What bike for £700 - 900?

[Zippy]

I have up to £700 - 900 to replace my old Specialised Hard Rock, which is still going strong but i am very much aware that I got swept along in the MTB wave back in the day and I miss having the comfort of drop handlebars and lower profile when I am commuting.

I started off looking at the £900 mark but although this just about buys me a Croix de Fer or similar, the availability starts to drop significantly; slightly cheaper seems to mean there are more of them to find to buy - am I right?

I commute to work on a route that is part road and part cinder track and can be muddy tracks and woodland paths according to where my pleasure takes me. I have never needed a full blown MTB for my style, but I doubt a road bike would have sufficient grip in off road conditions and I don't think the wheels would stand up to much.

Feedback on here as been definitely a Cross bike and this seems to be the way to go as it gives me the MTB feel but with the option of drop handlebars.

The question is, what do others recommend in the price range I have, bearing in mind availability as well. I haven't looked at many bikes as I've had the Specialised for over twenty years asnd it has served me fairly well, just not as fast as I would like in road conditions.

 

[The Jogger]

I have up to £700 - 900 to replace my old Specialised Hard Rock, which is still going strong but i am very much aware that I got swept along in the MTB wave back in the day and I miss having the comfort of drop handlebars and lower profile when I am commuting.

I started off looking at the £900 mark but although this just about buys me a Croix de Fer or similar, the availability starts to drop significantly; slightly cheaper seems to mean there are more of them to find to buy - am I right?

I commute to work on a route that is part road and part cinder track and can be muddy tracks and woodland paths according to where my pleasure takes me. I have never needed a full blown MTB for my style, but I doubt a road bike would have sufficient grip in off road conditions and I don't think the wheels would stand up to much.

Feedback on here as been definitely a Cross bike and this seems to be the way to go as it gives me the MTB feel but with the option of drop handlebars.

The question is, what do others recommend in the price range I have, bearing in mind availability as well. I haven't looked at many bikes as I've had the Specialised for over twenty years asnd it has served me fairly well, just not as fast as I would like in road conditions.

Spesh Tricross £700 or Tricross Sport £850 ish highly recommended by Norm

 

[Norm]

Spesh Tricross £700 or Tricross Sport £850 ish highly recommended by Norm

I'm going to have to say +1 to that, eh.

 

[Zippy]

I'm going to have to say +1 to that, eh.

If its highly recommended by Norm then I'm gonna have a look!

 

[Zippy]

If its highly recommended by Norm then I'm gonna have a look!

Had a look and I like both the Cross and the Cross Sport (prefer the Sport). reviews suggest there may be gear change issues and one review mentioned brake judder (at slow speed) - has anyone noticed either?

 

[MichaelM]

I want an On-One Pompetamine Versa:

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPOMPETVERSA/on-one-pompetamine-versa

 

[TheBoyBilly]

On the subject of the Tricross, Specialized have just put the Crux in their 2011 line-up and I am putting this in my 'wish list'. I would prefer a more relaxed ride so can anyone suggest which of these CX bikes would have a more comfy riding position?

Tricross
Crux
Cross de fer
Fuji Comp

(a bit of an ask I know, and a test ride would give me the ultimate guide but somebody may care to advise)

Ta,

Bill

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I want an On-One Pompetamine Versa:

http://www.on-one.co...mpetamine-versa

Me too, unless I get one I'm going to scream and scream until I'm sick - where's the tantrum smiley?

 

[Zippy]

I quite like the 2011 Specialised Cross Crux; price not too bad either. Only drawback I can see is there are no mounts for mudguards, but I usually use clip-ons anyway.

 

[2Loose]

I want an On-One Pompetamine Versa:

http://www.on-one.co...mpetamine-versa

That is a nice and practical low maintenance bike, hub gears, disk brakes, proper brifters.... I like.

 

[Zippy]

OK - I am now the somewhat cautious (incredibly different feel to my Specialised Hard Rock MTB) owner of a Kona Honky inc. - gonna take some getting used to I think!

 

[Norm]

Nice.

 

[MacB]

great choice Zippy, be sure to give us some detailed feedback on it, there are quite a few interested in these styles of bikes

 

[headcoat]

I am also on the lookout for this type of bike, I had narrowed it down to Giant Seek 0, any thought on this?

 

[MacB]

I am also on the lookout for this type of bike, I had narrowed it down to Giant Seek 0, any thought on this?

not bad but I'd say you get more bang for your buck with an On One Pompetamine, with or without the Versa shifters.