Any recommendations for a good, but relatively inexpensive cross/commuter bike? Looking for something to ride to work and maybe try the occasional cross race. It would be nice to have mounts for panniers or rack of some sort.
Let’s see:
Redline Conquest – one of the better bang for the buck options
Salsa Chili Con Cross – I just think it’s sexy
Surly Crosscheck
I think the Conquest is probably the best bet for most folks.
It all depends on what range is “relatively inexpensive”.
Relative to a lot of tri bikes, the Specialized TriCross is inexpensive in some of the lower-range models. In 2006, I bought one for a 3 week cycling trip in Spain for $1300, loaded it up with rack, panniers, handlebar bag. It was fantastic. Now it’s a commuter bike. I sometimes go to the Supermarket and fill up the Panniers with the groceries.
Of course, I don’t know diddly about racing cyclocross so I couldn’t tell you how good it is for that. But it is supposed to be a cross bike…
Another thought is a SS/Fixie Cross bike. Check out Specialized. Racing SS your first year has some advantages like concentrating on your bike skills number one to make up time.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38442&eid=123
YOu can then use a flip/flop hub and run it fixed for spring training or commuting.
Ray
I’ll second the Redline Conquest. The 105 and Tiagra specs aren’t bad. Throw on the some fenders and rack and you’re ready to go.
-Pete