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Cyclocross bike shortlist for a newbie!

by LKB
Fri, Nov 01, 2013 11:50
14

Hi there, looking at buying a bike and settled on cyclocross, but would love some advice. Not bought a bike for 10 years.
Use: local roads, short country tours, hammering around towpaths, mucky parks & the odd nonsense.

Max budget £1k, would like discs & decent gear set but if anything decent for less, i'll listen.

Norco Threshold A1 2014 is the forerunner for a healthy set up and pricing.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/threshold-a1-2014-cyclocross-b...

I'm a 1.65m male (sadly no growth spurts due soon) & limited to Evans due to ride2work scheme.
Thanks for help!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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14 comments

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zzk | 11 years ago
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CAADX, great do it all machine. Bit late, but Evans often knock a decent chunk off last year's stock. Got mine for a song 2yrs back, best bike I've owned for sheer enjoyment and I've had a LOT of bikes....

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Team Rux | 11 years ago
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Cannodnale CAADX 6 Tiagra - just bought the 2014 model and loving every minute - handles brilliantly off road and, with a set of slicks, more than a match for a road bike. Was tempted by the Boardman CXTeam though - great looking bike and good spec for the price too.

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Jez Ash | 11 years ago
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Big dave reviewed the Arkose and liked it a lot.

http://road.cc/content/review/90686-pinnacle-arkose-three

I've got a Boardman CX Team which is an excellent bike - one of the raciest positions of the CX bikes I've tried which I like a lot, but some might prefer something a bit more upright. It's served brilliantly in commuting, touring, road and off-road applications, so I guess I'm endorsing your choice of a CX ... with just a change of tyres you've got so much flexibility in one bike.

Norco looks quite well specced for the money - can't find a figure on weight - there's quite a bit of variation in this price band, so if that's important to you, try and find out.

I've tried the Trek Crossrip and found it underwhelming. The Tricross has a lot of fans - not heard much wrong with it (although Sora for £900 isn't that exciting).

Bear in mind that not all CX bikes have rack/mudguard mounts. This was important for me, may not be for you.

If weight isn't important (say you live somewhere fairly flat) but weatherproof low-maintenance toughness is, the Genesis Day One Alfine 8 would be an interesting left-field choice.

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brandobiker | 11 years ago
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I recomend the Ridley Crossbow, I have one and find it is a great all round bike, thoughly recomended. 16

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glynr36 | 11 years ago
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CaadX 6, yes it's tiagra but better frame than the other offerings at that price.
Frame counts for more than the bits bolted on to it.

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LKB | 11 years ago
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Thanks all, some great insight there. Have only ridden the Norco , will visit Evans tomorrow for a few more to test out (Arkose, Cannondale or Tricross) and then select the winner. One last thing, is there any reason against the Norco? in terms of spec or other?

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sodit | 11 years ago
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I have got to mention Specialized Tricross Sport. But get the 2011 model they are still around for £700 ish. With a 30/32 low gear you will get up anything, sorry no disc brakes, Tiagra (9s speed) levers and front derailleur, triple crank set, deore lx rear derailleur they were £1000 new in 2011 and still new ones out there.
Oh did I mention I have owned one for a year and think its great so I am biased. 16

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Joeinpoole replied to sodit | 11 years ago
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sodit wrote:

I have got to mention Specialized Tricross Sport. But get the 2011 model they are still around for £700 ish. With a 30/32 low gear you will get up anything, sorry no disc brakes, Tiagra (9s speed) levers and front derailleur, triple crank set, deore lx rear derailleur they were £1000 new in 2011 and still new ones out there.
Oh did I mention I have owned one for a year and think its great so I am biased. 16

I too have a Specialized Tricross Sport (2010) and I love it. It's a truly fantastic machine, fits me like a glove, is almost unnaturally comfortable and I can go EVERYWHERE on it ... forever.

I'd buy another in a heartbeat although I would go for the disc brakes with the latest models.

Btw, you can pick up decent 2010 models on EBay for £400-450 nowadays.

There is actually a reason why Specialized have become the world's biggest bike manufacturer over the last 30 years. It's because of the bikes they make.

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Argos74 | 11 years ago
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Arkose gets a warm thumbs up from me. Been using one for the last six months for commuting, sportives and off road riding, almost surgically attached to it these days. If or when I get properly fit, will be using it for it's intended purpose at some point. Versatile, takes a battering, and comfortably too.

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Luminosity | 11 years ago
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Cannondale CAADX, without a doubt. Better than the Specialized Tricross.

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jollygoodvelo | 11 years ago
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From Evans, folks. 3

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VeloPeo | 11 years ago
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Spend £400 more and get a Kinesis Crosslight Pro 6 built. Doens't fulfil any of your price and seller specification but I'm obliged to recommend it 1

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tailwind10 | 11 years ago
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Boardman CX Team - hands down

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jollygoodvelo | 11 years ago
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I'd probably go for the Pinnacle Arkose Three over the Norco.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/arkose-three-2014-cyclocros...

Simply because if you haven't bought a bike for 10 years you'll be un-cycle-fit and the 34/32 bottom gear on the Pinnacle will get you up any hill. Bottom gear on the Norco is 36/28 which is... biggerer.

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