Cyclocross - New to Cycling, Tricross Sport right for me?

Hey all,

I've been wanting to get into cycling for awhile now, though keep in mind the last bike I owned was some 150 dollar mountain bike from Target. Now that I'm settled in and going to school, I'm looking to buy a bike..

So I began the whole research process and tried to understand what was right for me, and I'm curious as to what you think about my situation, given that I'm a newbie to the whole thing.

Needs: Light commuting to subway station, occasionally ride hills in San Francisco, then road biking on the weekends. I just want to get fit, so races and whatnot aren't in my interest level at the moment.

I rode a few bikes at LBS this past week, and found the Tricross Sport fit me pretty well in terms of comfort and has touring options that I like (space for rack, etc.) for my commute.

So: I've found a '09 Tricross Sport that seems to be relatively well maintained (the owner works at a bike shop, but needs cash) that I can get for $950.00. I haven't seen it yet, so I'm going to go tomorrow and check it out, but I'm curious as to what you all think regarding this, and whether the bike is a good value, and appropriate for me.

Obviously, I'm missing out on the professional fit and the 1-5 year maintenance warranties that all the LBS around here are missing, but I'm trying to figure out if having those things are worth the ~$1400 for buying it new.

Appreciate any thoughts you might have.

My wife and I both got Tricross Comps for many of the same reasons you cite. We ride mostly roads but also occasional packed limestone MUPS. We do a lot of light touring and wanted racks on the back. We love our Tricrosses. Also, you can change a flat in a 32C tire without tire irons - that is a nice bonus.

Do you think the $950 price tag is worth the savings (~$1400 new, after taxes), assuming it's completely okay? I'm just trying to figure out whether my savings is worth losing out on the tune-up and support of the LBS.

I had a 2008 Sport and have a 2006 Comp and I'd say you'll probably love this bike. It's a very good bike for a majority of riding I do and I do some similar riding as you want to do. It's not as fast for me as a regular road bike, but like you said, I'm not racing either. The versitility is what attacted me to it and it's why I still can't sell it and get something else. That's saying something for me as I'm a purpetual bike swapper.

It is a good deal if the frame is the right size. I don't think the free tune ups are worth much, if anything needs replaced you will get charged anyway. Bikes aren't rocket science, pick up a book and learn to do the maintenance yourself.