The cyclocross bike is one of the most versatile bikes on the market today. The bike is designed to endure tough terrains and offer excellent versatility when it comes to making the best of an area. However, these bikes are also rather expensive and this is why many people choose a budget option to get started. The Raleigh Bikes Willard 2 All Road Bike is a little expensive, but still perfect as the best budget cyclocross bike.
Mountain biking is always fun, but combining it with a road bike is definitely the best way to go if you need this versatility. This is where the cyclocross bike comes in. I have done some research on these bikes and many of the features since the onset of the sport. It gave me the opportunity to understand a little more about how they work and the best features.
In this article, we have taken a deeper look at the cyclocross bike and the key mechanics for those on a budget. This should make it much easier for you to choose a bike that will meet your need. With numerous tests and expert advice, we did manage to track them down for your benefit. Our bite-sized buyers guide also makes it possible for you to find the right bike for your needs.
Best Budget Cyclocross Bike On The Market Today
With limited knowledge, it might be hard for you to find the ideal bike that meets all of your needs. Fortunately, we have done the legwork for you to sit back and simply choose the right bike for your needs. Here are the top cyclocross bikes that you can buy on a budget that is currently on the market today:
Top Pick: Raleigh Bikes Willard 2 All Road Bike
The top cyclocross bikes far exceed the $1000 mark if you are to compete professionally. This is why we have selected the Raleigh Bikes Willard 2 All Road Bike as our top pick. It might be a little expensive, but the features will make up for the price. With an aluminum frame, you are ensured of durability and a reduction of weight to start.
A carbon fork has been implemented and this is something that many people take for granted. However, it enables you to navigate arduous terrains with much greater ease. The SRAM 1 x 11-speed drivetrain makes the bike functional when it comes to alternating gears and finding the sweet spot. Additionally, mechanical disc brakes are included to ensure that you have the best possible stopping power.
Since the bike is quite expensive, it is also backed by a great warranty for more peace of mind. However, for this to come into full action, you need to have it assembled by an expert before riding. If you like to try out your own skills, Raleigh claims that it should not take more than 120-minutes of assembly for those with limited skills.
Runner-Up: Tommaso Siena
Tomasso is one of the brands that often allow you to get great products at affordable prices. The Tommaso Siena is one of these bikes and it has been constructed with a durable aluminum frame that keeps the weight down. Travel versatility is also ensured with the frame, as drilled holes are included to accommodate multiple carriers.
A 3 x 7-speed drivetrain is added for additional versatility and 28-spokes are added for making the wheels durable enough to handle virtually any terrain. Once again, disc brakes are used for maximum stopping power in all weather conditions. When looking at the design, it features a compact geometry that meets virtually any body type.
The bike comes in as one of the cheaper models and the ideal starting bike for beginners. We have selected it as our runner-up due to the price being a little excessive for some beginners. It is also worth keeping in mind that a professional assembly is required. It is the only way to have a lifetime warranty kick into effect.
Best-rated Bike: Diamondback Haanjo Trail 24 Alternative Road Bike
Diamondback is one of the leading brands in the industry now. However, we all know how expensive their bikes can be and many beginners can really match the asking price. To counteract this, Diamondback has released the Diamondback Haanjo Trail 24 Alternative Road Bike with an aluminum frame and lightweight hydro-formed tubes.
The bike does not have any give and it includes a 16-speed Shimano drivetrain for more functionality on different terrains. As with most of the top cyclocross bikes, this one also includes decent mechanical disc brakes. The addition of large knobby tires means the bike will comfortably stick to any terrain that it needs to overcome.
As we have already mentioned, it is one of the cheaper models that Diamondback has released so far. We love the fact that it is really lightweight and easy adjustments are possible for beginners getting on the road. As a top-selling cyclocross bike, we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to break into the sport.
Best Bike For Women: Raleigh Bikes Amelia 2 Womens Adventure Road Bike
Females should enjoy the functionality of having a bike designed specifically for them. It makes the bike a little more comfortable to ride and the features are tailored to their specific needs. Much like the best road bikes for women, the Raleigh Bikes Amelia 2 Womens Adventure Road Bike features a larger wheel, making it ideal for off-road adventures as well.
The durable aluminum frame is also really light and it comes with the same type of drivetrain that you have seen in the top pick. For better stopping power, mechanical disc brakes are added, but this can easily be replaced with the hydraulic upgrade if needed. We also found the tires to be really grippy, much like those of the top mountain bikes.
The price might be an issue to some, but if you are an intermediate rider looking for great value, the bike should definitely make a difference. It has all the features of the top bike brand like Cannondale, but you are paying a fraction of the price. We highly recommend this bike for females who are serious about the cyclocross sport.
Best For Beginners: Takara Shiro Adventure Bike
The Takara Shiro Adventure Bike has made the list for the affordability that we see and many people also choosing it to start out with. The bike is a little heavy with a steel frame, but this is counteracted with excellent durability. A 36-spoke double wall wheel also makes the bike really great for taking on a wide variety of terrains.
Once again, Shimano has been used for the 3 x 7-speed drivetrain. It might not be the most versatile drivetrain on the market today, but it is enough for beginners. Mechanical disc brakes offer great stopping power in all conditions and they are added to the front and the read end of the bike. If you combine this with a great helmet, you will have excellent safety.
Price should not be an issue and this is one of the cheapest models on the market today. We believe that it might not have all the excellent features many people might like, but still more than enough for beginners. We highly recommend it for the price and for any beginner, but hobbyists can also use the bike for some fun.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing the Best Budget Cyclocross Bike
Not all the bikes are the same and there are a couple of features that set them apart. Aside from the price, these features could have long-term benefits if you want to be serious. We have isolated some of these features for those looking for a bike elsewhere and they were also used for the list we have selected:
Frame
The core of the bike is generally known as the frame. The frame is what supports you and gives the bike durability. When looking at frames, the carbon fiber frame is the best, but they are also really expensive. However, the aluminum frame is durable and still lightweight, making it perfect for those looking for a cheaper alternative.
Wheels
When looking at the wheels of the bike it is fundamentally important that you don’t get confused with the wheels found on the best road bikes. Cyclocross wheels are a little wider but slimmer than those of the top mountain bikes. The design makes it possible to accelerate at high speeds and still take on numerous terrains.
Brakes
Brakes are designed to give the bike stopping power, but many get confused when it comes to which is the best. The disc brake is great for all weather conditions, while the cantilever brake is much more affordable. For those on a budget we recommend the mechanical disc brakes for their affordability and stopping power.
Wrap Up – Best Budget Cyclocross Bike
Why buy an expensive bike if you are a beginner and not yet passionate about the sport. It might be a waste of money and this is where the best budget cyclocross bike is a handy alternative. We highly recommend all of these bikes on the list and they should meet most of your outdoor needs.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts on these bikes. Let us know in the comment section which cyclocross bike you prefer. We would also like to know if you think we might have missed any great alternative cyclocross bikes.
