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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 9:54:50 GMT
I'm thinking about getting into this Cross thing next season and I have my eye on a bike through the cycle to work scheme. Thing is, I'm not sure I would keep my manhood if I brought another bike into the house so it's one in, one out.
Am I being unrealistic to get rid of my commuter/winter bike and bringing in the cross bike as a race bike and replacement commuter? I'd get some race gash wheels for the week.
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Post by andyw on Feb 8, 2010 10:54:31 GMT
Not really, that's pretty much what I do. One pair of wheels for training/commuting, then give the bike a wash on saturday, swap the wheels over and you're ready to race on Sunday. Clip on mudguards are a bonus too.
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Post by davidr on Feb 8, 2010 10:57:02 GMT
You can race most cross races on a mountain bike (and some courses are actually more suited to them) in most of the regional races including the London X League. It's only the National Trophies and National Champs that are exclusively cross bike only. So if you've got a MTB then maybe try a race with that first and see how you get on... of course it is almost the end of the season so you might be able to get a deal on a nice new cross bike especially with a Cycle2work discount on top.
There are a number of good cross bikes out there that are perfectly good bikes for winter/touring. Have a look at the Planet X Uncle John, the Focus Mares, Ridley Crossbow (even has rack mounts!), maybe the Specialized Tri-Cross and also the Boardman cross bike (has had some very good reviews but is quite limited in it's availability). Of course you might be able to grab a bargain from ebay on a used bike but be prepared to have to replace parts sooner rather than later due to the nature of their use.
I spent most of last year riding my cross bike to work and at the weekends with road tyres on.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 11:09:06 GMT
I do have a mountain bike with disc brakes (I think these are ok in most races?) I've always loved mountain biking and I thought that cros racing might be both a good way to enjoy some off roading and a good winter fitness helper. I've got my eye on this: www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/cross-machine-cx02-2010-road-bike-ec020520but maybe you are right and it's a bit rash to go out and get it.
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Post by andyw on Feb 8, 2010 11:25:41 GMT
If you want to race cross and not just potter round getting in people's way, definitely get a cross bike.
I've been riding to work on an MTB for last week and it's slow - 20% slower than the cross bike with nobbly tyres for the same heart rate.
Get a cross bike, you won't regret it. As fast as a road bike on the road, and waaaaaaay faster on a cross course than an mtb.
I reckon the Boardman is the best bike for the money at the moment. That BMC is a bit of a rotter - looks like it's got a really high BB.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 11:30:19 GMT
Hmm. I have to go to Evans with the work scheme. I'll keep my eye out for something 'other' on there if the BMC doesn't look like it'll cut it. I prefer Specialized but the spec on the Tricross for the same money is crap.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 12:00:39 GMT
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Post by andyw on Feb 8, 2010 12:32:54 GMT
Scott looks best at under £1k
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 12:40:31 GMT
Ah, ok. Cool. Thanks for the advice Andy. I'll keep my eye on it and see if they stick it in the sale at the end of the season!
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Post by andyw on Feb 8, 2010 15:59:38 GMT
Fuji might be ok in the flesh, it just looks weird with that high saddle and flipped up stem. Hard to judge...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 18:22:55 GMT
Ill give the uncle john the thumbs up, has pins for bottle cages (not sure about rack tho). Pretty cheap goood for general riding.
Dunno if planet x do cycle to work scheme either.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2010 22:03:04 GMT
I'm afraid the scheme my work are with is Evans only. No Planet X for me.
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Post by chamoniards on Feb 10, 2010 21:41:42 GMT
Get the Scott Addict from Evans. In fact get two and do cross properly.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2010 22:16:38 GMT
Yeah, I'll borrow the top up money off you Kev. Just hand over any winnings you get this season. ;D
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Post by chamoniards on Feb 10, 2010 22:43:34 GMT
You may have to wait a long, long time if you are relying on my winnings. But seriously, two bikes are better than one.
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