Pro: a go-anwhere-, do-anything bike. Replaces that heavy MTB you never use (unless you're into serious technical riding); swap tires and do group rides on it.

Con: maybe 1/2 to 1 lb heavier than a comparable road bike.

Events: within city limits - Kissena cyclocross, might not happen this year unless the velodrome is finally finished or an alternate venue is found. Out of the city -events galore, I'll post links as I find them.

Got my eye on that Aegis Shaman CX frame...

.... is a frame builder from Connecticut who has a cyclocross race team and also races. His web address is: www.richardsachs.com. You should email him your questions as he is responsive.

Karl Dittebrandt (NYCC member) races cyclocross as a master. Contact him as he is full of info.

I went to a race with Karl in New England. The location was a YMCA camp in Connecticut. There are races in LI and NJ. The season ends in December. It's a great way to cross-train during Fall/Winter. The event is demanding as you need to run up small hills and jump over / climb over obstacles. I remember Karl saying an inexpensive bike is fine for beginning.

In Brattleboro, Vermont, the Bike Barn sells bikes and actually has a track in the field behind the shop. This is a great place to check out - they have a site on the web too.

Good luck.
diane

Post your question at the buying forum at bicycling.com and you'll get lots of advice. Better yet, go to the forum and do a search.

http://forums.bicycling.com/bic/forum.jsp?forum=6

A good one to check is the Surly Double Cross

Bike works on ridge st can get these. For the money they can not be beat