Tough bikes with crossover appeal
Cyclocross, a rough-and-tough sport that involves pedaling and running over hilly, muddy racecourses, isn’t for everyone. But the cyclocross bike may be.
A burly bike with stout wheels, mountain-bike-style brakes and wide, knobby tires on an upright frame with added mud clearance, it is specifically designed for this European sport. Yet as cyclocross has caught on in the United States, the ‘cross bike has proved more popular still -- for bike touring, recreational riding on rough terrain, even as a comfy starter bike. Bottom line: It’s the first true all-in-one road-and- dirt fun machine.
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Luxurious all-purpose ride
Specialized Tricross Comp: Multifaceted aluminum-framed dream bike.
Likes: Comfortable and tough. Handlebar and carbon seat post and fork have shock-absorbing inserts. Top-of-the-handlebar brakes provide comfort and control. Has mounts on fork and rear for bag attachment. A burly hub and short spokes keep the rear wheel in true. Quality 18-speed Shimano 105/Ultegra drivetrain.
Dislikes: Pricey. Mountain-bike-style cantilever brakes are solid, but less effective than discs.
Price: $1,700. (800) 722-4423; www.specialized.com.
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Built to race
LeMond Poprad Disc: Steel-framed race-specific bike.
Likes: Hub-mounted disc brakes offer superior braking and greater mud clearance than standard cantilever brakes; ideal stopping power for cyclocross and long, mountainous downhills. Carbon-
fiber fork absorbs shock well. 20-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain.
Dislikes: Lacks convenient and safe top-of-the-handlebar brakes, causing less comfortable braking. No rack-mount hardware on the frame for use in touring or shopping trips.
Price: $1,649. (920) 478-4678; www.lemondbikes.com.
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Economical performance
Redline Conquest: Steel-framed speedster.
Likes: Great control and comfort. Easy-reach angled handlebars for added comfort. Top-of-the-bar brakes and standard brake-shift levers allow upright riding and confident downhill braking. Rear rack mounts for touring. Quality Shimano 18-speed Tiagra/ 105 drivetrain. Built to allow future disc brake upgrade.
Dislikes: Steel fork has rougher ride than shock-absorbing carbon forks. No fork rack mounts for front bag placement.
Price: $1,050. (800) 283-2453; redlinebicycles.com.
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Beginner’s bargain hill-climber
Kona Jake: Low-cost aluminum-framed bike ideal for new cyclists.
Likes: Soft, cushiony saddle. 24-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain includes a low-ratio “granny gear” that makes any hill easy to climb. Includes rear rack eyelets for touring, bar-top brakes and wide tires.
Dislikes: No carbon fork, or rack eyelets on the fork.
Price: $800. (800) 566-2872; konaworld.com.
