Cyclocross - Specialized vs Cannondale

Hello all! We're trying to decide between a Specialized Tricross Double vs a Cannondale Cyclocross. Does anyone have any comment about which to go for. They both seem like good bikes, although the Cannondale is a bit more expensive. We want to use it for a bike camp trip along the Oregon coast and then for riding around town or low level racing. Any comments are appreciated! Thanks for reading this.

Looked at both a month ago.....I liked the Cannondale over the Tricross. But in the end I brought a Ridley Crossbow frame and buitl it up. For what you want the Tricross might be better as is is not a true Cross bike in the sense of the Cannondale. they both ride nice for the money. The components are ok on each.....but I would change out the wheels.

Thanks for your note, I agree the Cannondale seems like a bit better road/cyclocross bike (I like it) and the Specialized seems a bit better for touring/cyclocross (my son likes it). We may end up buying one of each!!

M

I was leaning towards the Cannondale Frame before I was sold on the Ridley. The LBS quoted me 500 for the frame, fork and headset.
Buying both would solve the problem ;)

I am biased in favor of Cannondale for the reason that it's produced under fair working conditions, where the painters (for example) are not avoidably exposed to toxins and pollutants are treated according to environmental regulations.

I don't know if the same can be said of Specialized; maybe someone else who cares about these things might know.

While both of the bikes are excellent quality bikes for the money and thier purposes. the Cannondale is not the bike for you (and I say this as an owner of the bike).

This is because, as somebody mentioned earlier, the Cannondale is a cyclocross racing bike, pure plain and simple. The addition of eyelets for touring racks is a pointless addition to the bike. The bike is stiff and snappy, great for racers and experienced roadies using it for off-season training, but would come across as harsh and unforgiving for what you're looking for. I personally enjoy the bike and its ride, but then again, I'm a scrawny kinda guy who is used to stiff bikes and I beat this thing up CX style.

I would say to test ride both bikes first, and make the decision for yourself.

Great feedback on the Cannondale, I've heard that they may be more rigid and sounds like the Specialized might fit better for the touring trip and as an allrounder. We've got one on order and will test it in a few weeks. Not sure about the working conditions but that's always important. Sorry, can't help out with a cast clip, sounds like a great new invention though! I'm sporting a couple of black eyes today from a great day of skiing, the faster the better I say!