CTech Picks: CX Bikes Under $2000

By Matt Wikstrom CTech Editor

Interest in cyclocross is slowly growing in Australia, and as the cold and wet of winter approaches, riders can look forward to ideal conditions for CX and a growing race calendar. In this article, I take a closer look at CX bikes you can get for under $2000.

A few years ago, there was no market for CX bikes in Australia and they were considered a foreign oddity. Now a dozen or more brands have at least one model on offer in the local market and there are plenty of bikes on offer for less than $2000 that will appeal to newcomers to CX. Of course, you can always pay less for a used road bike and convert it to CX, but you’ll be defeated by poor tire clearance (which traps mud between the frame and the tires) every time.

Choosing a CX bike

CX is really hard on a bike due to constant exposure to mud and water so expect to see accelerated wear and tear in the drive-train and bearing surfaces. Also expect to spend more time and money on maintaining a CX bike. Best advice here is to spend a bit more money up front for harder wearing parts, and that’s why I’ve limited my picks here to bikes equipped with Shimano 105/SRAM Apex or better.

A few thoughts on bike-fit and geometry

Any search for a new bike should start with frame geometry to ensure a comfortable and effective position. While there is some difference in opinion on bike-fit for CX, an experienced road rider can largely adapt their current fit for off-road purposes. There are however, a few considerations unique to CX that are best explained by Australia’s sole representative at the recent CX world championships, Lewis Rattray:

“Two main differences are a slacker head angle, for more control at lower speeds and a higher BB, to enable pedalling through corners and ample clearance of obstacles. Many riders (myself included) run their hoods a little higher on the handlebar, as well as a slightly higher stem position, as this gives much better control and I am able to grab a whole lot more of the hoods. At the same time, it gives me a more upright riding position, which helps through the technical stuff. Having less weight over the front and more weight over the back also provides more traction for the back wheel, which is important for churning through slop.”

As a starting point, consider a frame that is the same size as your road bike, but run a 1cm shorter reach that comes as a result of a shorter top tube, rather than a shorter stem. Most CX frames have a taller front end as a result of taller forks, but don’t hurry to cut down the steerer and slam the stem until you’ve ridden in the slop. Finally, consider dropping your saddle 1cm to lower your centre of gravity.

All of the bikes I’ve picked here feature an alloy frame and a fairly robust build kit. Cantilever brakes remain standard on most CX bikes, providing excellent braking power and feel, and are featured on most of the bikes below. However, some manufacturers are starting to offer models with cable-operated disc brakes, and while they may not be as powerful cantilever brakes, they are easier to maintain and worth considering, even in the sub-$2000 price range. On to my picks:

1. Apollo Xact, $1499

The Xact is the only bike in this group that is priced below $1500 and features a full SRAM Apex groupset

Frame: Triple-butted alloy

Fork: Carbon blades, alloy steerer

Groupset: SRAM Apex

Brakes: Cantilever

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Complete specs: Apollo Xact

Geometry chart (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Seat Angle	Fork Angle	Head Tube
S	520	535	74	71	110
M	540	555	74	71	120
L	560	565	73	72	140
XL	580	585	72	72.5	160

2. Cannondale CAADX 5 105, $1899

The CAADX5 frameset offers 7 sizes and a BB30 bottom bracket

Frame: Butted alloy

Fork: Carbon blades, alloy steerer

Groupset: Shimano 105

Brakes: Cantilever

Sizes: 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm

Complete specs: Cannondale CAADX5

Geometry chart (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Seat Angle	Fork Angle	Head Tube
44	440	515	75	69.5	120
48	470	525	74.5	70.5	130
51	500	535	74	71	145
54	530	545	73.5	72	155
56	550	560	73	72.5	160
58	570	575	73	72.5	180
61	600	590	72.5	72.5	200

3. Focus Mares AX 2.0 Disc, $1799

Focus also offers the Mares AX 1.0 that features cantilever brakes and an Ultegra groupset for $1999

Frame: Triple-butted alloy

Fork: Carbon

Groupset: Shimano 105

Brakes: Mechanical disc

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL

Complete specs: Focus Mares AX 2.0 Disc

Geometry chart (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
XS	500	515	70	74.5	105
S	520	527.5	70	74.5	105
M	540	538	70.5	74	115
L	560	553	71	73	125
XL	580	571	71	73	140
XXL	600	587	71	73	155
3XL	620	603	72	73	170

