Best cyclocross bike under £1000 and other CX chat

Yeah.
I think steel is the right thing. Having written off a couple of alu bikes, I could get steel repaired. It also seems like a good winter thing. Alu is pretty harsh, steel might offer a bit more comfort over longer rides. Given the state of our roads.

i could always stick a carbon fork on if I fancy.

Now to find a 2nd hand one.

No? To the nice to ride bit?
How will the ride differ. I've never ridden a steel bike.

Skinny, if you've not ridden steel, read this: http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=29

It may convince you to do so.

I rode steel for a bit. But it was a 1980's peugeot, made form what felt like solid metal and rode like it!

I'll read that, thanks.

To be honest, only the last bit is important. Steel rides wonderfully and it will outlast any alu frame.

Modern steel with a carbon fork and carbon seatpost is great and will tune out the harshness. But certain tubesets like 531 & 631 bounce too much for my liking. My alu/carbon mix bike rides the best, followed by the 853 bike. My 631 Bob Jackson (with a stiff Thomson post, which doesn't help) just bounces everywhere when the road surface turns to shit. It's fine, just not the magic carpet ride some would have you believe.

But certain tubesets like 531 & 631 bounce too much for my liking.

I think it's varies more on the framebuilding and geometry than the tubing choice.

I think it's varies more on the framebuilding and geometry than the tubing choice.

+tyre setup/pressure

I want to order a new Caadx 105 disc in 51cm but apparently there are none available until next year because of a manufacturing problem with the 51cm frames. Anyone heard anything.

The new 2014 pinnacle cross bikes are up on Evans' website. The one and three seem the same as last year but the two has gone for 1x10 and hydraulic discs.

I think it's varies more on the framebuilding and geometry than the tubing choice.

Bollocks. Frame design is part of it but tubesets can have very distinct qualities. The 531 'spring' is well-known. 853 just doesn't do that.

That's very odd, we already received those new CAADX at our shop, will make enquiries on the 51cm from CSG.

would be grateful if you could. I was quoted feb next year for the 51cm 105

The new 2014 pinnacle cross bikes are up on Evans' website. The one and three seem the same as last year but the two has gone for 1x10 and hydraulic discs.

The hydro/1x10 one actually look great, look like it'll be fun on the towpath.

^ yup

Has Tektro Hylex as stock and for £900

The reach on those levers is massive.

Made me think twice about getting a Brompton with my £900 ride2work voucher...

Edit: fuck that December is ages away.

It's two month ago, about as quick as a custom Brompton.

I'm not getting a custom Brompton. Brompton thread>>>>

That Pinnacle looks like mad fun in all seriousness.

the pinnacle looks like a great commuter, seems to have rack and mudguards mounts too. Let us know when you get them in Mr Scoble, I'd like to take one for a test ride

I don't work for Evans.

spit on floor.

Have tested the Caadx Tiagra and must say it looks a lot better in the flesh. I wasn't too keen on the paint job but I've just taken one out just now and it rides well. It's whether i'll have this niggling thought about the 105 everytime I look down and see the cables come out of the Tagra shifters.

My ride2 work is with Evans and i contemplated the Pinnacle Arkos. I seem to be between sizes though as the small seemed too small and the medium though OK was didn't feel as comfortable as the 'dale. The Arkose 2 could be ideal for my needs though.

If the 51cm 105 is unavailable then maybe my decision is made for me and I should just get the tiagra and if i'm that bothered swap the shifters later.

I should just get the tiagra and if i'm that bothered swap the shifters later.

Pretty much, plus the 105 version is a bit uglier than the Tiagra.

Pretty much, plus the 105 version is a bit uglier than the Tiagra.

are there any other differences between the two i should worry about?

Honestly, not much at all, just the groupset and Cannondale's own brand stem/bar/seatpost.

As far as I know, these are the only difference to the 105.

Quite tempted to get caadx sora for £625 from triton cycles on ride2work, stick 105 rear derailleur, levers and cassette on it, and Chinese carbon tubs, and race cross.

Do it.

^what he said