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Should I get: Road bike or Cross bike?

Discussion in 'Sports, Hobbies & Interests' started by logcabinwc, Jan 25, 2013.

  1. Jan 25, 2013 at 8:03 PM
    #1
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I'm torn. I would like a new bike after this year as a commuter/fun/workout bike. I currently have a single speed freewheel road bike that I love (and it was free!) but I want some gears now! I would probably get the bike in about 6-12 months, and my budget is around a $1000-$1500.
    When I ride I'm mostly on pavement, but I do jump curbs, hit some gravel, would love to be able to get onto some hard trails without cringing, and I generally ride pretty hard. Hard enough that I've bent a few wheels just riding to class!

    So any help would be great. I really think a cross bike would be the best for me, but I would love all of your opinions.
    Here are a few bikes I have been looking at. Please, if you think a brand or bike is not that great, let me know!!!

    Specs I think would be great:
    3x8/9 speed
    disc brakes?
    normal drop bar brake handles + flat bar brake handles combo (only on a few bikes have these though)
    definitely holes for fenders for wet seasons

    And now for the bikes I've been looking at, in no particular order:

    Cross Bikes:
    Fuji Cross 2.1
    [​IMG]
    $1100

    Raleigh RX 1.0
    [​IMG]
    ~$1500

    Raleigh RX 2.0
    [​IMG]
    ~$1500

    Trek CrossRip
    [​IMG]
    ~$1100

    Cannondale CAADX SORA
    [​IMG]
    $1100

    Ridley X Bow
    [​IMG]
    $1200? Hard to find a price

    Specialized TriCross Sport Disc Compact
    [​IMG]
    $1300

    Specialized TriCross Sport Triple
    [​IMG]
    $1200

    Specialized TriCross
    [​IMG]
    $1000

    Felt F75X
    [​IMG]
    $1500

    Now for the Road Bikes
    Trek 1 Series
    1.5- $1240
    [​IMG]

    1.2- $1000
    [​IMG]

    1.1- $740
    [​IMG]

    Fuji Sportif Series:
    Sportif 1.7C -$640
    [​IMG]

    Sportif 1.5C- $780
    [​IMG]

    Sportif 1.3C -$890
    [​IMG]

    Sportif 1.1C- $1100
    [​IMG]

    Felt Z Series:
    Z100- $810
    [​IMG]

    Z95- $940
    [​IMG]

    Z85- $1350
    [​IMG]

    Opinions? Comments? Suggestions? More to add to the list?! Let me know!
    Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 25, 2013 at 8:05 PM
    #2
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    oh geez.. how do I resize some of those images? Thats annoying.. sorry!
     
  3. Jan 25, 2013 at 8:21 PM
    #3
    nelztaco

    nelztaco Well-Known Member

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    UNDERCOVER, EIBACH COILS, TSB 4 LEAFS, TRD WHEELS, 255/85R16 KM2
    I would go with one of the disc brake options. Disc brakes and drop bars are awesome and relatively new. I like steel myself. The Surly Cross Check has sort of a cult following. I have two Surlys a cross check I had custom powder coated orange and a moonlander. If the cross check ever gets disc brakes, I will be one of the first in line to buy one.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Jan 25, 2013 at 8:26 PM
    #4
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ^ :eek: How is the moonlander?!
    I've aalllllways wondered how those ride...
    What kind of terrain do you use it in?
     
  5. Jan 25, 2013 at 8:38 PM
    #5
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmJtYaUTa0

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU

    Get a road bike and stronger wheels :D


    I was torn to but when I thought about it, and I don't have time to utilize a cross bike. I also am in no shape and don't have many places for a cross bike to be useful.

    I might get one later on, but if you are looking to hit some hard trail get a road for now and save up for a mountain bike.

    Also, wait until the end of the year to get a bike if you are going to wait anyways. Late october-november/december is the time. I picked up a 1100 cannondale synapse for 700. I almost got a 1450 synapse for 750$ do to model year end sales, but I wasnt thinking and thought i'd save a few bucks :(


    If its worth anything I like my 3x9 drive train. Ratehr have it adn not need it then the other way around. I have never had to use the 1st gear on the crank though so take what you want form it :notsure: my next bike will be a 2x8 or something.

    As far as disc breaks....they sweak...alot. I like v brakes, even if discs are "better" both will stop you just fine. And v brakes are much easier to work with, not to mention cheaper. And there is a reason why the pro's use v brakes.
     
  6. Jan 25, 2013 at 10:25 PM
    #6
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ya I just talked to someone tonight who has discs on his bike... and he said they squeak like crazzzy. And V's are easier to work on and what I'm used to. So I'll probably go with those.


    And those videos are AMAZING. Holy crap..
     
  7. Jan 25, 2013 at 10:45 PM
    #7
    92shawman

    92shawman Person

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    Lots...see build
    Nice tires will help with the gravel and stuff, too.
    I have disc brakes on my mountain bike back home and they stop you really quickly. I'd imagine that on the light road bikes it might be too much stopping power, but I have no idea. They're really not that different from caliper/v brakes, unless you get the hydrolic lines, so don't let that sway you too much.
    Oh, and for the flat bar brakes, you can buy those separately if you want (like $50 for nice in-line brakes or about $15 for the old style like on your girlfriend's bike) and they're pretty easy to install.
    but yeah...gears are nice :p

    Oh, and I have some friends that are really into road bikes that I can talk to or connect you with if you want.
     
  8. Jan 25, 2013 at 10:54 PM
    #8
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    Also if you're using the bike to commute I suggest getting two of the fat kryptonite u-bolt locks. They are pricey but will probably prevent your bike from being stolen. I have seen the master bolt locks cut before. I work at my campus police station and have seen many bikes in the the 4 digits get stolen.
     
