Newb to purchase cyclocross for general purpose bike

[enduro2]

Why am I considering a cyclo cross? I enjoy cycling, hike and nature/landscape photography and want a bike that can assist me with all these pursuits. For photography, I'm hoping to be able to get about to places faster than on foot where a car is unable to go and for general cycling to be able to go fast enough to stay up with my friends and do about 20km or more a few times a week.

In a bike I'd hope to be able to mount a mud guard of some type, for it to be relatively light and around $1500 or so.

Perth stores don't seem to stock any cyclo cross bikes so I think I'm going to be shopping online for this one to get a reasonable deal. Two Perth shops have priced me above the RRP for this bike.

Alternatives to my desired option would be appreciated as would discussion concerning my choice. Remember I'm not a bike scientist but could talk ad nauseum about hiking or photography!

Cheers.

[Mugglechops]

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /100316967

Fits all your needs and within budget.

Have done 8000kms on my 2011 model.

[Phil]

Two CX bikes in Canning Bridge Cycles yesterday - A Focus mares with 105/Discs and a Bianchi with Apex/Cantis Of course the Bianchi was Sexier

One of my mates is likely buying one as a commuter.

[gururug]

Should work sweet.

Couple of thing;

Consider a size smaller or you could benefit from a shorter stem and flatbars + downtube shifters / triggers.
Consider wider tyres or a second wheelset. i'd say 32ish. There are occasions when I can;t take terrain on road tyres.

[TDC]

Couple of thing;

Consider a size smaller or you could benefit from a shorter stem and flatbars + downtube shifters / triggers.
Consider wider tyres or a second wheelset. i'd say 32ish. There are occasions when I can;t take terrain on road tyres.

isn't this a mountain bike?

[rabobank89]

Hey enduro,

Where in Perth are you located?

How about a Giant TCX 1 Cyclocross Bike? Can grab one for for your budget easy.

I just sold one to a forum member here and they are a great bike...

2013;

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 061/57497/

2012 Run Out from Cottesloe or Carine Cycles;

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102144350

[eldavo]

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/merida/cyclocross/cyclo-cross-4-disc/narre-warren-north/vic/100316967

Fits all your needs and within budget.

Have done 8000kms on my 2011 model.

Doesn't Merida mean poo in Italian?

[uglybob]

where are you located? Wembley Cycles have both Specialized and Focus 'cross bikes in stock!

Looking at getting one of the Focus Mares dics versions for myself!

[enduro2]

Thanks for all the constructive posts all.

Looking forward to a new bike..

[Mugglechops]

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/merida/cyclocross/cyclo-cross-4-disc/narre-warren-north/vic/100316967

Fits all your needs and within budget.

Have done 8000kms on my 2011 model.

Doesn't Merida mean poo in Italian?

Not sure, but think it means Specialized in American

[Pravda]

I'm looking at the same sort of thing, also in WA, but looking at a Kona Rove or Jake. There doesn't seem to be any stores in WA which stock any Konas apart from their mtbs. Anyone seen sight or sound of their CX bikes in Perth?

[eldavo]

I saw the city Specialized store on Milligan Street had Konas, I saw some road/city Kona bikes there so not just MTB at least, worth a call maybe to ask about the CX. If there's a Scandium alloy frame in stock, I'd like to see the specs and compare in person.

[enduro2]

Thanks for the assistance all.

Made my purchase today and it will arrive soon.

I found that the Bike Exchange sellers for new bikes are not necessarily allowed to sell interstate so WA ppl may be stuck with what out LBS's have in stock or will order in for you.

That means no special prices for us!

[eldavo]

If it's Specialized or a brand chain etc. they may impose restrictions.
An independent LBS won't restrict you.
What did you choose?

[uglybob]

what did you end up buying?

[enduro2]

I got a Merida Cyclo Cross 4D.

Just have to put it together and choose some accessories (mud guards, bottle holder etc) soon. Purchased a Pitbull 8500 U lock last night.

[Pravda]

How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking. In the market myself and keen to find out what others have gone with.