Team Tamarack Mountain Bike Racing World Resouces

What is a good, beginner cyclocross bike to buy?

I had a Trek 1000 road bike, sold it and bought a Trek 4500 WSD mountain bike. But do to a knee injury and the lack of mountain biking trails in my area, I’m riding mainly on the roads. Well I’m selling my mountain bike wanting something that isn’t as much hard work to ride on the road like my MTB. I’m looking to buy a cyclocross bike. I was wondering if anyone know of a good, entry level cyclocross bike for a female who is 5’7″ and 170lbs. I’m wanting to stay under $1000.00. There are alot of cyclocross brands out there that I have never heard of and just wanted some input. Also, being 5’7″ should I be looking for a bike that is around the 53cm to 54cm? Thanks alot. Oh, and just because my last two bikes were Trek, my next bike doesn’t have to be a Trek.

If you have Performance Bike store near you, you can check out their cyclocross bikes, brands such as Scattante (Performance name brand), GT, Schwinn, Fuji, and K2. I got the ’08 Fuji CrossComp for about $700 with the sales, special discounts offered. While it may not win me cyclocross races, but it works great in my local trails, and I use it extensively for commuting.

Definitely check out the Scattante X-560, for the price I think its pretty decent.

2010 Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike at PV Bicycle Center near Torrance, CA.

2011 Diamondback Outlook Mountain Bike $239.99 2011 Diamondback Outlook Mountain Bike. If you’ve been on the lookout for a real value in a dependable, entry-level mountain bike for fun and fitness, put down those binocs and throw a leg over the 2011 Diamondback Outlook. Equipped with a sturdy, high-tensile steel frame, suspension fork, Shimano derailleurs and shifters, lightweight alloy linear-pull brakes and multipurpose tires, the Diamondback Outlook mountain bike has everything you need to start having fun, no matter where you want to go.

2010 GT Avalanche 3.0 V-Brake Mountain Bike $399 2010 GT Avalanche 3.0 V-Brake Mountain Bike. The GT Avalanche 3.0 V-Brake Mountain Bike is for recreational riders looking for an entry-level hardtail. Whether you spend time on twisty singletrack or hardpack bike paths, the Avalanche 3.0 packs plenty of performance features.

2010 Fuji Tahoe Comp Mountain Bike $799 2010 Fuji Tahoe Comp Mountain Bike. Sooner or later, almost everyone who succumbs to the lure of hardcore mountain biking outgrows their first bike. The lure of a lighter frame, better components and a more responsive ride simply becomes too strong for most of us to resist. Thanks to the Fuji Tahoe Comp, you can make the transition from entry-level bike to a solid, high-performance mid-level bike without spending an outrageous amount of money. Equipped with a quality Shimano drivetrain, Rock Shox Tora fork with 100mm travel, hydraulic disc brakes and alloy Center Lock disc wheels, the lightweight Tahoe Comp is a tricked-out trail-worthy mountain bike with everything you need to take your riding to the next level.

2011 Access Raptor 3.0 Mountain Bike $399 2011 Access Raptor 3.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2011, the Access Raptor series combines a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain, disc brakes and durable Alex wheels to deliver an incredible mountain bike value. The Raptor 3.0 may be the series’ entry-level model, but it’s loaded with features not usually found on bikes in this price range. That includes the same strong and lightweight aluminum frame used on the Raptor 1.0 and 2.0 models, a responsive Suntour fork with 100mm travel, and also the same durable, easy-rolling wheels spec’d on the 3.0′s siblings. The Raptor 3.0 is proof positive that you don’t have to lay out a lot of dough for a truly trail-worthy mountain bike.

2010 Focus Highland Peak Mountain Bike $499 2010 Focus Highland Peak Mountain Bike. The Focus Highland Peak may be an entry-level mountain bike, but it’s a highly capable first ride that can grow with you as your trail skills and bank account mature. Featuring a mix of Shimano Alivio and Deore components and SR Suntour XCT V2-MLO suspension fork with 80mm travel, the double-butted alloy frame can be upgraded easily to disc brakes thanks to the handy dandy caliper mounts that Focus has so foresightedly designed into the double-butted alloy frame.

