I'm considering getting a cross bike so I have something to ride when the roads are too salty, wet, and slushy for my road bike. Also, I'd like to give cross racing a shot. There is a series of races right around here and I think it could be a lot of fun.
I don't want to spend more than $1500 on the bike. Today, I rode a 49 cm 2009 Kona Jake the Snake. I liked the way the bike fit, but it weighs 22 pounds and I'm wondering if that is just too heavy. Bear in mind that I can't even do one real pushup. One of the things I'm working on now is upper body strength, and let's just say there's a lot of room for improvement.
I also rode a 2007 Felt. It was two pounds lighter and I could easily tell the difference. The Felt was a 51, though, and it was too big.
I'm open to other bike suggestions. I've read through all the old threads and I wanted to try a Bianchi Axis, but I haven't found one in my size.
The Kona was a fun ride. FWIW, both my road bike and my MTB are very lightweight. So, I tend towards liking light bikes.
Thanks.
Alex