4. Giant TCX 1, $1899

As always, Giant delivers a bike with upmarket specifications (SRAM Rival groupset) that defies its retail price

Frame: Butted alloy

Fork: Carbon blades, alloy steerer

Groupset: SRAM Rival

Brakes: Cantilever

Sizes: S, M, M/L, L

Complete specs: Giant TCX 1

Geometry table (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
S	530	535	71	73.5	130
M	555	545	71.5	73	145
M/L	565	560	72	73	160
L	575	575	72.5	73	175
XL	590	590	72.5	73.0	190

5. Kona Jake the Snake, $1899

One of my favourites of the bunch, I like both the colour and the race-like lines of the Kona

Frame: Butted alloy

Fork: Carbon

Groupset: Shimano 105

Brakes: Cantilever

Sizes: 47, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61cm

Complete specs: Kona Jake the Snake

Geometry table (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
47	470	520	70	74.5	110
49	490	535	70.5	74	110
53	530	550	71	73.5	135
56	560	565	71.5	73	155
59	590	585	72	73	175
61	610	605	72.5	72.5	185

6. Merida Cyclo Cross 4D, $1599

With the 4D, Merida offers a bargain-priced entry into disc-equipped CX bikes

Frame: Alloy

Fork: Alloy

Groupset: Shimano 105

Brakes: Mechanical disc

Sizes: 48, 52, 55, 58cm

Complete specs: Merida Cyclo Cross 4D

Geometry table (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
48	480	530	69.5	75	100
52	520	535	70	74.5	100
55	550	547	71.5	73	120
58	580	571	72	73	138

7. Boardman CX Pro, $1,519.19

The Boardman CX Pro: A highly spec'd cyclocross bike which provides excellent value for money. Note that the price here does not include GST or duty.

Frame: Alloy

Fork: Full Carbon

Groupset: SRAM Force, FSA Energy Compact BB30

Brakes: Mechanical disc

Sizes: 52.5, 54, 55.5, 57, 58.5cm

Complete specs: Boardman CX Pro

Geometry table (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
52.5	500	525	72	74	120
54	515	540	72.5	73	130
55.5	530	555	73	73	140
57	555	570	73	73	160
58.5	570	585	73	73	175

8. Specialized CruX, $2199

The Specialized CruX tips the scales with our price threshold, but it's a beautiful bike worth looking at.

Frame: Aluminium

Fork: Carbon

Groupset: SRAM Apex

Brakes: Mechanical Disc

Sizes: 46, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm

Complete specs: Specialized CruX

Geometry chart (all lengths are in mm):

Size	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head Angle	Seat Angle	Head Tube
46	460	510	69.5	75.5	100
49	490	516	70.5	75.5	115
52	520	537	71.5	74	125
54	540	549	71.5	73.5	140
56	560	557	72	73.25	155
58	580	570	72.5	73	170
61	610	587	73	72.5	190

Tags: bikes under $2000, cx, cyclocross

Tim

Is there a rating for each one?

What about personal experience? What have you ridden, how has this contributed to the picks, what would you personally recommend (if any).
Tim
- CTech
  
  I’d welcome any opportunity to take these bikes for a ride so I could provide your with a bit of objective feedback and/or insight on the bikes. For now, you’ll have to settle for what amounts to a form guide on many of the bikes you’ll find in store for around $2K or less. Hopefully you’ll find this as a useful starting point…
  - lekoshe
    
    Hey, thanks for the article.
    
    I have a couple of suggestions that’d help me when using it as a reference (and for future similar side-by-sides):
    
    * Wheel & tyre choices are super important too – and having to click through every one to find out kinda defeats the purpose of a quick summary article
    
    * A comparison table at the end would be really helpful
    
    cheers /k
- Matt Wyatt
  
  I’ve got the Focus Mares (last years model – no discs) and I absolutely love it. I haven’t found anywhere I can’t ride it yet. It flies on fast singletrack, is good in the technical sections and when its wet I throw on my road wheels and train on it. If you can only afford one bike, get a cross bike. If you are keen on racing and are in Melbourne, get onboard with the Dirty Deeds Crew, most fun I’ve ever had racing.
  Matt
  - Notso Swift
    
