TRICROSS SPORT DOUBLE vs Jake the Snake

[slagjumper]

After finishing 2 years worth of taxes, I am finally able to scrape up $1400 for a new bike. I have been pondering the Specialized Tricross Sport Double, (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12394&bikeTab=techspec) and the Kona Jake the Snake (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=352&parentid=253).

What I like about JTS is the BB, which is a TruVativ X-Type vs the tricross' Shimano UN-25 cartridge, 68mm shell, 113mm spindle. I kill a bb about every 2 years. Right now the Tricross is winning in my mind. I like the zert insert idea, though I do not know how these will perform through-out the life of the bike.

Has anyone else compared these or owns one of these?

[flipped4bikes]

Why not stretch it a bit and get the Tricross Comp? Specialized lists it for $1700, but I got mine for $1500. You upgrade up to better Ultegra/105 and FSA Gossamer crank and BB. And don't get me started on the wheels! Check out the flanges on them!

BTW, the Sport is $1100 MSRP, not $1400...

[jimmuter]

After finishing 2 years worth of taxes, I am finally able to scrape up $1400 for a new bike. I have been pondering the Specialized Tricross Sport Double, (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12394&bikeTab=techspec) and the Kona Jake the Snake (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=352&parentid=253).

What I like about JTS is the BB, which is a TruVativ X-Type vs the tricross' Shimano UN-25 cartridge, 68mm shell, 113mm spindle. I kill a bb about every 2 years. Right now the Tricross is winning in my mind. I like the zert insert idea, though I do not know how these will perform through-out the life of the bike.

Has anyone else compared these or owns one of these?
I compared those with several other cross bikes in my search (Novara Rivet, Specialized Tricross Comp, Jamis Nova, Novara Element and Trek XO 1). I decided on the Tricross Comp. The components are substantially better than those on the Sport model. I ordered mine on sale for $1350, but now find out they don't have any more 2006's in my size (61cm) and will not. I was so excited about the bike, that I decided to wait until the 2007's come out in July to get one instead of picking a different model that has my size.

[slagjumper]

Why not stretch it a bit and get the Tricross Comp? Specialized lists it for $1700, but I got mine for $1500. You upgrade up to better Ultegra/105 and FSA Gossamer crank and BB. And don't get me started on the wheels! Check out the flanges on them!

BTW, the Sport is $1100 MSRP, not $1400...

This sounds like a great plan! I added 300 for tax and extras on the 1100. Really it is a matter of negotiation and comprimise with the wife who of course wants to do something smart like buy another duplex. You just can't ride a house, though. I'll see what kind of a deal the LBS will do for me on the Tricross Comp.

Another idea would be to just buy the Specialized frame, since I can buy at wholesale parts from a few catalogs I might be able to bring the total in to even less. I saw a frame on ebay, but does anyone know if specialized sells just the frames and for how much?

[flipped4bikes]

AFAIK you can only get the S-Works Tricross as a frame-only for $1100...

[trick]

The Tricross Comp is very nice. Out of my budget, though. The Sport would be great if it had Tiagra shifters instead of Sora... I never got used to not being able to downshift from the drops with Sora levers, so they're automatically out of the picture for me.

Haven't tried a JTS yet. I liked the balance and feel of the Tricross more than the Poprad I compared it to, though.

[gobes]

I have the tricross comp and while I agree that it would be nicer to have different shifters (tiagra, 105, etc.) I don't mind the sora shifters at all. From the drops I can reach up and upshift with my thumb. The downside to the sora is that it's only 8 speed, not a big deal, and the different shifters. However, the shifting performance is as good or better as my other bikes with ultegra or 105.
I figure that when the stuff breaks or wears out I'll replace it with 105 stuff.

[jimmuter]

I have the tricross comp and while I agree that it would be nicer to have different shifters (tiagra, 105, etc.) I don't mind the sora shifters at all. From the drops I can reach up and upshift with my thumb. The downside to the sora is that it's only 8 speed, not a big deal, and the different shifters. However, the shifting performance is as good or better as my other bikes with ultegra or 105.
I figure that when the stuff breaks or wears out I'll replace it with 105 stuff.

The Sport model comes with Sora, but the Comp model has 105.

[gobes]

The Sport model comes with Sora, but the Comp model has 105.

oops, you're right. I have the tricross sport. Sorry about that.