Good but Inexpensive CX bike for commuting. Suggestions?

[rweisheit]

Hey all, first post ever here on the forum, so I apologize if it isn't in the most appropriate spot. Basically I'm looking at getting a decent but affordable CX bike to use for commuting. I seem to have a shortish torso, so something either square or with a slightly shorter top tube would be ideal. Do any of you have any suggestions? Steel, Aluminum, whatever, so long as it can take rubber up to at least 35c WITH fenders. I'm working on a fairly limited budget so something that can be had on Craigslist, eBay, or here for at most $700 complete. I've looked at the Kona Jake, a Bianchi Axis, and a Botecchia steel CX bike, just for reference. Thanks, and look forward to meeting many of you!


Ryan

[vav]

Welcome Ryan:

A couple of threads down: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=132447

Cheers

[TBDSeattle]

Hi Ryan:

In my opinion this is a heck of a deal:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=131835

[bluesea]

Black Mountain CX Monstercross was my choice for a commuter. This one's still available, and is a great deal with the CK headset included.


http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=132193

[c-record]

All good options. Used Redline should be in the budget range too. Surly cross check etc. etc.

[rweisheit]

Those are both fantastic deals, but just a bit out of my price range at the moment :-( I'll check out the redlines. Thanks for the help so far everyone!

[KidWok]

If you don't plan on actually going off-road, look into the last generation Salsa Casseroll using canti's. The lower BB will give you a more road-like experience. They retailed for around a grand and I've seen them used for your price range. Great frameset that you could feel good about hanging nice parts on later.

Tai

[OldCrank]

I commuted on a 2011(?) Jake the Snake, set up with SRAM Rival to go and Shortys to stop. Works great and has good-looking fender mounting - a nice finished look.
OH YEAH and kick-butt A23/Velocity wheels by Echelon John, very close color match to the frame.

The new model orange frames are pretty slick looking too IMO.

[Ken Robb]

If you really want a commuter bike wouldn't a used tourer be better than a cross bike? It would have provisions for fenders and racks at least and maybe the bike would already be so equipped. Heck some real cross bikes don't even have bosses for mounting water bottle cages.

[rweisheit]

I've thought about that, and I'm open to it, but I think I want something a bit "racier" as it were, just because that's how I am. Not ruling them out though.

[rweisheit]

I commuted on a 2011(?) Jake the Snake, set up with SRAM Rival to go and Shortys to stop. Works great and has good-looking fender mounting - a nice finished look.
OH YEAH and kick-butt A23/Velocity wheels by Echelon John, very close color match to the frame.

The new model orange frames are pretty slick looking too IMO.


Yeah, I found a 2012 Kona Jake on craigslist in perfect condition but the dude wants $900 for it. I managed to talk him down to $800 but that's still a couple hundo too high for me. Pretty much exactly what I'm looking for though. Lightweight, full braze-ons etc. He even installed additional cross brake levers, which I'm into. Now if only I could get him down another $200...

[phcollard]

Try to find a steel Jamis Nova! They go for fairly cheap for OK Reynolds tubing and the geo is not too aggressive. Jamis are unsung heroes in my book.

[vav]

There is also a 57 cm SS Lemond Poprad for sale now on the classifieds for $ 600 I think. If it fits, you should grab it ASAP. You won't do much better than that.

[vav]

Here:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=132419&highlight=poprad

[vav]

And for my finder's fee you can send me the Flite :p

[rweisheit]

I would, but it's a little too big!

[shovelhd]

Another vote for a Redline Conquest Pro. That's what I ride.