  9. Jan 25, 2013 at 10:59 PM
    #9
    92shawman

    92shawman Person

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    This.
    Going to Davis, pretty much everyone that knows how frequently bikes or bike parts are stolen has a kryptonite u-lock.
    I would definitely go with 2 fat ones or one fat small one (like the new york one) and one big one that you can lock to stuff without having to use a cable. The cable is definitely the weakest link. One of my friends had a cable lock and came out to her bike with the cable partially cut through. The person was probably at it right when she came out and had to bail. It was so close to breaking that one of her friends was able to just pull it apart with his hands to break it...talk about good timing!
     
  10. Jan 25, 2013 at 11:48 PM
    #10
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ya seriously! Locks.. I have an On Guard lock.. Cost me 80 I think. Pretty sturdy!
    What are your guys' opinion on those beeeefy chain locks? Like this..
    Whenever I'm home my bike is inside my apartment, and I don't think has been outside overnight in over a year! Bike theft is just soooo common in Davis, as I know Kevin knows. One of my friends has had 4 bikes stolen here.
     
  11. Jan 25, 2013 at 11:52 PM
    #11
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh and in the video above, the second one, he's riding a raleigh, which makes me feel good because the bike I am most drawn to above is the green Raleigh RX 1.0.
    I'm NOT one for flashy stuff or wild colors but that thing makes me wanna ride her alllll day long....



    just sayin'..
    :anonymous:



    and this is my current ride:
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Jan 26, 2013 at 6:38 AM
    #12
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    Those locks get cut as well. They cut the fabric off and smash or cut the chain. And with a new bike like the ones you're looking at, thieves will be willing to work for it. His locks are a hassle to carry around also.


    If you wanted to keep your bike, I'm about to pull off my shifters and rear derailer. All you would need if a front derailed, chain, cassette and crank stuff and you'd be set. Would be much cheaper :p
     
  13. Jan 26, 2013 at 7:06 AM
    #13
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    There are a few reasons why his disc brakes are squeaking but if you are going to be riding in different weather conditions nothing beats a disc brake.

    Your planned type of riding I wouldn't even be thinking about a road bike. I think a cyclocross or a hybrid would be more to your liking.
     
  14. Jan 26, 2013 at 8:17 AM
    #14
    92shawman

    92shawman Person

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    Wouldn't the wheel be too wide to fit in his current frame if he added a cassette? I had that thought, too, but I dismissed it because I thought that the frame wouldn't work. :notsure:
     
  15. Jan 26, 2013 at 8:53 AM
    #15
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    good catch, forgot about that. I guess it depends on what kind of frame it is and if stuff was chopped off it for the single speed :p
     
  16. Jan 26, 2013 at 9:37 AM
    #16
    DCGirl

    DCGirl Well-Known Member

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    My brother is in Berkeley and had his wheels, seat and post stolen. The one day he decided not to chain up his wheels. He uses a kryptonite fahgettaboutit lock on his frame, that was still there. I have seen quite a few stripped bikes just visiting him. So definitely invest in good locks.

    I was debating with the cross bike vs road bike issue myself before I ended up getting my Cannondale synapse 5. One of the best I have ever ridden because I won't dare try a more expensive bike for fear of falling in love :D

    Also, if you haven't, try test riding them. I tried multiple bikes until the cannondale synapse felt like a glove! I had a fuji newest 1.0 for a while but it just wasn't feeling right, my bum would go numb within 15 minutes :rolleyes:
    even with cycling shorts and properly adjusted seat. With the synapse the problem went away. It even felt right as soon as I got on.
     
  17. Jan 26, 2013 at 9:51 AM
    #17
    Mademan925

    Mademan925 Senor Taco

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    enough to go over stuff
    I currently have a carbon fuji road bike before I had a carbon trek but it was stolen. They were both great bikes. I ride about 100 miles a week. I need a road bike I stay on the road. Road bike really dont do well on sidewalks, curbs, gravel, or dirt. If you do ride on those serfaces you will crack your frame, constantly get flats, and need monthly wheel trueing. Cross bikes usually wiegh more and have stronger frames. The tires also have more tred so you will get less flats. I think you should go with the cross. I recomend getting a fuji or trek.
     
  18. Jan 26, 2013 at 12:28 PM
    #18
    DCGirl

    DCGirl Well-Known Member

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    For the riding you wanna do Mademan925 has a good point.
     
  19. Jan 26, 2013 at 12:36 PM
    #19
    nelztaco

    nelztaco Well-Known Member

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    Haha! The moonlander is awesome, but I just can't find the time to get out there on the trails, so I use it for just riding around! I did use it on the beach on summer vacation at the shore and only a fat bike could do that! The one time I had it out at core creek park I got lost. The bike is more capable than I am. A better rider would have gone right over things I stopped for.
     
  20. Jan 26, 2013 at 9:29 PM
    #20
    logcabinwc

    logcabinwc [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ya I think I will definitely test ride all some bikes before I buy. I'll probably go around to some of the many bike shops here in Davis (I think there are about 6.. never bothered to count them all) and then maybe go to Sac to Mike's Bikes or something.
    I'm pretty set on a cross bike now. I really think that would be the best thing. The bike I have now I've already started a crack in the fork that I need to take care of...
    TeamSarcasm- I was looking at my bike and comparing to a few others.. the back width is too narrow to throw anything else in... but thanks!

    And thank you to all who have given input! I really really do appreciate it!

    Oh and by the way my bike pictured above is a "Toto". Then last year I painted it.
    I know nothing about the company, and I tried to research them a while ago when I first got it but found nothing.
    Anyone ever heard of them?
     

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