Cycle cross bikes with disc brakes

[BGarside]

Considering buying a new commuter this year (old one is now 14 years old) and these seem like ideal all-rounders; reasonably lightweight, loads of clearance for tyres and 'guards, even studded tyres for winter, and brakes that don't wear out the wheel rims.

Does anyone have a bike like this and have any experience to share or recommendations for a suitable brand / model to buy?

Don't really want to spend much over a grand, considering it'll be for commuting and also I'll have to convert it to straight bars (don't like drops).

Cheers,

Ben

[BGarside]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will take a look later when I'm not still at work(!)

A flat-barred urban bike would be cheaper as no need to shell out for replacing handlebars, stem, shifters, brake levers etc to convert a 'cross bike.

Not bothered about hydraulic brakes - would prefer mechanicals as they're easier to fix.

Some of the straight bar road bikes don't have enough tyre clearance with mudguards fitted - I ride all year round, so in the dark on slippery, potholed country lanes so I need at least 32mm tyres for 700C wheels or 1.5" slicks for 26" wheels, plus mudguards.

[BGarside]

Kell said:

What were you using previously to commute?

Maybe a rigid 29'er MTB would be suitable?

Edited by Kell on Tuesday 20th January 15:11

Using a steel expedition touring frame with 26" wheels. Bike weighs about 33lbs / 15kg so not light, but pretty indestructible.

Hoping to get something a bit lighter and more fun to ride as I probably cover at least half my annual mileage on the commuter bike.

[BGarside]

jamiebae said:

I run a Genesis Day-One with 8 speed Alfine and it's a perfect commuter bike. I run 32c tyres with full length guards, the steel frame helps absorb the road buzz and imperfections and it needs zero maintenance. You can convert it to flat bars easily as there's only one shifter to switch (and a flat bar version is cheaply available).

It is heavier than a lot of dedicated CX bikes, but only by a KG or so and I can still cruise along as 25-28kph with very little effort on the flat.

Was thinking about maybe a hub-geared bike with discs for the ultimate in low maintenance, though I'm not sure how the hub would stand up to hard riding and the fact there are lots of hills around here. Also would want a hub I could periodically clean and re-lubricate, maybe the 11-speeder which has a lubrication port.

The Cube Hyde Race looks good value for the spec., compared to the Genesis, albeit with only the 8-speed hub. The Editor has 11-speed Alfine but costs around £1300.

As for drop bars, I just don't get on with them, and never use the lower half of the drops at all. I tend to ride them on the tops or the brake hoods, which are basically equivalent positions to the straight and bar end parts of a straight 'bar, except I find the straight part of a drop 'bar to be too close, if the brake hoods are at the correct reach.

The ergo grips are a good tip through - will look them up. I've been using cheaper ergo grips on my commuter for a while and they definitely reduce the pressure on my hands.