So I’ve pretty much decided I want a cyclo-cross bike to replace my battered old commuter road bike – an old heavy alu lump that somehow refuses to die (despite my hands-off attitude to maintenance). The main reason for upgrading is I’d like something lighter (the bike above weighs 13.5kg with rack+mudguards!) and the ability to run bigger tyres (I max out at 25mm). I’ve had to commute in snow a few times this winter and 23mm slicks / rim brakes is a bit… silly. I don’t see myself racing but I do potentially see myself going off-road, although the main use will be on road. My current bike is uninspiring and uncomfortable to ride for more than a few miles. I have a summer road bike for ‘proper’ miles so I don’t anticipate doing road centuries or anything like that on this bike.
Things I definitely want
Drop bars
Clearance for at least 28mm tyres, maybe 32mm?
Mudguards
Some way to mount a rack
Discs
Things I think I want
Hydro disc brakes? This would require a hike in budget for sure
Things I don’t want
Anything too blingy that I’d be afraid to leave locked up
Budget: Not sure. Probably around £800-1000, ideally less.
What I don’t know is whether I should be getting a traditional cross bike or one of these new breed of cross/commuters. Maybe a Kaffenback? I’m unclear what are the relative merits of all these different subtypes really.
Bikes I have looked at
Kaffenback
London Road
XLS / Disco no mudguard mounts
Ribble no discs
Boardman a bit common 😛 , heavy for the comp model, no proper mudguard mounts on the team
Genesis Croix de Fer, CDF. Quite heavy, expensive, looks nice. Not entirely ruled out.
Giant – the TCX looks nice but no rack mounts, the Revolt and Anyroad look a bit… nooby.
Any other suggestions?