Best cyclocross bike under £1000 and other CX chat

I've bought you a Hump for Christmas

They're just socially acceptable hybrids aren't they really.

I saw someone in hi-viz Defeet armwarmers yesterday and felt a pang of desire. And I looked at a rack today.

Actual cx use aside.

They're hybrids for proper cyclists.

Standard hybrid = Bike designed for the road, with a upright off-road handling, and positioning.

CX commuter = Bike designed for off-roading, with road positioning, and handling.

Hybrids are the worst of both world, CX the best.

Mine is looking more like a hybrid than ever now I am running flat bars but it makes it more fun off-road and has the added benefit of being a bit lighter. Now running at just over 7.5kg which is a very nice weight for off road riding - who said skittish.

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Was meaning to ask, what size randonneurs are those? Heard they come up small, and was thinking of going for 32mm but wondering if I'd also have room for mudguard. My other option is to use some cx tyres (i've some michelin mud 2s & some panaracer cindercross) but not sure about using them on the road (bit slow, wear out quickly, no room for guards?).

What an interesting and informative thread this has been. I came across it by accident whilst looking for pictures of CX bikes with mudguards fitted.
I currently run a very tidy Cannondale CAAD9/CX9 that I bought as a commuter with the aim of riding old railways and the odd bit of fire roads etc.
Bought it in May this year for £560 2nd hand with a mere 300 miles on it.
Current spec is the usual Gossamer BB30, older 105 5600 shifters and mechs with new TRP Euro-X alloys fitted yesterday that are a VAST improvement over the CR720's that it came with.
2 sets of wheels, RS10's with 35C off road tyres, RS30's with 23C road tyres
Made the mistake of getting a 54 (road bike is a 54) and it could possibly be too large, although the current trend is to have the CX bikes set up exactly the same as the roadie.
VERY interesting reading about the Boardman CX as that was going to be a replacement for the CX9, but after reading all the hassles of disc brakes makes me think is it worth it? Although the CAADX with front disc has got me thinking.........................
Anyway, the CX9 is on a diet as it's 9.3 kg dry, add the 'guards, rack, pump, lights etc and it pushes 11.4kg, ouch. If the CX9 was good enough to win championships, then it's good enough for me, especially if I can get it down to this weight. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/pro-bike-jeremy-powers-cannondale-cyclocross-23840/
Possibly a CF frame next year?

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OK, can't work out how to edit, so excuse the extra pic, one is of it fitted with Aksium wheels before I changed to RS30's

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Excuse the prototype set up of the SKS chromoplastic 'guards. Still some toe overlap, but the front is currently replaced with the Crud Race I had on my old road bike. Easily fitted by placing a bit of 25mm plastic tubing under the fork crown with cable ties, the back looks a lot harder to sort though. I've kept the full length stays on so I can use up to 35mm tyres in the depths of winter as they just clear the Sammyslicks that were fitted.

That frame needs to be raced.

I know, but there seems to be a vast lack of events near Portsmouth.
Like others I am seeking a QR mudguard solution to change between commuter and race/trail ready.

Yeah, they're 32s. I'd say it would be a little tight at the back with full length guards. Dunno why they didn't give the pompino proper clearance for 35mm 'cross tyres - building up my nature boy tomorrow, hopefully, all going well, racing it on sunday.

Was meaning to ask, what size randonneurs are those? Heard they come up small, and was thinking of going for 32mm but wondering if I'd also have room for mudguard. My other option is to use some cx tyres (i've some michelin mud 2s & some panaracer cindercross) but not sure about using them on the road (bit slow, wear out quickly, no room for guards?).

Was meaning to ask, what size randonneurs are those? Heard they come up small, and was thinking of going for 32mm but wondering if I'd also have room for mudguard. My other option is to use some cx tyres (i've some michelin mud 2s & some panaracer cindercross) but not sure about using them on the road (bit slow, wear out quickly, no room for guards?).

You can get 35's from decathlon at £15 or less, I think the sizing is correct from experience, I did have wider rims though.

Want.

Are those Lightweights?!

Apologies if this has been asked before but does anyone produce a cheap-ish steel CX frame that I could build up? I'm thinking something like a Pompino but with vertical dropouts.

^ Planet X Uncle John? Not as cheap as the pomp. Still good value though.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRPXUJV2/planet_x_uncle_john_cyclocross_frame

Kaffenback is, I believe, the direct geared equivalent to the Pompino. Suspect the Uncle John would be a little lighter with more clearance.

^ Forgot all about that one. Cheaper + you get the versatility of the swapouts too.

Kaffenback looks ideal. Thanks.

Fixed/SS only CX-race in Sweden 3 weeks ago
[ame="https://vimeo.com/50363753"]Ronde
van Retaard 2012 on Vimeo[/ame]

CX bikes are the new fixed, official.

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Pigfarmer wants a carbon disc equipped cross bike.

Dirty disco's sold out, any ideas?

Pigfarmer wants a carbon disc equipped cross bike.

Dirty disco's sold out, any ideas?

I posted a link to a chinese carbon frameset a page or so bac.

I think he also needs it in time for Muddy Hell. I'll send him this way.

Cheers cake. got it.

TYruely gutted about the DD. I'm sure 3 days ago they still had 22 bikes left, now none, no frames either. Basts. I'll check the Link SF. Probably better to build something with Campy than sodding ShitRubbishAndMunting

BTW. Probably been asked a fair few times.

If I ride 54cm road bikes would I be looking to get a small/52cm CX frame?