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Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike
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pequa tri
Oct 6, 08 17:53
Post #1 of 23 (360 views)
Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike
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I have some money to spend right now and I am debating buying a set of race wheels or a cyclocross bike. My most competitive sport is triathlon, but now that I am going to school in upstate NY instead of outside of NYC there are a lot of cyclocross races around and I want to race. So it comes down to do I want to spend $1500 on a set of Bontrager Aeolus 6.5 wheels, or a Trek XO 1 as an entry level cross bike? Also, since the cross season already started, would it be worth it to wait until the spring to get the bike, or jump in now?
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DavidK
Oct 6, 08 18:25
Post #2 of 23 (345 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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Cross bike hands down.
Look at as the difference between dropping a minute or two in time trials and tris versus riding a racing and riding many more hours a year while developing very helpful cycling skills.
Or, consider how many hours of use/ejoyment each might give you.
You will enjoy the cross bike more.
Get race wheels next time you find extra money . (Then, you will be debating getting a tri wheelset or cross tubulars.)
David K
Jeff Vader
Oct 6, 08 18:39
Post #3 of 23 (336 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [DavidK]
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Tough question. Are the wheels dimpled?
I would go with the cross bike.
mayhew
Oct 6, 08 18:40
Post #4 of 23 (332 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [DavidK]
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Get the 'cross bike. It's going to add a whole new level to your handling skills. And your fun meter.
Plus, it'll make a great winter bike, which you are going to need. You can run full fenders and slightly wider tires.
Ti T'war
Oct 6, 08 18:46
Post #5 of 23 (325 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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Crosser all the way.
BTW you can do alot better than entry level for that price. I got this
had it out for the first time the other day, what a blast!
__________________________________________________
It's T'war like 'car'
http://www.tritwar.blogspot.com
This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club
rroof
Oct 6, 08 18:48
Post #6 of 23 (324 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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Wow, that is about the easiest "spend my money" question ever.
Cross bike!!! Not only will it probably make you faster anyway, you will have a spare bike, winter/rain ride, fun cross bike when you race (you WILL be hooked) :)
I think Trek just upped the price of the X01 though. I'd also look at a Felt F35x and Redline Conquest Pro in that price range.
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD
Khai
Oct 6, 08 18:48
Post #7 of 23 (324 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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'cross bike.
No question about it.
<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?
rroof
Oct 6, 08 18:53
Post #8 of 23 (320 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [Ti T'war]
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You know, you CAN break the Slowtwitch rule and put the chain in the SMALL chainring when photographing a cross bike since that is where it will be when racing ;)
Nice looking rig!
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD
fox5
Oct 6, 08 19:05
Post #9 of 23 (310 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [rroof]
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What school in upstate?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/...06989S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/...06989S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/...06989S600x600Q85.jpg
pequa tri
Oct 6, 08 19:15
Post #10 of 23 (304 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [rroof]
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I guess my decision is made. I am looking at Trek b/c I work for a LBS and trek dealer and can get employee pricing.
allenpg
Oct 6, 08 19:58
Post #11 of 23 (287 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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For $1500 you can easily get a used pair of Zipps or other carbon tubular as well as a decent Redline Conquest or Surly Cross Check used. So, you could have the best of both worlds...:)
http://www.extrememomentum.com
http://www.midwesttimetrial.com
pequa tri
Oct 6, 08 20:35
Post #12 of 23 (277 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [allenpg]
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In Reply To
For $1500 you can easily get a used pair of Zipps or other carbon tubular as well as a decent Redline Conquest or Surly Cross Check used. So, you could have the best of both worlds...:)
If you can find that for me (size 60 frame) ill give you a nice finders fee.
allenpg
Oct 6, 08 20:40
Post #13 of 23 (276 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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Keep your eye out here:
http://classifieds.roadbikereview.com/showcat.php/cat/4
Some good deals.
http://www.extrememomentum.com
http://www.midwesttimetrial.com
Ti T'war
Oct 7, 08 5:05
Post #14 of 23 (254 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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Here is a
Raleigh for $875
__________________________________________________
It's T'war like 'car'
http://www.tritwar.blogspot.com
This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club
mtlrunner
Oct 7, 08 5:13
Post #15 of 23 (248 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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http://www.bikesdirect.com/...ucts/cross_bikes.htm
i just got the Fantom Cross UNO! single speed cross bike baby! perfect for winter commuting and hucking around with the McGill cycling team.
