I need help from you experienced clubber's and race team members. Need to get an entry level cyclocross / winter bike and I have no idea about makes, models, specs, yada, yada.....

Was looking at Giant TCX 1; Redline Conquest Sport, or any of the REI Novara bikes.

I would appreciate any advice, opinion on the subject. Thanks!

I think you should check out the Surly Cross Check

http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

 Here's what I like about it:

- It looks cool (anyone who says this isn't one of the most important factors in choosing a bike is lying)
- It can fit 29er tires and become a passable mountain bike
- It has tons of rack mounts so it can be a good touring bike or can haul stuff
- It has horizontal drop outs so you can run it as a single speed
- It doesn't look fancy so you can lock it up downtown and not worry about it

I'll second Alex's vote for a Cross Check, as long as weight is not your primary concern w/the frame and fork.  It's rock solid and reasonably priced, but it's not light.  I love mine, and the fact that it weighs about 8 pounds more than everyone else's cx bike gives me a good excuse for mid-pack placings in cx races.  It also makes my road bike seem really light.

Chris, I'll have my bike w/me up at PotP this weekend so look for me and you're more than welcome to turn a few laps on it.

Excellent! Thank you both very much. I'll check out the link Alex and look for you on Saturday Matt!

a bike that takes fenders and mudflaps, if you'll be bringing it on group rides...