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

[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.