Need Cyclocross Bike Recommendations for My Petite Wife!

[madisongrrl]

$500 - $2,000 as far as budget.

Hoping for the following as minimum components: Aluminum frame, carbon fork (more forgiving for her bad back) and Shimano 105's.

You might have a hard time spending less than $2000 if you want a carbon fork, and shimano 105. I had a very hard time finding a complete bike in my size with the components that I wanted, so I had to have it built up. Redline Conquest Pro frames are about 600-700 (i think...but I'd have to check the price list for my bike build). Carbon forks are probably upwards of 250 (just a guess). Shimano build kits are 1000 (give or take). Plus labor, tax, pedals and seat (and maybe even a bike fit if she has back problems). So you might have a hard time fitting carbon fork and shimano 105 in a 2000 budget.