2011 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Mountain Bike $399.99 2011 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Mountain Bike. An entry-level hardtail mountain bike that’s an avalanche of fun. The GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc packs many of the performance features of bikes far above its class, including a lightweight aluminum frame, suspension fork with lockout, efficient Shimano drivetrain, and powerful disc brakes. Whether you’re going up, down, or taking in the views on the flats, the Avalanche 3.0 will sweep you away with its unstoppable combination of features, performance and value.

Louis Garneau Trail X-Grip Mountain Bike Shoes $84.99 Louis Garneau Trail X-Grip Mountain Bike Shoes. Louis Garneau’s entry-level Mountain Bike shoes are designed for the trail, yet are versatile enough for fitness, recreational or urban rides. Ergo Grip outsole blends med-shedding efficiency with walking comfort. Removable crampons adhere to all kinds of terrain. Heel retention system and 2-in-1 strap transfers all your energy into pure power.

2010 GTw Tachyon 3.0 Women’s Comfort Bike $489 2010 GTw Tachyon 3.0 Women’s Comfort Bike. This entry-level women’s commuter may look all business, but its ride is sheer pleasure. Take a mountain-style aluminum frame with GTw geometry, add road gearing, road wheels and a flat bar with Shimano RapidFire shifters, and you’ve got a ride that allows you to punch it on your way to punching in.

Pearl Izumi Women’s Attack Mountain Bike Shoes $89.99 Pearl Izumi Women’s Attack Mountain Bike Shoes. With a super stiff sole and the secure fit of a ratchet closure, these Mountain Bike shoes take optimal power transfer to a whole new level.

Sidi Scarpe Logo Mountain Bike Shoes $199.99 Sidi Scarpe Logo Mountain Bike Shoes. Perfect mountain bike shoes for any level rider, the Scarpe Logo looks good, feels even better and dishes out the dirt like no other.

2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike $599.99 2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike. The low-level price on this mid-level hardtail mountain bike will sweep you off your feet. With a legendary GT Triple Triangle designed aluminum frame, Rock Shox front suspension and Shimano components, this ride will challenge you to reach new heights.

2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike $449.99 2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike. This mid-level hardtail mountain bike will keep you in front of all chasers. The GT Avalanche 2.0 features a NEW hydroformed and butted 6061 Triple Triangle aluminum frame, Suntour hydraulic suspension with lockout, and Shimano components.

2011 Focus Super Bud 3.0 Mountain Bike $2079.99 2011 Focus Super Bud 3.0 Mountain Bike. Go fast. Go far. Get there in comfort on a Focus Super Bud 3.0 full-suspension mountain bike. It features a hydroformed aluminum frame that’s rugged and lightweight, a trail-taming Fox fork/rear shock combo and a competition-ready Shimano XT drivetrain. Whether you live to race, love to challenge your skills or just enjoy getting out and exploring, the Super Bud 3.0 will bring a new level of performance and control to the Mountain Bike table.

Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes $279.99 Giro Code Mountain Bike Shoes. The secret to a raw power lies within the Code mountain shoes. Easton EC90 unidirectional carbon outsole delivers pro-level stiffness for the most efficient power transfer available. Its traction-hungry lugs provide excellent mud-shedding and adherence to the pedals, making it a favorite among hardcore trail riders and XC racers. SuperNatural Fit Kit with adjustable arch support enhances comfort, scuff-guards boost durability and streamlined upper with ratchet/strap closure seals the deal with a sleek, secure fit.

2011 Access Raptor 2.0 Mountain Bike $499 2011 Access Raptor 2.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2011, the Access Raptor series combines a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain, disc brakes and durable Alex wheels to deliver an incredible mountain bike value. The mid-range Raptor 2.0 has everything you need to fly along the trails with confidence, including a Suntour fork with 100mm travel, dependable mid-level Shimano components, lightweight alloy handlebar, stem and seatpost and durable Alex wheels.