    I have a mate who wanted to upgrade from a tourer style commuter to a “race” style bike (but still to commute) and I pointed him in the direction of CX bikes
    He bought the Mares and couldn’t be happier, he looked at and rode a few it it was the best choice over all (we felt)It was about 300 less than listed above, as well
Vincent

Having had the privilege and pleasure of racing cycle cross here in Japan for 15 years I look forward to the development of a vibrant and exciting cyclocross scene in OZ. It would give me a decent reason to come home during the winter
- Tim
  
  I’d stay in JaPOW. Unless of course you enjoy freezing cold AU winter in the south (minus the rad times northern Siberian JaPOW powder smashing, you lucky devil)
  - Vincent
    
    The winter there is summer here, Aus winters are mild in comparison. My spare bike in Aus is an old cross bike anyway.
Ando

Is the pricing RRP (LBS) or web/internet pricing?

Cheers
- cyclingTips
  
  All these bikes are imported into Australia and the pricing are what the local websites state (therefore LBS pricing). The only exception is the Boardman which I felt was good value, but it is internet pricing so it won’t include GST or duty.
  - jimmyk
    
    Hey CT, I do not have a cycling Victoria (or Aust) licenses and wanted to get into doing some cross races this year. Are there any that are not sanctioned by these guys that i can sign up for?
    I was going to get a license but it is so stupid that it would cost $329 for the next 6 months if i signed up now :(
    - James Hayes
      
      check out dirty deeds CX website, they have all thier pricing plans online with, from memory, a $50 4 race option
      - Dirtydeedscx
        
        Jimmy,
        
        James is correct. You can see all the licensing options here:
        http://dirtydeedscx.blogspot.com.au/p/licensing.html
        If you (or anyone else has any questions send us an email dirtydeedscx AT gmail or hit us up via twitter @dirtydeedscx:twitter
- cyclingTips
  
  All these bikes are imported into Australia and the pricing are what the local websites state (therefore LBS pricing). The only exception is the Boardman which I felt was good value, but it is internet pricing so it won’t include GST or duty.
James Hayes

“some manufacturers are starting to offer models with cable-operated disc brakes, and while they may not be as powerful cantilever brakes, they are easier to maintain and worth considering”

Can you flesh that out a bit? i was under the impression that disc > cantis in breaking
- CTech
  
  Last time I rode cable operated discs, the amount of cable stretch under hard braking compromises the effectiveness of the system. A good set of cantis feel much more effective at least until the rims get covered in mud. My preference is for braking feel, so I’d tend towards cantis. However, hydraulic systems aren’t far away and I won’t be surprised if some bikes near the $2K price point will have them next year.
  - Paul
    
    A properly set up cable disc is much better in all conditions. Things like pad compound need to be considered. Also, they’ll prolong wheel life @ brake track.
scooter

Interesting to note that you don’t rate the cable disc brakes over canti’s. I reckon at this price point that in the wet, I’d take a set of cable discs over the canti’s. One of the best things about a cable disc’ed CX machine is that they make awesome commuters.
JBS

If you are going to buy a frame with cantilever brakes, get one with a crown mounted cable stop, like the Cannondale here. Front cantilever brakes with a steerer mounted cable stop are notorious for shuddering when you try to bleed off speed quickly, like when you are coming off a fast asphalt section into a sharp corner. That can scare the c$#p out of you if you are not used to it. By mounting the cable stop down on the crown you shorten the exposed cable and minimise the bow string effect that causes the shuddering, in my case to the point of eliminating it completely (same bike all I changed was the cable stop position).

Aaah, CX, nothing like the chill in the air and the taste of blood in you mouth.
- Anonymous
  
  Yep, touches like this usually give the hint if the frame is well-sorted.
- Camsand
  
  JBS,
  Where do you get the crown mounted stops? I’ve built up a Soma Doublecross as my commuter. Love it except for the horrible brake shudder. Tetko 520’s but with a fork steerer stop. Can’t seem to find anyone who sells the fork crown models you mention. It will also prevent the very tight bend in the cable where it turns under the bars.
  - JBS
    
    I’m pretty sure I got mine from PBK, but I couldn’t find it just now. This is the same thing:
    
    http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/trp-adjustable-fork-crown-cable-hanger
    
    I’m pretty sure Specialized make them for their canti equiped Cruxes and Tricrosses too.
    
