Quote Originally Posted by liza View Post
Standover is likely to be more of an issue for you with cross bikes, if you have a short inseam, because cross bikes often have higher bottom brackets so the bike is taller overall. Compact geometry is probably going to be mandatory for you.

Trek makes the XO1 for around $1500, looks like a solid entry level bike. XS is 47cm, but standover is 74 cm...

Also Felt F1X, which comes in 49cm, but again has standover of 74.4...

Specialized Tricross, similar... Nothing seems to have a standover of much less than

Are you absolutely sure you're measuring correctly? I'm about your height (5'6" actually) but have an inseam of 80cm. My legs are not freakishly long (in fact I'm a little long-waisted). I have a 52 cm Bianchi Axis that fits me well. (hmmm, looks like they've downgraded the Axis from 105 parts to Tiagra... annoying...).

Wonder why your first choice for a cross **race** bike is steel? I could see that for general riding, but alu is going to be stiffer, snappier, probably a bit lighter (unless you shell out $$$$$) -- seems a more logical choice for racing?

What's your budget? Sounds like it's actually a little more flexible than you're letting on ?
i'm positive i'm measuring correctly. and i can BARELY clear the top tube on my XS '07 specialized roubaix expert compact rival...which has a stand over clearance of 724mm. why steel as my first choice? mostly comfort...i'm afraid aluminum might be too jarring of a ride (i have ever ridden aluminum, but the conjecture i've read about the ride quality makes me wary of them)...not to mention aluminum might be the most fragile material in the even of a crash (either aluminum or a poorly designed/manufactured carbon frame)...

budget? haven't REALLY set one. since this is my first cross bike, i'm was hoping to spend less than $2K...but if i have to, i'll go custom and break the bank...if i hate the sport, i can use it as a commuter and around-town bike...