The great bicycle shuffle of 2010 Pt. 2

I've already sold the Scalpel. Done and gone. The old SS 29'er wheelset is spoken for and the Redline SS cross set up is back up on the chopping block. I even posted up the Fuji track bike, my fixed gear on CL though so far only limited interest. Apparently folks aren't thinking about skinny tire fixed gears during historic snow storms!?!?!

For a bit my thinking was focusing in on getting rid of these bikes and picking up a Raleigh RX 1.0 though when I looked into getting one ordered at FBS we found out they're all out, and possibly will not be getting any in that will be available! The "entry level" cross bike is a sweet aluminum frame with Sram Rival drivetrain minus the FSA cranks. Some decent though not special wheels, and a few parts I'd probably swap out to begin with.

More importantly the frame includes eyelets for rack and fender mounts, both things I am specifically looking for in a cross bike. I'd like to use it not only for cross racing and long training rides, but also for commuting and and touring (Pittsburgh to DC anyone?), hence the fender and rack mounts.

There is a possibility of the Redline Conquest Pro doing the trick, though in all honesty I really think the Raleigh is a sweeter looking ride. I'll keep thinking on this and talking with the guys at FBS and figure out what my course of action will be here. All I know right now though is that a cross bike is probably highest on my list for a new rig.

That brings me to my next topic. One, Cannondale CAAD9. I'm beginning to think about selling this bike as well. Currently it spends most of its time in the utility closet, with other, more rugged bikes getting the majority of my cycling miles. The 28cc tires help lessen the impact of the stiff bike on longer rides and the impact of the horrendous roads and trails on the bike but still I prefer the more rugged bikes to take the beating.

So, I'm not racing road anymore and the sole purpose of the road bike is for long road rides, commuting, trainer sessions and lunch rides... So, couldn't all of these things be done with a cross bike? Yeah, thats what I'm thinking too.

So why keep around the bike I have no emotional attachment to? It's stiff, which is great for racing but no the greatest for just riding so maybe a beefier ride would be more what I need. Thoughts anyone? Would I be making a big mistake selling off my road bike and replacing it with the uber versatile cross rig?