    Got to remember that you need a fork that is drilled at the crown to accept the bolt. If yours is, go for it, the difference is huge. I was lucky that my Redline fork was drilled, even though it came with a steerer cable stop. I ended up needing a longer bolt and a few spacers from the hardware store to get the clearance right, but no drama.
- Mike
  
  My 2011 CAADX has the steerer mounted (Cane Creek) version. Never had any particular issues with it, but I see your point.
  - Mike
    
    Mind you I upgraded from Tektro to Avid Shorty Ultimate cantis…
Anonymous

The Crux – well, last year’s model with cantis rather than discs – is a fine thing. You can also get this year’s one as a frameset with the lairiest fluro yellow and blue paintjob, it’s like going back to all the best excesses of the 1990s!
- jimmyk
  
  I just picked up one of them from my LBS!!!! So rad.
  Got it running full apex with some roval wheels. Looks pimp….
Mike

I bought a 2011 CAADX105 last year and have never regretted it – a great bike and terrific value at the LBS price at the time. I ride the CX wheels and tyres (35s) everywhere and have no issues. I also have a second wheelset with 25s for speedier road riding, and an older set with 28s on board. The beauty of the two larger tyre sizes is that you can roll out the front gate and basically go anywhere.

One tip for prospective CX-ers looking at some comp riding would be to check the crankset and go for the 46/36 CX combo – I note that some ‘CX’ bikes come with a standard compact (50/34) crankset which seems a bit of a compromise to me. On the other hand, if you want a ‘go anywhere’ bike where the extra wheel/tyre clearance and room for fenders is important then a CX frame and compact cranks might be just the thing.
Sj

A CX bike is so comfortable and fun to ride it’s a must have for any keen cyclist.
Swap one day a week for a CX ride an you will love it.
Callum Dwyer

I notice that some of these bikes have gear cables running down the underside of the down tube. Would mud and sand from the front wheel causing issues with shifting. Also from I can see Boardman and Kona have got eyes for mudguards or pannier racks which make them a bit more versatile..
- Dirtydeedscx
  
  many people switch the standard cables for sealed system (or wish they had when they finally do that) negating much of the contamination that you mention from DT routed cabling.
  
  The trade off from TT routed cabling is in general shift performance due to more radical/aggressive bends in the cable (vs DT routing). This has been alleviated a lot with the introduction of top pull front ders.
  
  You also mention one of the key points that the bike manufacurers are definitely aware of. CX bikes with their default wider clearances make them prime candidates for commuter-ising. so putting rack/fender mounts on them is very smart (especially since the lower end models often have slightly more relaxed geos).
- JBS
  
  TT routed rear derailleur cable and single ring on the front…poor shifting, what poor shifting? ;)
Blybo

I built this up http://gallery.me.com/blybo/100009/DS%20view/web.jpg?ver=129798133100011 12 months ago. A bit heavy being a full steel frame and fork but the ride is oh so smooth and it makes an awesome wet weather bike/commuter with mudguards and pannier rack. Also does a lot of kiddy trailer towing duties.
Bracks_ashat

Jeez make up your minds ya sooks. Road or mountain biking???
- Pat Mattson
  
  Yes and Yes to your question. I used to have a Scwhinn Varsity that served as my off road and on road, until mountain bikes came along. Now my CX bike (Fuji Cross Pro) is my go everywhere bike and willing participant to all my adventures. I wish it had a bit more sense than a brick, because I need a sane voice telling me “Don’t do that” once and while.
Tim Robson

Damn it. I can’t *not* buy that Boardman. Looks gorgeous, has discs, perfect size… sigh.
- Tim Robson
  
  … should have bought the damn thing yesterday. Sneaky buggers at Wiggle have pumped the rrp back up to $1899! Damn your popularity, Cycling Tips! ;)
Anth73

I’ve had my Fuji Cross Comp CX bike for over 2 years and it’s stood up to daily commuting, trails, the odd MTB ride and even our group rides at times with minimal maintenance. It’s now my dedicated wet weather commuter with full guards and I couldn’t be happier with it. As mentioned by earlier posts do be careful with the crankset as a 34/50 isn’t really the best choice here. Mine came with an FSA 36/46 and I also got the matching 34/48 chainrings that I can swap to if needed.
Chromatic Dramatic

On appearance alone. The Boardman or the Focus.
Justin

Cx, the new fixie. If only manufacturers specced greater clearance for bigger tyres and fitted eyelets for racks and guards, a cx bike would be superfluous unless racing. One small thing please stop using “alloy” it’s either aluminium or steel, both are alloyed!
- lekoshe
  
  You’re annoyed by the unalloyed alloy references?
  
