Cyclocross bikes

[VenusdeVelo]

Don't think I saw Bianchi on the list -- just got one this year for CX (I'm an entry level CXer) and I really like it, and a good price point as well. There are 3 levels (I think) of CX bikes Bianchi sells, I have the mid-tier (Axis) The bottom tier, although it could be used for cross, is billed as more of a commuter/touring bike (Volpe). The Axis retailed for 1399 but I was able to get it for around 1000. Plus, the big selling factor -- I am on the shorter side and Bianchi is one of the few who sells a 44 which is comparable to a 47 on a road bike (I generally fit a 47 or 49 road bike). Many other brands such as Trek, Giant, etc. were too tall for me....the CX bike market has not quite hit on women's needs yet. I wanted decent cross-over on the top tube to be able to mount/dismount without too much trouble. I also use my CX bike when there is crud like snow on the road. Put studded tires on it and it would be a great winter bike.

You will also have V-brake (cantilevers) on CX bikes -- they are much easier to maintain once you slog through the mud in your first CX race!

Have fun bike hunting ;-)

[mudmucker]

I just was talking with a guy the other day that uses his cyclocross bike for everything. He has a Lemond Poprad and specifically chose a cyclocross bike because he wanted one bike to do all. His is a 9 speed double and the weight for road riding doesn't bother him. He's done a couple of centuries on it. He uses his slick tires when he rides on the road, and switches out to wider knobbies when he goes off-road.

[Bluetree]

A short gal in my club has just gotten a sponsorship deal from Redline, therefore has no need for her old bikes. She's offered to sell me her 48cm Orbea Lobular 'cross bike with Campy Record for a really good price (less than four figures). It's slightly bigger and more upright than my S-Works road bike, but I'm really just interested in using it as a part-time rain/beather bike.

Other than replacing the knobby tires, what other things do I need to adapt to make it a worthy rain/road cruiser?

Thanks!

[tulip]

An Orbea as a beater bike?! Egads!

Lucky you. Take care of her, even if she is your beater bike...

I'd replace the Campy with Shimano 105 (Campy is NOT beater-bike stuff!) and KEEP the tires--good in rain and mud. Do you cyclocross? Wow, with a bike like that, you might want to start.

[RoadRaven]

Am saving this thread to my favourites
We are thinking about adding a couple of cyclocross bikes to our stable and this has a good range of recommendations
Thanks gals

[tulip]

Bicycling Magazine (the current issue) has a review of the Luna Orbit cross bike. It's a very nice bike if you are looking for a custom-made frame. I have a Luna Eclipse road bike and I love the fit. Margo (the framebuilder) really does wonderful work.

[Velobambina]

I have a Luna Orbit (and an Eclipse) and I love both bikes. My Orbit has a custom-made steel fork--rides like a dream. I ended up putting road slicks on my Orbit, as I prefer my Kona Lisa for anything off pavement (my almost 45-year old bones appreciate Lisa's dual suspension).

Both of my Lunas are PINK.

I admit that I inwardly groaned when I saw the Orbit featured in Bicycling. I'm such a snob....don't like my stuff getting "discovered" by the masses. LOL. Kind of how I felt when I first heard the Cure on "regular" radio, after years of loving them before America "discovered" them.