I've been learning a lot here at the RBR cyclocross forums and doing at lot of research on whats available to me. From what I've found the K2 Enemy is the most affordable turnkey bike with the best components available to me. However I realized that it still may not be optimal. The price on the Redline Conquest Pro frames is tempting. To build one up I would have to cannabalize my road bike and use its all Ultegra tripple drivetrain and my Mavic CXP 21's, then build up the rest with either Easton or FSA parts.

What might I be happier with in the long run? Race wise....road training wise?

Or buy used. I bought two cross bikes on Ebay. One (the first one) has seen extensive changes over the past three years -- including a new frame. I think the only thing original bits are the crank, seat post, front mech, and wheels which I use for training. The second one I bought got changed around some (sold the Velomax Circuits and replaced with NOS DA hubs to Reflex rims, replaced the brakes) but I could still be racing it with the original stuff.

The thing about used is you might end up replacing the cables, housing, chain, and cassette immediately. Or everything might be just fine. Ask lots of questions and try to test ride some bikes at the LBS too.

BTW, I've got a Redline Conquest Pro frame with a parts mish-mash -- it was the first bike I bought -- so nothing is stock. It rides great. I really like it. I think I've gotten all the kinks out of the ride and I'm pleased with the result.

I've also got a Merckx Alu-Cross (2003 model). The parts spec is comparable to the Redline. It just feels better under my butt than the Redline. When Eddy is well tuned, it's my bike of choice. Right now Eddy needs TLC so I've been on the Redline and feeling fine.

You can see my bikes on the Post Your Crossers thread. They're the pair in the first post. I've since replaced the Redline Al fork with an Alpha Q (bought on Ebay) which has improved the road ride and lightened it up quite a bit.

for the rider on a budget, i highly recommend used bikes. typical resale values seem to be about 50% off of retail. i often see nicely upgraded cross bikes with an extra set of wheels for around $800.

I didn't mention that I work in outdoor retail so I can prodeal the K2 but not the Redline......either way my road bike will end up on the chopping block. (Never been 100% happy with it anyway) I mainly figured that if I did buy the Redline frame it would end up spec'd a lot better than the K2, but K2 isnt all that bad. I need a really small cx frame as I am 5'5" with a 30" inseam. I usually don't seem much in my size on ebay...seems like its mostly mid to large sizes.

I didn't mention that I work in outdoor retail so I can prodeal the K2 but not the Redline......either way my road bike will end up on the chopping block. (Never been 100% happy with it anyway) I mainly figured that if I did buy the Redline frame it would end up spec'd a lot better than the K2, but K2 isnt all that bad. I need a really small cx frame as I am 5'5" with a 30" inseam. I usually don't seem much in my size on ebay...seems like its mostly mid to large sizes.

If you can pro-deal the Enemy (I know what your price is) I think your question is a no-brainer. You could even buy another set of super sweet race wheels (tubbies) & some better brakes for it & still be well under $1000. You wont be dissapointed. Its race ready out of the box. Let us know what you do.

cheers,
DP

If you can pro-deal the Enemy (I know what your price is) I think your question is a no-brainer. You could even buy another set of super sweet race wheels (tubbies) & some better brakes for it & still be well under $1000. You wont be dissapointed. Its race ready out of the box. Let us know what you do.

cheers,
DP

Thanks guys, I was kinda thinking what you were thinking DP, but just have as desire for the best possible bike I can afford. I think I'll be going for the Enemy and selling my current road bike outright. (There's probably QR Kilo in my future as well).