What Cyclo-X

[gb155]

Good luck with your choice. Have you considered Focus? I know you want to actually test them locally, but you can get Focus bikes on a 30 day test ride, and for value for money nothing can touch them. If you check the specs of the Mares range they knock spots off anything else in the same price range, but I fully appreciate you may just want to buy one off the peg.

I just thought you may want to consider them, if you do see HERE,if you don't that's great too

The lack of test rides always put me off, despite how good all the reviews are TBH

 

[smokeysmoo]

The lack of test rides always put me off, despite how good all the reviews are TBH

I think they still do the 30 day test rides though. I know it means shelling out for it in the first place, but a 30 day test ride is far more comprehensive than a quick spin around the block, and you can still get your maoney back if you're not hp.
You can always have a crack on my Mares AX1.0 if you want, it's 60cm frame though

 

[PaulSecteur]

Ended up with a Tricross... the LBS then offered me a deal I couldn't say no too - £530 with sks mudguards fitted. Picking it up Tuesday when my work scheme paperwork is sorted.

Good good! I have a secteur as my special bike and the tricross as my everyday bike. I know some will dis-agree, but the tricross with guards and a rack surly has to be one of the best "do it all" bikes out there. I got mine as a fixer-upper cheap of ebay and couldnt be happier with it (except the brakes which I would rate as useable, rather then the excellent 105 I upgraded the secteur with)

As well as the guards and rack, I ditched the alex rims and got some Mavic A319 in deore hubs while they were on special at wiggle, and also upgraded the pads to Koolstop tektonics. Also, It has Marathon pluses as I have to use it to go to the gym in the morinings before work and Im on a tight schedule, a flat could really mess me up!

[media]http://www.flickr.com/photos/61633863@N08/5694455938/[/media]

 

[lejogger]

I have C2W at work just started - have to decide by July 22nd. I'm considering the Boardman CX. The plan would be to get another set of wheels as well - and keep one with 23c road tyres on and the other with nobblies for off road shenanigans. Trouble is, I already have 4 bikes (bought one this week) and running out of space, partner's patience etc

Martin

Hi Martin - Not a bad idea with the wheels but remember they'd need to be disc compatible, so you wouldn't be able to get anything super aero. I've just stuck some Schwalbe Marathon on mine and it's now perfect for commuting, touring, trails etc, and it's not a huge job to whip the nobblies on for the odd occasion that I might want to totally off road it. My mate did a 10 mile TT using marathons and still left most in his wake.

I'd recommend it if you are seriously looking though. The brakes have gone very squishy, and a bit of index tinkering required, but i've done over 700 miles and 6 week service is due now so *fingers crossed* the one decent mechanic at my local Halfords will be on duty when I drop it off.

 

[Alcdrew]

and what LBS is that then ?

Phil Corleys Cycles, in Milton Keynes.

Managed to pick it up today. Very happy, just been out on a leisure ride with the wife (AKA biking at a very very slow pace).

Photo, got to swap the pedals over and put my rack on.