike if all you plan on doing with it is road riding.

Alot of the roads I'd be going on are very uneven. Some wouldn't even pass as roads. I also like the idea of a bike I can use off road if needed.

Would a CX also not allow me the benefits of a racer but be a little more versatile? Also, is a CX not easier to get without drop handlebars? I'd prefer straight.

dave_o_brien

Lemlin wrote: »

Alot of the roads I'd be going on are very uneven. Some wouldn't even pass as roads. I also like the idea of a bike I can use off road if needed.

Would a CX also not allow me the benefits of a racer but be a little more versatile? Also, is a CX not easier to get without drop handlebars? I'd prefer straight.

Now, when you say they wouldn't pass as roads, are you being a bit OTT? Is it just a bad road?

"Racers", as you've called them, are road bikes, designed to tackle all kinds of road surfaces with efficiency and ease. They are great for cycling on roads; good roads especially, but still better than the alternative at handling bad roads.

A cx bike is designed to be ridden in deep mud, through sandy stretches, fire roads, rock paths, etc. They are less efficient on roads than road bikes, and consequently less enjoyable.

If you're sticking to roads, stick with your Allez. Maybe get 25mm or 28mm tyres if they'll fit, and double wrap your bars for extra comfort.

The drop bars thing is a different scenario. A lot of newcomers to them find them intimidating, and think the "natural" position is in the lower part of the drops. Spend most of the time on the hoods, it should be comfortable. Over distance, the drops are far more comfortable.

And a flat bar cx bike is a rare enough machine. Flat bar road bikes are very common. Hybrids, which can take cx tyres, are very common too.

From what you've said here, you want to cycle on roads, and have a road bike. You don't like cycling it. Are you sure you actually want to cycle?! Does the bike fit?

Slogger Jogger

Lemlin wrote: »

Alot of the roads I'd be going on are very uneven. Some wouldn't even pass as roads. I also like the idea of a bike I can use off road if needed.

Would a CX also not allow me the benefits of a racer but be a little more versatile? Also, is a CX not easier to get without drop handlebars? I'd prefer straight.

Lemlin, I'm in the same boat and in recent years I picked up a Giant TCX2 which I'm very happy with. Copes well with bad roads and can take on some trails too. Works well for me.

Lemlin

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Now, when you say they wouldn't pass as roads, are you being a bit OTT? Is it just a bad road?

"Racers", as you've called them, are road bikes, designed to tackle all kinds of road surfaces with efficiency and ease. They are great for cycling on roads; good roads especially, but still better than the alternative at handling bad roads.

A cx bike is designed to be ridden in deep mud, through sandy stretches, fire roads, rock paths, etc. They are less efficient on roads than road bikes, and consequently less enjoyable.

If you're sticking to roads, stick with your Allez. Maybe get 25mm or 28mm tyres if they'll fit, and double wrap your bars for extra comfort.

The drop bars thing is a different scenario. A lot of newcomers to them find them intimidating, and think the "natural" position is in the lower part of the drops. Spend most of the time on the hoods, it should be comfortable. Over distance, the drops are far more comfortable.

And a flat bar cx bike is a rare enough machine. Flat bar road bikes are very common. Hybrids, which can take cx tyres, are very common too.

From what you've said here, you want to cycle on roads, and have a road bike. You don't like cycling it. Are you sure you actually want to cycle?! Does the bike fit?

I spent 5 years cycling a mountain bike while in secondary school doing 3 miles a morning to get to my bus stop.

I'm now 29 and was 12 when I started that so yes, I'm pretty sure I want to cycle. I may not be a seasoned pro but I've been enjoying cycling as a hobby for 17 years now, albeit on less technical bikes.

I just don't enjoy cycling the racer as much as I did the mountain bike. That may be hard for some like yourself to comprehend but I just don't feel comfortable on the racer.

People told me I would get used to it but I now have it since last November and there's no sign of that happening.

That's why I thought a CX may bridge the gap between the two.

Raam

Lemlin wrote: »

That's why I thought a CX may bridge the gap between the two.

