What size are you looking for?

Like Misma said, you can get a new 'cross bike for as little as $850 at the "Link", but it's not the lighest bike out there. If you just want cool, versitile bike to ride around, the Bianchi Volpe is a great bike. But, if you're looking to get into racing 'cross, you might want to look for something lighter.

You may want to check on craigslist etc. since the 'cross (racing) season has just started, many folks will "up-grading" and selling their older bikes, another good way to find a nicer 'cross bike.

Good Luck.

I love my Surly Cross Check. The steel frame may make it a bit heavier than aluminum would, but the material really eats up the noise from rough city streets. This makes it great for use as an urban transportation cycle.


-- Tahoma

first given you dont wanna race look for a triple crank(3 gears in front ) braze-ons for a bike rack and water bottles as many bikes purpose built for racing aint got'em . then realize that the way it fits will be a bit different than a road bike .PAY ATTENTION TO HOW IT FITS does the shop just want to sell ya what they already have in stock or are they looking to order you one (as cool as cross bikes are they just dont sell that well so shops dont order them in every size model and color if they stock ANY it is in the bland easy to deal with color sized to fit a guy about 5'10" ) noting that you are a woman and likely not the right size for whatever they have in stock. but you are in luck nov./dec. 2006 models start coming in and most likely trek/cannondale/kona/fuji... are going to sell the leftovers of the year for cheap so ya might be able to pick one up for a decent price. get out the phone book and call everywhere in the bay with luck you will be able to testride one that fitshalf decently /you fit the size range of what they got in stock. good luck

My cyclocross advise would be not to do it. Wet muddy cold and nasty about sums up my racing experience. I hated it. But hey whatever have fun with it. I have a sweet steel Cramaroti cross bike [ 63 cm cc ] that is way too tall for you. I guess it is a good cross bike but the bottom bracket is way too high for it to make an enjoyable road bike. The knobbies do look mighty cool though.

Did you get a cross-bike in 49cm yet? Cuz I've had one for sale. '89 Bianchi Axis. Suntour XCD. Fenders, rack, trunk. Celeste green. As pictured in "green bike tribe".

Fantom Cross Motobecane, a little heavy buy great for commuting and riding the dirt . only 800.00 shipped to your house.

cyclocross oh how i love thee