bikelust -- moving up from a hybrid, looking at cross

[PscyclePath]

If you're looking at a 'cross bike as a combination tourer/all-around bike that will let you ride dirt or paved trails, I'd suggest a Surly Cross-Check. I got one of these back in the summer with the intent of using it as a fast(er) commuter, and have pretty much fallen in love with it.

Surlys are steel, and may be a little heavier (mine, with a Delta cargo rack and a Brooks saddle, weighs 24 pounds before I put anything else on the rack), but I've been very pleased with the ride, as well as that it does well on both pavement, the scratchy stuff that passes for pavement in big parts of this town, and dirt roads pretty well.

They're offered by Quality Bike Products (QBP), and just about any LBS with a QBP account can get one for you.

[HillSlugger]

Jamis Coda. Not a cross bike but it's steel, has near mtb gearing (30/32), and can take racks and fenders. Comes with 28mm tires.

[AnnieBikes]

I just bought a Specialized Tri-cross and I love it. I tried it out at the Specialized store in Denver when I was visiting a friend there, the only place where I could actually try out the bike in MY size. I absolutely loved it. It has eyelets for racks, handlebar brakes as well as regular brakes. It has MTB gearing with a 12-34 on the rear. The components are Tiagra which are not as high a level component as I would have liked but they are really feeling good now that I have ridden some.

The bike is a bit heavy but I don't race or anything!! It comes with 32 tires and it has a really smooth ride. I can take it on the road and on a rail trail if I want. Oh, it does have dropped handle bars!

Good luck choosing! TRY THEM before you BUY them!!!

[ilima]

Jamis Coda. Not a cross bike but it's steel, has near mtb gearing (30/32), and can take racks and fenders. Comes with 28mm tires.

Nice suggestion. Comes in various varieties to suit your budget, too.