  Everyone knows that alloy is cycling shorthand for aluminum, from the Latin alumen, which literally translates as “just missed being on the podium again”, via Old French alumina, lit. “salty tears”
Robert Merkel

If I understand correctly, there is 10% GST + 5% duty on imported bicycles (bikes are over the GST-free threshold of $1000).

The Boardman is therefore about $1750, before freight.
Robert Merkel

If I understand correctly, there is 10% GST + 5% duty on imported bicycles (bikes are over the GST-free threshold of $1000).

The Boardman is therefore about $1750, before freight.
Vincent

In the heat of the mud fest towards the end of an arduous 30 to 40 mins of cross racing you are pretty well stuffed. Each lap as you come to the barrier or run up, their is a pause perhaps a sigh as you dismount, that you have to heft your bike again. With each lap your trusty steed seems to get heavier. Your tired screaming muscles both legs and arms are full of lactic acid. You wish to yourself I gotta have a lighter bike….
Canti brakes while not the best for stopping in the mud make for a much lighter bike. Present day cable actuated disc brakes systems will stop you fine but their is a noticeable weight penalty. Future development of road disc systems will bring down the weight but not the cost.
A lighter bike, as you can imagine, makes for easier and more enjoyable racing. Anyway it depends on how serious you want to take your cross racing
- JBS
  
  I was reading an interview with Tim Johnson (multi US CX champion), who ran discs this season just gone. Interestingly, his main comment was that the discs gave him no real advantage in the mud and snow over cantis. Where he felt he did get a braking advantage was in the dry where they let him dive into corners much later. All a bit counter intuitive, but there you go.
fyxomatosis_one

Hey CTech,

I thrashed the Trek Presidio which falls in the 2k price category on a 400km DIRT RIDE.

It’s also designed with fenders in mind!

http://www.fyxomatosis.com/index.php/blog/219-product-thrash/920-one-bike-to-rule-them-all
Guest

I have been using the Boardman Team for the last four months and yes, 50/34 is overkill. The standard Apex cassette (max 32th) is quite unresponsive at times. The disc brakes cables DO stretch when maximum force is applied but they can be adjusted to offer very little cable pull and the reduces the stretch feeling. Also, the standard rims are >19mm internal diameter and makes for a round 23C tyre. Plenty of room for fenders and racks as mentioned although the front fender fitment looks very arduous to fit. Front fork is full carbon too. Winning on many facets of awesome.
Deanm

I wish I was buying now, Oh to have off the shelf choice.

I had to spend a hell of a lot more to create and build my ride in 2005. A Guerciotti Force with Campy Veloce and 36H Velocity Dyads. Its not the lightest of builds but durable. The Frame is not finished as good as what I expected a classic Italian brand should have been, but it is strong and the geo. is great for CX, but for racing I would now have preferred a smaller frame due to the fact that this bike is a traditional style frame and the stand over height is I feel a little too high for racing.
Also this is a pure racing frame, it has no bottle bosses or guard/rack mounts. the cables are run over the top. the paint clear coat has started to wear here from grabbing the top tube. Also the tube shape for the TT is round which is a little uncomfortable when shouldering. For those of you out there with a flatter TT what are they like for shouldering? Do you think they work? On the groupset front I have to say that IMO the Campy gearshift set up feels very natural for cross.
- JBS
  
  I haven’t raced with a flattened TT frame, but have done training sessions on a mate’s. They work, to a degree, certainly friendlier on the shoulder, but I wouldn’t say a deal maker/breaker when buying a frame. But then a sore shoulder is a long way down my list of worries in a cx race; behind aching lungs, quads, calves, (wimpy) arms and trying like hell to hold the wheel in front of me.
JMass

built up my own CX with some bought stuff and some stuff lying around (eg some basic wheels dura-ace hubs). Commuter and will race when the season in rAdelaide starts up again (soon). But the Froggleg canti’s are awful… looking at going to some v-brakes (quelle horreur!) cx8.4
Craig E

