Originally Posted by
Andy_K
Why not try the Tricross with the Allez wheels? It wouldn't cost you anything but the time to switch the wheels and adjust the brakes, and it would definitively answer the question about how much the tires are contributing to things like slowness and comfort.
I'd just change the tyres. The stock tyres on the Tricross are notoriously slow and it's not because of their width but the tyre compound used and it's thickness. Drop the cash on some Marathon Supremes and the bike will feel like an anchor has been taken off the back. You won't lose anything in comfort - it should go up - or puncture resistance. Supremes *are* pricey, but they're durable too.
I'd also change the stock pads for Kool Stop Salmons, especially if this is your bad weather bike, and read Sheldon Brown's article on cantilever tweaking. I think you'll find that your Tricross is much more personable when you've fixed it's most notorious shortcomings this way.
Good - very thoughtful - review.