2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike $599.99 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike. The GT Avalanche 2.0 may be a mid-level mountain bike, but considering how this bike rails, you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the middle of the pack. The triple triangle aluminum frame is lightweight and responsive, the 100mm travel fork soaks up bumps to help keep you in control, and the 27-speed Shimano drivetrain gives you all the gears you need to get up to speed and maintain your momentum over all kinds of terrain. And when you need to slow things down, you’ll appreciate the reliable performance of the powerful Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes.

2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike $818 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike. If you’re looking for a mid-level hardtail mountain bike that does it all, check out the ready-to-roll, GT Avalanche 2.0 mechanical disc mountain bike. With its lightweight, durable aluminum frame, Suntour suspension fork with 100mm travel, Tektro Novela mechanical disk brakes and Shimano components, the 27-speed GT Avalanche 2.0 delivers a fun, responsive and comfortable ride on the trail, bike path or pavement.

2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $89.99 2012 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings.

2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $89.99 2011 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes, and the new Roc Loc 5 retention system sets the standard for comfort, stability, adjustability and weight savings.

Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $34 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. The Hex bike Bicycle Helmet lures the trail-hungry rider with its top-level features. Rock-hard design guarantees unparalleled protection for your dream box. 21 vents provide powerful ventilation, adjustable visor shields your eyes and the Roc Loc 4 retention system enhances stability over rough terrain.

2011 Access Prowler 2.0 29er Mountain Bike $1499 2011 Access Prowler 2.0 29er Mountain Bike. You’re a hardtail enthusiast to the core. You like to go far. You like to go fast. And you’re ready to turn your trail riding fun level up a notch. The all-new Access Prowler 2.0 29er mountain bike is your ticket to the amped-up Mountain Bike experience you’re looking for. With their larger circumference and contact patch, 29 wheels will improve your climbing performance, propel you farther with the same effort and allow you to flow over obstacles with finesse. A lightweight, custom-butted 7075 aluminum frame, Fox fork, and Shimano SLX components with Dyna-Sys make the Access Prowler 2.0 the perfect choice for prowling your favorite trails with a new attitude.

2011 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike-Exclusive $749.99 2011 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike-Exclusive. Brace yourself, because the low-level price on this mid-level GT hardtail mountain bike will sweep you off your feet. With a legendary GT Triple Triangle-design aluminum frame, bump-eating, Rock Shox front suspension and Shimano drivetrain and disc brakes, the GT Avalanche 1.0 is ready for whatever the trail or mountain throws at you.

2010 GT Sanction 2.0 Mountain Bike $1699 2010 GT Sanction 2.0 Mountain Bike. Never look back. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, but you have this moment. Seize it. The Sanction 2.0, an advanced all-mountain design, with optimized tube construction, was meant to be ridden down the mountain with ultimate speed and confidence. Adapt to every ride and section of the trail with Rock Shox Domain 302 U-Turn featuring up to 160mm of adjustable travel. The SRAM/Shimano race-level shifting componentry provide all-day performance and the Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc brakeset puts powerful stopping power and modulation at your fingertips. GT has created a stiff, strong ride that dares you to push yourself to the limit. Breath deep, clip in, and never look back.

2011 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Women’s Mountain Bike $649.99 2011 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Women’s Mountain Bike. The low-level price on this well-spec’d, mid-level women’s hardtail mountain bike will knock you off your feet. The Avalanche 1.0 brings together the legendary GTw Triple Triangle aluminum frame, a Rock Shox suspension fork and quality Shimano components in a responsive, solid-handling package. Precisely attuned to the unique needs of the female rider with its micro-adjustable seatpost, women’s-specific saddle and anatomic grips, it’s a dialed-in ride that will let you sweep down the mountain in complete control.

2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike $499 2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike. You can look high and low, but you won’t find a more capable mid-level hardtail than the GT Avalanche 2.0 mountain bike. The lightweight, durable aluminum frame, Suntour front suspension with 100mm travel, Tektro Aquila mechanical disk brakes and Shimano components make the Avalanche 2.0 a trail-ready ride right out of the box.

