Cannondale Cyclocross

Hello Nelly: I can't comment on the C'dale cross bike specifically, but can offer some comments on cross bikes in general, as I just recently bought a cross bike for much the same reasons you're looking for one -- that is, mainly road riding with some off road thrown in. The bike I chose is the LeMond Poprad.

I'd always been sceptical about how a cross bike would ride on the open road (I'm mainly a roadie), but was very pleased with how well the Poprad does on the road. It moves along very well -- I can hammer on it without feeling like the bike is working against me, as I do when riding a mountain bike on the road. Basically, it feels like the back end of the Poprad is like a road bike, but the front end is raked out a bit, giving more stability, and making possible things like jumping off curbs and stuff. All in all, I've had a blast on my cross bike, and only wish I'd gotten one sooner. It really is loads of fun, and I feel as though I can go anywhere and do anything on it, including fast group rides.

If I were looking into the Cannondale, I'd check if it were possible to mount fenders. This is pretty much a must if you want to commute, or use it as your rain bike. You'll need eyelets on both the front and rear fenders, plus lotsa clearance, so you can mount full fenders -- I've found that clip-ons don't work over rough surfaces.

As for upgrading to Ultegra, it'd be nice, but if it were me I'd just ride the Cannondale as it is and decide later.

MartyLane