I Just picked up a 2011 Merida Cyclocross 5 from Bike Force in Essendon, I went for that over the 2012 Cyclocross 4 d because I preferred the feel of the Canti’s and having the Auxiliary brake leavers on there. I think I could still put after market ones on with the disc brakes ? But I couldn’t go past the 2011 one because it was an older model it had much better specs for the same price. Im sure I will wish I had the disc brakes in my first race though the mud – but was a bit hard to test ride to know that.
- Deanm
  
  I don’t think the brake issue will cross your mind. Canti’s are very good brakes. I have found that there is a big difference in the quality and performance of brake pads between brands. I have settled on the Swisstop Green. If you are riding in Essendon then try riding AJ Davis or Boeing reserves for some CX training and fun. I prefer Davis as it has a great layout with steps, hills, road, gravel the whole lot except sand.
  - Anonymous
    
    Good pads are ‘croosh’. First thing to upgrade.
  - JBS
    
    +1 for the Swisstop Green’s
    
    Just make sure you keep them toed in correctly and you won’t feel the need for discs. A lot lighter when shouldering the bike too.
Hadynmcloughlin

Great review, thanks Matt.

Another item to note on CX bikes are where the cables are routed on each frame. Some run them along the top tube (Focus and Giant) to avoid the mud etc while the cables on the Specialized are run inside the frame with full length housing. A nice detail that will assist in excellent shifting and braking. More time riding and less time replacing cables.Here a couple of ‘reviews’ for the Focus and Specialized for those interested.Specialized Cruxhttp://www.bikerumor.com/2011/12/16/specialized-crux-comp-disc-brake-cross-bike-unboxed-weighed-first-rides/Focus Mares Cross AX Dischttp://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/2011/09/23/2012-focus-bikes-highlights-mares-ax-disc-brake-cyclocross-cayo-evo-road-raven-29er-carbon-hardtail/
mtb guy on cx

I have a Boardman Team CX from Wiggle, there’s no Duty on Bikes only GST + Freight, all up it cost me in total $1450.00 ($125 GST & $75 freight) great price for a disc equipped, carbon fork, nice finish and look. If 29er Mountain Bikes weren’t invented the CX would be the ultimate trail blaster, however the CX has limitations in rocky terrain (of course it aren’t designed for that!!). It’s a fun bike and a ripper gravel grinder, as a mtber I wanted a winter bike for off road trails training, bike does this well. One thing I think is a must is disc brakes, the mechanical brakes are ‘just’ ok for high performance riding, other feature is brake levers on flats as on fast descents you don’t always want to be on the drops. To make this bike a real trial weapon it requires Hydraulic Discs and wider bars for control, now I aren’t the sort of guy to ride around in circles, rather this bike goes nearly where the mtb goes, well that’s what I’m designed for. Cheers, great reviews.
maximus

Wade, some good research & overview on some affordable cx’s. If you are ever interested in experiencing some excellent cx routes, a small group rides weekly North East of Melbourne. Nillumbik, Murrindindi & Yarra Ranges Shires. It varies from hard arse stuff, to epic rides. It would be an excellent opportunity for you to experience the kind of cx riding available to existing mtb’ers & roadies as a Winter alternative. This has been a European tradition for a very long time. It would also give you some assistance in determining the pro’s & con’s of off the shelf cx’s bikes. It’s a bit like a Rapha flick week in week out for us & you will love it, as long as you don’t mind hills. Please consider. you can contact me here: stepspt@bigpond.com
- KOM
  
  Maximus,
  
  I’m looking at setting up a designated CX facility on a property in Kinglake. Have about 800metres of track so far. Let me know if you’re keen for a visit to take a look. Cheers
jagoy

I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Specialized Tri-cross?

CTech Picks: CX Bikes Under $2000

By Matt Wikstrom CTech Editor

1. Apollo Xact, $1499

2. Cannondale CAADX 5 105, $1899

3. Focus Mares AX 2.0 Disc, $1799

4. Giant TCX 1, $1899

5. Kona Jake the Snake, $1899

6. Merida Cyclo Cross 4D, $1599

7. Boardman CX Pro, $1,519.19

8. Specialized CruX, $2199

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