Alpern
Oct 7, 08 5:16
Post #16 of 23 (245 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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If you can get employee pricing... first, see if the Lemond/Gary Fisher hookup is there (the Presidio is a thing of beauty). Then also consider building up a Salsa, since any bike shop can get deals on QBP stuff.
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My NYC Tri Race Report
pequa tri
Oct 7, 08 6:19
Post #17 of 23 (222 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [Alpern]
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Lemond is a no go on employee orders as far as I have heard, but Gary Fisher is definitely an option. I also looked in Salsa, but building one of their bikes up can get expensive. I think their chili con croso with a shimano 105 groupo and ultegra rear was close to $2000 with wheels and stuff, but I dont have the numbers in front of me now. My road bike right now has 105 components on it so sticking with them to keep the price low is probably what I am going to try to do. Rival is nice, but you definitly pay for it.
How is the wright of the Presidio? It looks like the same bike as the XO 2 with a steel frame.
(This post was
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by pequa tri on Oct 7, 08 6:23)
Alpern
Oct 7, 08 6:25
Post #18 of 23 (212 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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The GF Presidio is this year's badging what was historically the Lemond Poprad.. beautiful bike, and a great parts kit this year. I have the '01 and I think it might be my favorite bike to ride.
The Salsa should absolutely, positively not be that much money. I could build one up without employee pricing for that much with a bit of comparison shopping and coupons. Retail is about a grand for the frame, serviceable wheels should be a few hundred, parts from PBK... you should be able to do better.
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My NYC Tri Race Report
zebragonzo
Oct 7, 08 7:12
Post #19 of 23 (198 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [Alpern]
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Cross vote here too!
pequa tri
Oct 7, 08 14:26
Post #20 of 23 (164 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [zebragonzo]
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I ran the numbers at work today. A chili con croso with 105 is about as much money at cost as the Trek XO 2 with rival. Since I am looking to save money wherever I can I think I am going to go with the XO 1 with 105 for significantly less than the croso unless the frame is much better on the salsa?
ShoMyOFace
Oct 7, 08 15:28
Post #21 of 23 (142 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [Ti T'war]
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Ti, where did you ride, I see you enjoyed it. If you drive up I94 a few miles, you could hit hours of dirt roads in the Thumb.....
“I’m thinking I might take that new chick from logistics. If things go well, I might be showing her my “O” face…..you know what I’m talking about………” - Drew “Office Space”
Ti T'war
Oct 7, 08 15:34
Post #22 of 23 (139 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [ShoMyOFace]
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I took the bike out to Stony Creek on Saturday and hit the MTB trails. Pretty fun, even considering I've not been on a trail for ummm... about 8yrs. It was kinda hard keeping up with my buddy who was on a 29er Super Fly, but that had a lot to do with my Friday evening recreational activities (although the super wide tires on the 29er look nice on the climbs!).
I'm looking forward to getting some more time in the saddle with dirt under the wheels, that's for sure.
__________________________________________________
It's T'war like 'car'
http://www.tritwar.blogspot.com
This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club
Alpern
Oct 7, 08 15:52
Post #23 of 23 (128 views)
Re: Dilemma, Race Wheels or Cyclocross Bike [pequa tri]
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The Salsa frame is definitely nicer... the question is, what's your cost for it?
Feel free to PM me, I just helped a friend build up a frameset into a nice 1x10 on the cheap.
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My NYC Tri Race Report
Print Thread
Off Season
What will you do in the off season?
Bike focus
MTB or 'cross
No training
Run focus
Swim focus
What offseason?
XC ski or snowshoe
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