Cycle Scheme Cyclo Steed

[R350]

Yo.

Right. I currently have a roadie (TCR) that does me fine, but as it is not getting used for the commute to and from work as I feel its just too precious, I want a sturdy cyclocross bike to add some colour to the already dreary journey to work, along with being used in and around town, and obviously on gravel and little 'adventures' when my mrs is driving me bonkers. My mind was initially on a hybrid, like a Cannondale BadBoy, but the flat bars in comparison to road bars just seem so... flat. And boring. I need suggestions off you guys. Talk to me any day about road bikes, but cyclo cross bikes, I have no idea (apart from the fact Ridley are decent). It has to be £1000 or under as its from the cycle scheme, and preferably an alu frame (don't care about fork). Bikes that have caught my attention already are:

Scott Speedster CX20
Ridley X Bow 10 Disc


All suggestions will be looked into.

Thanks!

[R350]

No please, not all at once now...

[kafkathedog]

Well the Giant TCX is a great bike but they don't have mudguard mounts so you will have to do with clipons if you commute on it in bad weather.

Otherwise Kona Jake the Snake is a solid favourite.