Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


My first cyclocross bike (Giant?)
#1
Hey everyone!
The time has come for me to enter the cyclo-cross world and taste that mud. On the lookout for solid first bike. Nothing very fancy, but reliable and quality. I'm just above 5'7". Have been sneaking around JensonUSA and have three shortlisted. Share your view, any thoughts on these will be appreciated.

  1. Marin Four Corners: https://www.jensonusa.com/Marin-Four-Corners-Bike-2019
    Giant Toughroad SLR GX3: https://www.jensonusa.com/Giant-Toughroad-SLR-GX-3-Bike-2019
    Focus Mares AL 105: https://www.jensonusa.com/Focus-Mares-Al-105-Bike-2018

Henry
  Reply
#2
Hi.
Focus Mares is good value-for-money with such discount, my vote goes for this bike. 105 groupset is class above the Sora/Claris entry level. Good cycling friend once told me that if I want to buy road or cyclo-cross bike, then I better choose something above the entry level because the comfort and performance on the tarmac is key. He's an experienced amateru road cycling racers, so I trust that opinion. Focus is a reliable brand (just like Giant) and the frame looks top notch. Only concern is about the 48cm size, at least @ Jenson. It is right on the line with your height, so if you prefer larger frames, then might have to look for other options. Otherwise go for it!
  Reply
#3
(06-27-2019, 09:41 AM)Zviedrs Wrote:  Hi.
Focus Mares is good value-for-money with such discount, my vote goes for this bike. 105 groupset is class above the Sora/Claris entry level. Good cycling friend once told me that if I want to buy road or cyclo-cross bike, then I better choose something above the entry level because the comfort and performance on the tarmac is key. He's an experienced amateru road cycling racers, so I trust that opinion. Focus is a reliable brand (just like Giant) and the frame looks top notch. Only concern is about the 48cm size, at least @ Jenson. It is right on the line with your height, so if you prefer larger frames, then might have to look for other options. Otherwise go for it!
Thanx for your input. Leaning towards Focus. But have to check few other sites. Will let you know about the purchase once it happens.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
12,075
04-10-2024, 03:11 AM
Last Post: GirishH
 
10,703
02-28-2015, 07:57 AM
Last Post: Konstantin
 
11,781
09-29-2014, 09:24 AM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
8,727
02-28-2012, 08:11 PM
Last Post: nfmisso

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
New member old rider
Yesterday 11:19 PM
Post-Ride Nutrition
Yesterday 07:07 PM
Injury Recovery
Yesterday 06:24 PM
Recumbent bike broke in half while bikep...
Yesterday 06:16 PM
Pre Ride Food Intake
Yesterday 12:27 PM
A New Hope For Cheaper Bikes In 2025?! f...
Yesterday 12:17 PM
Good Morning from SW Ohio
03-25-2025 06:21 AM
Rear v-brake repair
03-24-2025 05:12 PM
What must-know bike care tips are we ove...
03-24-2025 02:20 AM
Pogačar's 2024 dominance
03-22-2025 07:52 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 2. meamoantonio
12 posts
no avatar 3. SPINMAN
11 posts
no avatar 4. GirishH
9 posts
no avatar 5. enkei
9 posts