Hi everyone,
I'm a long-time bike commuter, who's finally looking to take cycling a bit more seriously. For the past 11 years or so, I've used an old CCM mountain bike to commute everywhere. I initially wanted to upgrade to a cheaper ($300-$500) hybrid or road bike, but I'd also like to start cycling long distances for fitness. A road bike is probably not the greatest option for me, since the streets are riddled with gravel and giant potholes here, and I'd like to bike a bit down packed dirt paths in the river valley as well. At the same time, I do like going really fast and biking long distances. While I don't cycle religiously right now, I feel it's mostly because my current bike limits me from doing so (it's too small and falls apart periodically).
I came across cyclocross bikes, and they seem very attractive with regards to their versatility and durability. My first question would be, "is it a bad idea to spring for one as a bike newbie?" I've barely maintained my current bike at all, and I know almost nothing about bike components and maintenance, though I'm wholly willing to learn.
I've been scouring classifieds in my area, and I've found someone selling a lightly used Ridley Xbow for $900. This is about twice as much as I initially intended to spend, but given the usage patterns of my current bike, I could definitely make the investment, especially if it will last me just as long. I am worried about leaving such an expensive bike locked on a rack for more than an hour, though, and that might limit my usage of it.
What advice would you offer me, with regards to what sort of bike I should look for, and also the Ridley Xbow Cyclocross as well?
I'm a long-time bike commuter, who's finally looking to take cycling a bit more seriously. For the past 11 years or so, I've used an old CCM mountain bike to commute everywhere. I initially wanted to upgrade to a cheaper ($300-$500) hybrid or road bike, but I'd also like to start cycling long distances for fitness. A road bike is probably not the greatest option for me, since the streets are riddled with gravel and giant potholes here, and I'd like to bike a bit down packed dirt paths in the river valley as well. At the same time, I do like going really fast and biking long distances. While I don't cycle religiously right now, I feel it's mostly because my current bike limits me from doing so (it's too small and falls apart periodically).
I came across cyclocross bikes, and they seem very attractive with regards to their versatility and durability. My first question would be, "is it a bad idea to spring for one as a bike newbie?" I've barely maintained my current bike at all, and I know almost nothing about bike components and maintenance, though I'm wholly willing to learn.
I've been scouring classifieds in my area, and I've found someone selling a lightly used Ridley Xbow for $900. This is about twice as much as I initially intended to spend, but given the usage patterns of my current bike, I could definitely make the investment, especially if it will last me just as long. I am worried about leaving such an expensive bike locked on a rack for more than an hour, though, and that might limit my usage of it.
What advice would you offer me, with regards to what sort of bike I should look for, and also the Ridley Xbow Cyclocross as well?