Dan Anderson

I'm a mid-level cyclocross racer, have been racing on a steel-framed Jamis Nova with cantilevers & v-brakes that doubles as my rain bike in the off-season.  I've been cleared by the 'boss' to buy a dedicated CX bike this year, but I have a tight budget (~$1500). 

You may have noticed that pretty much all of the 2014 CX bikes now come with disc brakes, except for the commuter-level multipurpose bikes.  While I understand there is a desire for disc brakes in cross, I'm surprised that the CHOICE for cantilevers is pretty much going away, considering how much lighter, more affordable, and more convenient they are if you've already got a few wheel sets lying around.  I'm a late adopter of technology, I guess, still riding a mountain bike with v-brakes (the horror!).  As a lighter rider (150lbs), disc brakes seem like overkill for me.

I know there are a few companies offering decent cantilever bikes in my price range, but the selection is becoming extremely limited, and may go away altogether.  I'm certainly not opposed to choosing something from those remaining bikes, or getting a deal on a used bike, but I wonder if I would be buying something that will soon be obsolete.

Are disc brakes that amazing?  Most of the top racers in Portland last year were using cantilevers or mini Vs.  Is everyone switching to discs as soon as possible or what?

Dan Anderson