In my experience the CX bike is way more like a road bike, apart from wider tyres which do cushion some of the bumpier roads.

That said, I have my position set up similar to my road bike, although not quite as aggressive.

dave_o_brien

Lemlin wrote: »

I spent 5 years cycling a mountain bike while in secondary school doing 3 miles a morning to get to my bus stop.

I'm now 29 and was 12 when I started that so yes, I'm pretty sure I want to cycle. I may not be a seasoned pro but I've been enjoying cycling as a hobby for 17 years now, albeit on less technical bikes.

I just don't enjoy cycling the racer as much as I did the mountain bike. That may be hard for some like yourself to comprehend but I just don't feel comfortable on the racer.

People told me I would get used to it but I now have it since last November and there's no sign of that happening.

That's why I thought a CX may bridge the gap between the two.

Ok, I think you thought I was being condescending, which wasn't my intention.

If you've cycled for 12 years on a mtb comfortably, and are not getting used to the drops, then maybe you're one of the ones for whom flat bars suit better. I cross bike, as Raam said, is too similar to a road bike, in my opinion.

Lemlin

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Ok, I think you thought I was being condescending, which wasn't my intention.

If you've cycled for 12 years on a mtb comfortably, and are not getting used to the drops, then maybe you're one of the ones for whom flat bars suit better. I cross bike, as Raam said, is too similar to a road bike, in my opinion.

What type would you suggest though? A hybrid or a touring bike?

I've tried going to shops to get info but I continually get pushed towards racers by the salespeople.

Raam

Lemlin wrote: »

What type would you suggest though? A hybrid or a touring bike?

I've tried going to shops to get info but I continually get pushed towards racers by the salespeople.

Go in and ask for a touring bike. A touring bike can look like a "racer" (proper term is road bike), since they would tend to have drop bars.

Here's a touring bike which I would love...
http://www.vannicholas.com/8/6/Yukon/bike.aspx

Some folk use that one as a CX bike.

Comfort is all down to how you set it up for position.

Harrybelafonte

If you're not going further than 40km just get a hybrid.

Sales people may be pushing you to bikes with drops as many who go hybrid very quickly move to road bikes, you've come from the other end. Hybrid for you. Or get a decent MTB with tyres that are inbetween road/off road, if they exist.

Hunterbiker

Could this be more of a fit issue? I read in places that the allez is also more on the aggresive end of riding position too?

Can you ask the shop to set this up with you again?

Or if you are going to get another bike try different road bikes for ride comfort and sell the allez.

Or pay for a proper fit to be done by all accounts its money well spent.

My scenario is a classic I am on a hybrid (flat bar / skinny tyres) and now I am doing more cycling Im looking at getting a road bike. I was thinking about a cx but just think having researched it a bit more that a road bike is what I need. But I will go to shops with a budget in mind not a brand and try for one that suits my riding / build.

Inquitus

Is it possible to use a Cyclocross Bike as a dual purpose for racing Cyclocross and Touring / Audax (with a change of Tyres) or his this a blasphemous notion?

cunavalos

Lemlin wrote: »

What type would you suggest though? A hybrid or a touring bike?

I've tried going to shops to get info but I continually get pushed towards racers by the salespeople.

This although expensive is probably what you are looking for

http://planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBOODDRIVFB/on_one_dirty_disco_flat_bar_gravel_bike

A full cyclocross frame with flat bars

They are not commonly available as an off the shelf product but by buying the components individually could be done for most cross frames.

With full cyclocross frames the geometry may not be entirely suited to flat bar conversions as they are traditionally designed for an aggressive riding position which is why the suggestion of a touring/audax frame capable of taking wider tyres may make more sense. Also many cross frames will lack eyelets for mudguards and panniers as well as having no fittings for bottle cages.

Personally i would recommend getting something built up along the lines of a planet-x-kaffenback
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-planet-x-kaffenback-9993
this is not available fully built up from planet x at the moment so you will have to buy the components individually

Other possible options may include a dolan multi-cross or a surly cross check.

