Hi All,
It looks a lot like I’ll have funds for a new bike this week if all goes to plan and I need some advice to ensure I get the best for my budget.
It’s a bit of an odd one but I plan on buying a cross bike and later on buy a second set of basic road wheels which leads to a few questions. Firstly, I’ve never had decent roady or cross before. I don’t really have expectations of handling and geometry and I understand a cross bike won’t be perfect for road.
The budget is between $800-$1200 maybe $1500 if its a big step up, so it will be pretty basic, new or second hand is fine (as long as it’s not needing maintenance), 54cm frame.
In terms of new, I’ve had a look around but group sets in my budget are basic and there’s not much difference between them if I’m not missing something.
Boardman Bikes : CX : COMP I can get for $1000 but has Sora gears and Lyra brakes which are probably below par. Team is $1500 and is slightly better spec which I can wait for.
Second hand isn’t really bringing up much atm. I’d really prefer to get something local to have the opportunity to test and check it over. Otherwise I might broaden my horizons and get someone to check it over for me.
Am I on the right track for new? I guess I’ll post used stuff here for advice until people get bored of my questions or I find a bike.
Cell brunswicks are pretty damn good for the price and in your price range. Cell Brunswick Cyclocross Bike
They are a weapon in the right hands! My Giant TCX Advanced 1 is amazeballs but out of your limit - TCR SLR 2 is almost on the money and well spec’d with 105 shifting, FSA crankset and TRP calipers.
I don’t know heaps about this, but in looking around for a friend (who’s out of the market now), 2013ish CAADX’s with 105ish and rim brakes are worth about $750-900. My mate John who races A-grade CX reckons the Norco A3 seems to be a good deal for a decent bike, but for $1500 I’d see if you could nab a Focus. Just let me reiterate though; I don’t know a lot about these things.
Scott’s crux is a little big, maybe I should try it to make sure. Heaps better spec than the other options at the moment. I do read that you generally go down a few cm in cross compared to road so might not work.
The cell seems decent but still base model group, a bit more research and I’ve learnt the $1500 area gets a spec or two up to 105 plus other bonuses. Norcos look decent and if I can extend the budget a bit the A1 would be worthwhile http://www.99bikes.com.au/bike15-norco-threshold-a1
The snake are a bit expensive new and nothing second hand ATM. I did call about a Foucs mares AX 2.0 disc demo which is $1500. All 105, carbon fork and semi hydro brakes. Might be the pick atm.
that was the case/theory with older cx bikes, not the case anymore. same size/fit as your road bike is the standard now, and minor adjustments from there.
I’m keen to get in a lot of time on whatever I end up with before the season starts. Going B this year, will need to carry beer while racing to ease the pain of being dropped so badly. 150km gravel… I might need to make it an overnighter lol.
Geoff, Scott’s bike is a huge step up from what’s on the market in the $1500 range atm.
Just picked up a Focus Mares ax 1.0.
Seriously one of the nicest bikes I’ve ridden. Bought it for a catch all bike so I can consolidate, but I’m inspired to hit the CX side now. Recommend this bike.
I was super close to a Mares 2.0 but I bumped up the budget a bit for a Ridley X-Fire Ultegra, fingers crossed it’s still available when my bonus comes in this week.
Yep, I’ve taken it out a few times and I’m super pleased. Also, I learnt to go a size or two down with the ridley cross bikes, I normally ride a 54, this one is a 50.
