Cyclocross - Just ordered my Specialized SS Tricross

:thumb:And I'm totally stoked!!!:thumb:

There...I had to tell somebody.

I'll keep y'all posted, but this is going to be my daily commuter and I've got it in my head that it's going to make me a stronger, better rider. Even if it doesn't I'll still have a pretty sweet, inexpensive bike.

I've been riding the wheels off of mine all summer. Great all rounder. Riding single speed has certainly made me a stronger rider. Enjoy!!!

Congrats on the new addition to the family!

I can't believe how much $ I've spent on bikes now. This will be my 6th bike purchase. Good thing I'm already getting divorced, I'd hate to have to argue about all these purchases, LOL.

Well, I got the SS yesterday and put about 30 miles or so on a gravel road last night after work. This thing is the bomb, end of story. I'm totally jacked about commuting on this thing AND running it in a cross race later this month. I'd definitely reccommend it to anyone. Very tough, sturdy bike:)

I bought one of these 2 months ago - but not the SS (I'm too much of a sissy for one gear). I think I've ridden it about 800 to 1,000 miles. I love it. My favorite part is when I pass a guy on a road bike and he looks at my tires with that puzzled look on his face.

So you would recommend getting one of these to race cross? I am having a tough time deciding between this bike and a felt f1x. I have a specialized geared road bike already so kinda wanna try single speed.

Definintely. I'd recommend one of these bikes to anybody. I went to my first cross practice last night and had a blast. Suffice it to say I'm not well balanced, as I wrecked four times. It's odd, single speed bikes crash much more quietly than multi-geared ones.:) I wrecked pretty hard once, and never cause any mechanical problems. All I had to do was pick up the bike and start over.

Seriously though, it's a great bike. I'm going to switch to a slightly easier gear for racing, but the stock one is perfect for commuting. A great bike for the money, I promise you that.

I'm tempted to get the Tricross Racks (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=36252&eid=367)

I'm tempted to get the Tricross Racks (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=36252&eid=367)

Is there anything special about the Speicialized racks? I'm thinking about putting a rack on my tricross but I was considering the cheap one at Performancebike.com

well, it looks like that rack pushes the pannier mounts back a bit to compensate for the short chainstays and give you a little more heel clearance. but other racks do this and can be had for less than 80 bucks.

oh yeah, and an integrated bottle opener!

What gearing are you thinking of switching to? I am gonna be doing cx in the bay area and have no idea what to try.

Those racks are pretty sexy, but they're a bit on the pricey side. I've been trying to find a good pannier pack/backpack type thing to haul stuff around, but not much luck yet. I bought one of those racks that clamps to your seat post, but no matter how tight I get it on there it wags back and forth. Pisses me off...

I just raced the new SS last night in my first ever cyclocross race. It was pure sweet hell, lemme tell ya. Cyclocross racing is the most physically demanding sport I've ever tried. The only time I felt I was at a disadvantage with the single speed was in the flats; riders w/ gears smoked me and I could do nothing. Other than that it was great. Very reliable ride.

im picking up mine today. should be fun

I'm thinking about getting one to replace my Bowery for commuting. My LBS said they'd give me a deal on it. Just waiting for the '09 stock to come in now....

Get the 08 for cheaper. Color is better and practically same bike.

I got mine a few weeks ago. Replaced the the seat, changed front wheel, changed tires, removed the chicken levers, changed bar tape, and changed the crank arms. Next I am gonna get a new seat post, that stock one sucks for cross. Raced my first cross race with it last weekend and got 7th in the C's! This bike is awesome.

I totally agree that the saddle/seat post is sub-par. I also got rid of the chicken levers and had the LBS put on some salsa bell handlebars. They're really wide, so you get a lot of leverage when you need to pull a big hill.

What kind of saddle did you install? I want something new, but have no idea what to get..

i have two races on mine now. i love it. changes out the seat . goin to get a new post soon.

any reccomendations about new wheels?

Anyone know what those SS models weigh? Single speed, not swim suit. I have a 2006 Comp model, but would like to get one for cross and commuting in the winter. Although 14 miles may be a long ride with one speed...

I do a 15 mile commute one-way with mine and I wouldn't have it any other way. After you ride your SS for a while you won't believe how much faster you are on your geared bike. I think my bike weighs 19-20 pounds???

I train on the single all winter but continue to commute on the geared bike. I tired it a few times but just was not for me.

I took the chicken levers off mine too. No need for em. I also am replacing my post and got a new seat. I replaced the wheels with some solid Mavic ones. Oh replace the brakes too, those and the wheels are the worst part about this bike stock

I find the chicken levers quite useful when I'm doing a white knuckle decent off road and I have to hang off with my crotch behind the saddle. Just makes it easier to use the brakes by making the distance I have to reach shorter.