Tenzor07

A proper "CX Race" bike will have no eyelets for mudguards or panniers...or even water bottle cages! it's a race bike after all! NSS!

I see a lot of people looking for the cheapest bike possible for racing, though whats wrong with spending over €1000? After all you will only use it from September to January, after that it will just stay in the shed ready for next season.. And once it's properly washed, cables changed etc then there is no reason it won't last you for many many years...

Although in Ireland weight does not matter so much as mud clearance, as you tend to pick up about 10lbs extra in mud! :-D

nak

Inquitus wrote: »

Is it possible to use a Cyclocross Bike as a dual purpose for racing Cyclocross and Touring / Audax (with a change of Tyres) or his this a blasphemous notion?

Yes, I have a Kinesis Crosslight, and chose that because it was cheap and multipurpose as it has bottle cage mounts, mudguard/rack eyelets. Race on it and intend to use if for touring next year. I use the bike all year for commuting with Vittoria Randoneurs.

We can't all afford to spend lots of money on a cyclocross bike and I have seen frames (my husband's included), easily damaged by crashes racing/training. Decent wheels and tyres for racing are a better investment imo.

slideshow bob

RobFowl wrote: »

It's a bit smaller ideal for some one 5'7-5'8 (little small for me at just shy of 5'10)
425 ono

@RobFowl - Interested in seeing if this might work for me. Any photos available?

dave_o_brien

Lemlin wrote: »

What type would you suggest though? A hybrid or a touring bike?

I've tried going to shops to get info but I continually get pushed towards racers by the salespeople.

Well, first I'd get an opinion on whether or not the bike you have fits you. A tweak in set up might be all you need to improve your enjoyment of a bike.

If not, a flat bar road bike would be a good choice. There's a huge variety in this, so from something like a Giant Escape for mid-distance city riding, to Cube SL Cross's for the ability to take them offroad to the likes of a Giant Rapid, which is very much an endurance road bike with flat bars for longer distance fitness rides. A cyclocross bike can be used for commuting: I use one myself. But they are compromised by poor brakes, unless you go for disks (go for disks if you can!).

You need to balance common opinion with your preferences for cycling. Bear in mind that there's a reason that people who do a lot of miles mostly prefer drops: they're a lot more comfortable once the fit is right.

Lemlin

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Well, first I'd get an opinion on whether or not the bike you have fits you. A tweak in set up might be all you need to improve your enjoyment of a bike.

If not, a flat bar road bike would be a good choice. There's a huge variety in this, so from something like a Giant Escape for mid-distance city riding, to Cube SL Cross's for the ability to take them offroad to the likes of a Giant Rapid, which is very much an endurance road bike with flat bars for longer distance fitness rides. A cyclocross bike can be used for commuting: I use one myself. But they are compromised by poor brakes, unless you go for disks (go for disks if you can!).

You need to balance common opinion with your preferences for cycling. Bear in mind that there's a reason that people who do a lot of miles mostly prefer drops: they're a lot more comfortable once the fit is right.

A Giant Rapid 3 looks like a decent bike. Would it be classed as a touring bike or what?

MAntoD

RobFowl wrote: »

It's a bit smaller ideal for some one 5'7-5'8 (little small for me at just shy of 5'10)
425 ono

Any chance you still have this and are looking to sell? I'm looking for a cx bike for commuting and a little bit of the muddy stuff on weekends to keep me interested during the winter.

RobFowl

MAntoD wrote: »

Any chance you still have this and are looking to sell? I'm looking for a cx bike for commuting and a little bit of the muddy stuff on weekends to keep me interested during the winter.

Yes still there and going prob going to sell it. If you're about North County Dublin you're welcome to have a look..

MAntoD

RobFowl wrote: »

Yes still there and going prob going to sell it. If you're about North County Dublin you're welcome to have a look..

That's great, I'm 175cm (5'9") but I'm short in the leg so it might be a good fit. Any chance you could on me some photos? (Not sure if the rules allow this. If not we can work something out)