Best cyclocross bike under £1000 and other CX chat

It doesn't have any rack mounts, well mine doesn't at least, but apparently you can get a modified seat clamp that does.

I like my TCX a lot, but it's more of a race bike than a light tourer.

Yeah that was my concern that the TCR is a bit more agressive with +1.5° on the HT angle. Same reach though.
I read that the TCR has hiddent mounts. This one has threaded holes on the dropouts. You can get racks that screw in at the bottom and clamp on the seatpost apparently.
Didn't know about the max load though, maybe that's a consideration.
We'd mostly bike pack but want the options of rear panniers for longer, self-sufficient tours.
But this is to be an all rounder and comfort is a big factor.
So mares you reckon?

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I can't remember if you have done bike packing before.

No, we haven't. We both have saddle packs and a touring tent but want the option of packing and panniers.

You should probably try one of these gravel/allroad type bikes with a lower bb, geo for roads/tracks maybe? I've not ridden one but if they fill the gap between a Surly disc trucker (at one extreme) and a cx racing bike (at the other) then you're sorted.

You can tour on anything but cross bikes are pretty rubbish on the road IMHO.

Cheers. Not sure what they are though We're doing off roading mostly so happy to go with either of these two bikes after a bit of research. The TCX is slightly preferable but we're a bit concerned that it won't be as comfortable for longer distances with the 1.5° extra on the HT angle. But surely this can be overcome with a shorter, higher stem?

HT angle won't really effect comfort. Road-like geo will be better for distance.

The slacker ht bikes will generally be better getting down steep banking.

Ah, but isn't that what makes the TCX more of a 'race bike'?
Reach is always an issue for women.

I guess we just need some reassurance that either the Giant TCX Medium or the Focus Mares AX 1.0 Small, will be comfortable enough for longer days on the bike.

Ah, but isn't that what makes the TCX more of a 'race bike'?

I'm no expert on bike geometry but as I understand it trail effects low and high speed handling and that's not entirely dictated by HT angle.

But the trail is sort of a result of the HT angle.

I'm not sure what makes the TCX more of a race bike then. She's convinced the longer head tube angle will make it comfortable so is going with that. I hope she'll be comfy on long rides!

HT angle and offset.

Think the Giant is more of a new school CX geo? Should feel more like a road bike than, say, a Ridley.

Yeah that's the vibe I'm getting. I'm still trying to work out what makes a bike more racey or more relaxed. Maybe I should take it to the Geometry thread.

Wheelbase?

Yeah maybe. Focus is 115 and Giant 101.9 so 13cm's longer is significant.

Focus is 115

Do you have a link - I don't believe it is the truth

EDIT: Found the link - you were missing a 0 in the middle - the wheelbase is 101.5

Ha, that makes a difference! Well spotted.
Same same then. Shit.

Have you considered the Canyon Inflite - it's a bit less racy, I think?

i think this is at first based on your personal feeling. try 2 different bikes and you will feel which one is more in a racing mode.

We've done a lot of shopping around and narrowed it down to these two, based on budget also.
Not sure the Canyon has rack mounts either.
Both feel awesome, it's just hard to tell on a test ride how it's going to be after a day in the saddle.
I'd still like to know what makes the TCX racey.

The rider!
Get a saddle and shorts you're comfy with, couple of spacers under the stem, job done.

Looking for a saddle recommendation to go on a green Kinesis Crosslight Pro6. I've gotten on fine with a Charge Ladle in the past, but they don't seem to make these anymore. I tried out a black Charge Spoon, but it was covered in this sort of flocked material which I stick to which makes it really hard to dismount and remount.

Would prefer not to spend over £50. I was looking at the Giant Liv Contact Forward, as that's what they are selling with their CX bike, but not sure. Suggestions welcome!

I think the Charge saddle line became what is now Fabric? So I guess the 'scoop' would be the equivalent?

They've a few different shapes depending on how 'swoopy' you like it.

Thanks, the "grippy" upper description is a bit worrisome for me. I suppose I could just order one from evans and return it immediately if I don't think it will work. It does come in black and green, so would match the bike.

It does come in black and green, so would match the bike.

Stuff comfort, it matches! That's what matters.

I prefer the charge knife, it's flatter so easier to slide off.