Cyclocross - specialized tricross vs jake snake

Hi All,
Any advice on the "best bang for buck" bike? I've never tried CX. I have 2 LBS. For crossbikes, one carries specialized, the other, Kona. Difficult to get an unbiased opinion. I do IM racing, so will mostly use bike for crosstraining (hitting ther trails) and commuting. I could get hooked, so I won't rule out a CX race. Thanks.

I'd say check the gearing first. I was after a Tricross as a road all-rounder but lack of top-and bottom end ruled it out for me. Going for Kona Sutra instead.

Both bikes have excellent cyclocross pedigrees, as both companies sposer and recieve design feedback from top competative cyclocrossers. You can't go wrong with either bike, but here are some pointers that can help you decide which bike to go with:

1. Test ride both bikes, see which one you feel more comfortable on and which one you feel more in control of.

2. Disregard the componant selection, the frame and the fork are the most important elements of any bike. Don't get too hung up on parts, as they tend to take a beating on 'cross bikes and get replaced more often. The only components that are truly critical on a stock cyclocross bike are the wheels and if it's a deciding factor then get the one with the stronger wheels.

Thanks for the advice.
The JTS comes with a easton ultralite race frame, the tricross uses A1 premium aluminum. I don't know which is better. The Specialized comes with a carbon (FACT) fork, while the kona uses the project 2. I'm assuming carbon would be better, how about the frame? Thanks.

OK admittedly I have not looked at the price on a built Specialized TriCross, but I know the frame was supposed to retail for $1199. To build up the Specialized would bring the total cost to between $2000 and $2500. JTS cost about $1,200 for the whole bike! Do you really want to pay over $2,000 for a bike your going ride some trails on and commute with? Buy the JTS and ride and race it for one year, if you like cyclocross racing upgrade the fork on the JTS and get a new set a wheels, or sell the JTS for $800 or $900 dollars on E-Bay and get the Specialized. Also consider a Felt, Giant, Alan and Bianchi they all make competitive high quality cross bikes.

I have not ridden the JTS but, I have ridden the Tricross and was particularly impressed with the ride and handling. It exhudes a sturdy, efficient and quiet feel. The ride is well damped and, almost plush. Really a fine and pleasant road feel - due mainly to the fatter tires I am pretty sure. It strikes me as being an excellent all around type bike. I would take it down the mud-run, over the mountain or on a Sunday morning century without thinking twice. As a matter of fact, just as soon as the "Comp" model is released in 61cm I plan to procure one.

The Tricross has some other nice benefits too. The fork can take a rack as well as the rear end. Fenders too. And it will take fat, fat tires to boot. I like it.

OK admittedly I have not looked at the price on a built Specialized TriCross, but I know the frame was supposed to retail for $1199.

I believe you're thinking of the S-Works Tricross frame. The "regular" variations of the Tricross are available for a similar price, but ready to roll.