I detest riding my mountain bike on the road or gravel.  Two weeks ago I decided that view would be better from a cross bike.  The search has escalated with the recent rains.

Trying out cyclocross frames is a challenge.  There are lots of cyclocross bikes out there in the bike-o-verse, but is difficult to get my hands on multiple frames that fit.  I also want steel, which narrows my options.

Test riding the frame is crucial.  I haven’t been on a road bike since junior high.  There’s a chance I might hate the way a CX bike feels.  I also know nothing about cyclocross bikes.  Unless I have some knowledge of the frames, fit, materials and components, there’s no way I can part with $1000.  I need to know what I’m buying.  I also need to love it.  This includes loving the paint scheme.  Dave makes fun of the fact that bike color is a factor.  If I’m forking out cash, then yes, I must also want to look at it.

One night while out for dinner, Dave and I went to Bike Mart to see if I could find a cyclocross bike to test ride.  The store was gearing up for the Hotter than Hell, the annual 100 mile bike ride in Wichita Falls, TX.

This fiery display greeted customers.  If the devil rides a bike it might look a little something like this minus the glitter.  I don’t see the devil as a glitter guy.

Bike Mart doesn’t carry the cyclocross frames I am interested in, but they have Gary Fishers.  It was possible that I could be swayed.  Plus, they have a lot of bikes in stock.  The mission was to ride a cross bike that fit.  The day was not a purchase day.

The salesman pulled a 52 and 54 Gary Fisher Presidio off the wall.  The steel frame, carbon fork and components came in at $2000.   About $700 over the max amount I’m willing to spend.

After the salesman adjusted the seat, I slid my left foot into the pedal with the toe clip.  I was already nervous about crashing.  Putting my shoes in straps didn’t put me at ease.  I was a little wobbly at first, but after about five laps around the parking lot I managed to get the hang of the brakes and shifters.

The top tube was high for me on the 54cm.  It was lower on the 52, but still higher than my mountain bike.  I didn’t like the reach.  While the stand over height was better on the 52, I felt cramped.  The salesman said that the fit is adjusted by swapping out components.  But I just want to ride a bike that fits, not hear about how it might fit.  Telling me that you can fix the problem without letting me try out the adjustments doesn’t encourage me to pull out my wallet.  He came down a little on the price, but the bike, while attractive, still didn’t feel good.

I labeled the bike parts to help with frame comparisons. The process looks very elementary, doesn't it?

That night I printed out the Presidio geometry and started shopping.  Bike manufacturers don’t measure frames in the same way.  While not a revelation, I find it annoying.   With paper, pen and a calculator on stand by, I spent the night attempting to figure out what other models I’d be interested in buying.

Converting inches to centimeters.

The search continues.  I spent the week pouring over bike reviews.   I am now more familiar with components.  Phone calls to bike shops in Dallas and Fort Worth proved fruitful.    People at Oak Cliff Bicycle Company, Colonel’s Bicycles and Trinity Cycles talked to me about frames, brands, and fit.  My simple questions were answered without a sigh.    If I end up ordering a frame I have three places I feel confident in calling.  But before I order, I’m still looking for a bike to test ride.

Now that it’s the weekend I have two days to drive around DFW in search of cyclocross frames. Maybe I’ll find something used.  Maybe I’ll find something to buy.  If not, then I’ll have to order one.

Have a great holiday weekend.  Labor less and ride more.