Cyclocross - specialized tricross comp vs sport, or lemond poprad..

Hi people.

I'm looking for an all-rounder - light tourer, commuter, recreational trail-rider and maybe a beginner triathlon bike.

I've tried lots (excluding, sadly, the bianchi volpe as well as a trek, fuji, k2, rei bikes). The two I've tried that seem to fit best are a specialized tricross 54cm with a shorter stem, or a lemond poprad 52cm.

I like the idea of steel, and the lemond fits like a glove, but I'd want a triple crank (moving to New Zealand.. hilly!) so would probably have to fork out a bit to get that set up. It also doesn't have brazeons for racks (tho does have threaded eyelets on front and back, so would be workable)

The specialized also fits well, has triple crank and braze-ones, and alu may have its advantages for rainy NZ? It's just so chunky looking though, vs. the (to me) attractive classic-style poprad. I could get an '08 sport for $1150, or an '07 comp for $1500. What is there about the higher spec one that would be good for me? (given I don't want to actually race cyclocross...) Is it worth the upgrade?

08 sport - http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32209
07 comp - http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22302

Thanks for any comments....

Helen.

Nb - when I say "excluding" I mean I've tried these and they don't fit so well! The volpe was just a bit short in the top tube, so felt cramped to ride. Was kind of ok with lengthened stem, but the poprad + tricross just felt better off the rack. H.

I have a 06 Tricross comp and really like mine. Does everything I need, very well. I'm not sure that the comp is really that much better than the sport, but I got mine used for $900. The components on the comp are better, but there is nothing wrong with the sport. I did notice that the sport was a few pounds heavier, but if you aren't racing, it doesn't really matter. It looks like the Tricross would probably be much better for you since you said you'd like to have rack mounts and a triple. The aluminum also would be an advantage. Especially since NZ has some salty air.

have you tried Konas? I use a JTS much as you describe, though it is a compact double (you can change that if you really need to)

I've had a look at Konas, and thought they seemed more geared to actual cx racing. And I do think I really need the triple.....

If you're looking for an all around bike I'd go with the sport. I have an '08 sport and I like it a lot. It's pretty heavy but you can ride that bike anywhere and do anything on it. I have used it for commuting, mountain bike rides, road rides, etc. I haven't used it for touring yet, but I think that it would make an excellent touring bike as well.