Cross bike VS. Road Bike

The difference is that you won't be frustrated with a road bike in a year.

Don't buy a cross bike or hybrid if you plan on doing any racing at all. They are intended to be ridden on bike paths and for commuting. They will feel good in the store, but in the long run the design compromises will become an excuse to finally buy a road bike after all.

I would not reccommend a tri-bike as an only bike (or even as a first bike). They're too specific a tool. A road bike can be successfully pressed into service for tri's, but for many types of riding a tri bike will be a liability (fast group rides with pacelines involved for example)

The main thing is to get a bike that fits.

I know Supergo is having a big sale this weekend, if that's where you're going.

Just curious, but are you a member of the Tucson Tri Girls?  We may have met, if so.

Anyways, if you get a new bike, enjoy!

Well then...check into joining!    It's a great club, with lots of clinics, workshops, training workouts, etc.  They have a ton of sponsorship, so as a member you get a bunch of discounts for tri, fitness, coaching, and nutritional places around town.  When you sign up you get a lot of stuff like a T-shirt, 10 packets of Carb-boom gel, and some discount coupons (Gwozdzilla is the membership coordinator and can probably tell you more than I can).  They have select races each year and give out $10 off registration coupons to members that are doing the races.  Anyways, I've had a lot of fun ever since I joined last October, so I highly recommend them! 

Cyclocross racing is A TON of fun!  We have a little series down here in Tucson in the winter ('03 AZ Women's B CX state champ here ).  I also ride my CX bike on some of the mountain bike trails here.  People tend to look at you funny because they think you're on a road bike...until you fly down the downhills. 

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Thanks!  Each race I decorated my helmet and bike.  This was right around Christmas, hence the reindeer antlers.  Then I told a bunch of people that cyclocross makes you horny. 

Rudy had the best costume, though.

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The one of me in the reindeer antlers is at Reid Park.  The one with Rudy in the tutu is at Himmel Park.  They have about 4-5 races each winter, and each one is at a different city park.