Road bike, cyclocross...suggestion?

mysrh

Hi first post here, I'm in Perth, Australia. Thinking to upgrade my bike.
My current bike is 10 years old, MTB style and weighs 16.5 kg. All my life I never tried a real good design bikes, so I have no clue how it feels.

Throughout the time, eventhough I don't bike regularly, I do feel things that I want to be improved for my new bike, such as weight, gears, or correct bike size.

Now, I usually ride on pedestrian path, sometimes on road. I don't dare riding on the road the whole time because I still feel insecured with the cars passing next to me. I ride bike mostly for commuting, and once a year doing charity bike ride.

Having researched many websites, I come to the point that road bike or cyclocross would be the good bike for me. Then comes where I have to choose between one of them.

So far I gather that cyclocross is ideal for my needs, however, I also read that cyclocross isn't as light as roadbike. But I have no clue how much the difference is, and if I can get away with it.

Is cyclocross weight much different then the weight of my old bike in average?
With roadbike, will it reduce its durability over time if I ride it on pedestrian paths? I mean the paths are not smooth flat like roadway.

Thanks for any advice, I'll add more if I have anymore questions.

gclark8

I am in Perth and have not seen any cyclocross bikes in any local shops. The way to go would be to have a road bike and a MTB for the rough stuff. Even my GF does that, a Felt F 100 road bike, and an Apollo Panther MTB with 1.75 tyres and a 11-28 cassette for local rides.

Another friend got a Giant OCR3 on special last week for $780. The Giant MTBs are cheap at the moment too.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

mysrh

Can I have a comparison description of the two bikes below:

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adul...ONQUEST-PRO.htm



http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/2006-RLADULT-specs_files/CONQUEST.htm



Much appreciated!

gclark8

The specs look good, but, who sells it in Perth and at what price?? A MTB and a road bike may be a bettter way to go.

__________________
Cheers,
George.