In article <crYva.820156$3D1.464315@sccrnsc01>, lawrence reis wrote:
> Hi all
>
> I'm looking to buy a CycloCross bike but need some help. I'm debating between buying a 1999
> Cannondale XS800 w/headshock (used), Trek XO1 (new), or a Redline Conquest (new). All are in the
> same price range. The problem is I don't know enough about these bikes to make a decision. Any
> thoughts...
I would try to get a CDale without the Headshok, but with disc brakes. Barring that, go with the
Redline. I've seen it in action, and it's a fairly good deal.
However, it's my opinion that steel bikes make better 'Cross bikes. The rattle off of the terrain is
brutal, and steel seems to vibrate a little less when in rattling terrain (whether by bike design or
by virtue of the metal itself, I don't know). A steel frame can be modified later to have disc tabs
on it (which I'm doing with my steel Brodie Romax this year) if you want to, and know a good frame
builder in the area. I recommend discs only if you're around my size - 6'3" and touching on 90kg
(200lbs). If you're smaller, take whatever brakes you have on the bike you get and sell them to buy
Spooky 'Cross brakes.
BTW, it's not really Cyclocross if you've got a suspension. If you want to race suspended, bring a
mountain bike.
JS
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