CX bike as commuter

[squeakywheel]

I'm trying to find a CX bike as an all rounder, but also doubling as a commuter. I have a few boxes to tick, my ideal bike would have:

Disc brakes
rack/mudguard mounts
OK (not completely low grade) components
36x46T chainrings
inexpensive

So far, the only bike I have found that has all of this stuff is the Cell Brunswick. I went up there today and took a quick look but all the sales staff were too busy with other customers so couldn't test ride or anything. The only thing I don't like is that it has SRAM components. I already have a bike with Campy and one with shimano so not keen on having a third system.

Anybody have any suggestions, or experiences/recommendations?

Cheers

[yugyug]

Isn't SRAM pretty much fully compatible with shimano? Might not amount to having a third system.

[2wheels_mond]

Kona Jake the Snake? That has to tick most of the boxes - Disc brakes, rake and fender mounts, Shimano 105, 36/46 chainrings, not too expensive.

There's also the cheaper Kona Jake, with Shimano Tiagra and a 34/50 chainset (but I'm sure you'd have no trouble selling it to replace with a 36/46).

[caneye]

Boardman hybrid comp? Cannondale caadx ?

[mitchy_]

Norco Threshold is another.

[MattyK]

A few options here:
http://www.99bikes.com.au/bikes?cat=376 ... rder=price" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[squeakywheel]

Thanks that's great! It seems like there's a few options there. Much appreciated

[simonn]

I thought the Cell Brunswick was really good value when I looked at the specs the other day. The only thing I was not keen on for a commuter was the cassette having a 26t smallest sprocket. I'd prefer 28t to 32t, but I had (sniff) a hilly commute and sometimes with Friday legs...

SRAM and shimano use the same cables, and chainrings, chains and cassettes are compatible, so not really an issue as you are not going to be sharing/swapping shifters and derailleurs.

[squeakywheel]

SRAM and shimano use the same cables, and chainrings, chains and cassettes are compatible, so not really an issue as you are not going to be sharing/swapping shifters and derailleurs.

Thanks Simon. It wasn't so much the compatibility issue its just that I'm swapping between campy & shimano geared bikes and when riding I sometimes forget whether I'm supposed to be clicking or pushing - I didn't want to confuse my aging brain any further

[bmk1068]

Recently bought a Giant TCX SLR 2, besides the wheels not being trued correctly by the bike store. I have been very happy, I have changed out the saddle and tyres to 28's. I have found that the wheel set is rather heavy and would potentially be an unpgrade at a future date.
It is running 105 11-28 and FSA crank 36/46
I don't run with mud guards however they do have the mounts.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wgc138]

I was tossing up between Kona Jake and Brunswick last year and decided on the Jake purely on aesthetics as its a n+1 on the commuting rotation. The orange is either love it or hate it, but I don't mind it. It gave me a good opportunity or reason to get some orange panniers lol

The gear is tiagra, most will turn away because its not 105++ but imo its bulletproof.

Still need to install some sks mudguards and schwalbe mp's

[limbot]

The gear is tiagra, most will turn away because its not 105++ but imo its bulletproof.

How do you find the alloy forks ? That was the one thing that concerned me but then couldn't justify going up to the Jake the Snake with carbon fork and 105.

[Bluejay87]

Excuse the ignorance but why is a 36 small chain ring preferred? My lowest gear of 34 X 28 on my road bike sometimes isn't enough so I'd assume you'd want an even lower gear on a CX bike?

[wgc138]

How do you find the alloy forks ? That was the one thing that concerned me but then couldn't justify going up to the Jake the Snake with carbon fork and 105.

The alloy forks don't really bother me,especially with the wide tires its a very comfortable ride in comparison to one running 23's fully loaded with panniers and etc. This was actually one of my requirements funnily enough, my other commuters include those with carbon forks and I just want to get away from it this time. When I knocked the brunswick out of the equation, the surly lht was next in line as its pure steel fork/frame, just want to keep it the same material.

Also jake the snake is fluro green

[Calvin27]

Excuse the ignorance but why is a 36 small chain ring preferred? My lowest gear of 34 X 28 on my road bike sometimes isn't enough so I'd assume you'd want an even lower gear on a CX bike?

I've been told (don't cx race personally myself) that if it gets that low you get off and run!

[KGB]

True, if it is that steep or sharp, it's usually only for a pretty short time so you can just monster over it and grind it out in a 38x28 or similar. If it is super steep and long, get off and run.
I run 39x27 as my lowest on the cx bike and it has been tough on one course but is low enough.

[mitchy_]

what they said, 40x28 is my lowest gear for CX. (1x10 with 11-28 cassette) for road riding i swap the 40t for a 44t.

[toolonglegs]

Lowest gear on my CX is 38/34 ... I will do anything not to get off and run... It's surprising how often it gets used off road.
It is also my work bike ... But running a compact.... So 50/34 11-34 ... I don't use the last two gears that often but sometimes I need to push people up HC climbs ... Comes in handy then

[limbot]

Excuse the ignorance but why is a 36 small chain ring preferred? My lowest gear of 34 X 28 on my road bike sometimes isn't enough so I'd assume you'd want an even lower gear on a CX bike?

My 2012 Ridley X-Bow came with 48/34 12/25. Living in Tassie and at the top of a grade 4 Hill (@260m) means you built up stamina pretty quick

The alloy forks don't really bother me,especially with the wide tires its a very comfortable ride in comparison to one running 23's fully loaded with panniers and etc. This was actually one of my requirements funnily enough, my other commuters include those with carbon forks and I just want to get away from it this time. When I knocked the brunswick out of the equation, the surly lht was next in line as its pure steel fork/frame, just want to keep it the same material.

Also jake the snake is fluro green

Ahh kewl, yeah I'm just discovering the "joys" of 25c (AT) 125 psi coming off 32c (AT) 70 psi.

Yeah the orange looks schweet, but the green not so much. The Jake comes in yellow this year too that looks pretty smick! (and the snake is still fluoro green :p)

[simonn]

Excuse the ignorance but why is a 36 small chain ring preferred? My lowest gear of 34 X 28 on my road bike sometimes isn't enough so I'd assume you'd want an even lower gear on a CX bike?

What it comes down to is a cyclocross bike is/was a racing bike and 46/36 is really snappy for shifting - no need to change the rear at the same time. Same as a lot of road bikes are/were probably too high geared for people who do not race.

What you are talking about would be a gravel bike, which often does have lower gears. A lot of people use CXs as gravel bikes and commuters, in which I agree that 36/25 - 28 is probably a little on the high side - my wife struggles a bit on some of the hills on her (well actually it's mine she just doesn't quite believe it) CX (36/28 lowest - talking 10% or so grades and she makes no claim to being a proper cyclist so fair enough, her roadie is 9spd 50/39/30 11-32).

[cancan64]

My bike is 46/36 and 11-28 11spd.. My only issue is sprint finishes on a high speed group ride where you just run out of gears.. Fortunately only happened a couple of times