2011 Pro Bike Case $299.99 2011 Pro Bike Case. The Pro Bike Case is the ultimate in professional level transport. Heavy-duty construction, internal aluminum stabilizer frame and super-secure latches provide safe and reliable transport of your bike. Its molded shape even allows multiple cases to be stacked together for team events. Fits almost any bike frame, including large road bikes and full suspension mountain bikes, plus a set of wheels with extra room for your gear and tools.

Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit $59.99 Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit. Updated for recent advances in Road and Mountain Bike components, the Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit comes with 24 commonly used tools inside a custom-molded case. This entry-level kit is perfect for most maintenance and repair challenges.

2010 GT Tachyon 3.0 Comfort Bike $489 2010 GT Tachyon 3.0 Comfort Bike. Whether you ride for fitness, for fun or for commuting, the entry-level Tachyon 3.0 Comfort bike has all the features you need to enjoy your ride to the max, including hydroformed aluminum tube frame, internal cable routing, road gearing and flat bar shifters.

2012 Eastern Battery Freestyle BMX Bike $289.99 2012 Eastern Battery Freestyle BMX Bike. Make no mistake, the entry-level Eastern Battery BMX bike is nothing like the cheap BMX-style bikes you’ll find on the floor of your local big box discount store. Instead, the Battery is a beginner’s freestyle BMX bike that’s designed and manufactured with the same quality and attention to detail that goes into Eastern’s pro-level bikes. Because first-time riders can actually be harder on their equipment than expert riders, the Battery uses heavier steel tubing than pro BMX bikes. Components are heavier and more rugged, too. Rugged, fun, well-made and affordable, the Eastern Battery is the perfect bike for young riders who want to take a stab at perfecting jumps and tricks or who want to cruise the neighborhood in style.

2010 Fuji Roubaix ACR 2.0 Road Bike $1149 2010 Fuji Roubaix ACR 2.0 Road Bike. Redesigned and ready for action, Roubaix ACR sports BB-30 technology and strategic tube shaping for frame stiffness and resilience. With carbon where it counts for ride quality and performance, and the entry race-level Shimano 105 drivetrain powered by FSA compact crankset with BB-30, mountains will kneel before you.

2011 Fuji Roubaix 1.0 Road Bike — Performance Exclusive $1099.99 2011 Fuji Roubaix 1.0 Road Bike — Performance Exclusive. As if the Fuji Roubaix 1.0 wasn’t already one of the most popular entry-level racers around, this exclusive model, available only from Performance Bicycle, raises the attraction factor another notch or two. Equipped with SRAM’s Rival components, the Performance-Exclusive 2011 Roubaix 1.0 road bike is about as close to a truly race-worthy bike as you can get at this price point. It features a custom-butted aluminum frame with carbon seatstays for a lively, resilient ride, a vibration-absorbing bonded carbon fork, and enough lightweight parts to keep overall weight within surprisingly respectable limits for a sub-$1500 bike. Whether you’re an aspiring racer or just looking to up your recreational riding game with a lighter, plusher, better-spec’d rig, the Fuji Roubaix 1.0 is ready when you are.

Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes $99.99 Keen Springwater Mountain Bike Shoes. Get comfortable performance ON and OFF the bike in these Mountain Bike shoes from Keen.

Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes $29.99 Adidas Berm Mountain Bike Shoes. These Mountain Bike shoes offer flat pedal performance and style.

Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost $49.99 Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Seatpost. This mountain bike seatpost is lightweight and extremely functional!

Nashbar AT-2 Disc Mountain Bike $289.99 Nashbar AT-2 Disc Mountain Bike. New for 2010, the Nashbar AT-2 Disc Mountain Bike brings you to the trail at an affordable price with some upgrades over our entry level AT-1, Tektro IO disc brakes and a Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur. A 6061 aluminum frame and Suntour 50mm travel suspension fork keep you rolling through the bumps. A triple crankset and a 12-32 tooth cassette give the right gearing to get you up and down any terrain. Throw in a comfortable saddle and the AT-2 is ready for a weekend on the trails or your favorite greenway!