Cyclocross - Specialized Tricross

Hi there!

Thinking of buying a Specialized Tricross Comp (am in the UK, so the choices are actually limited) but still have a couple of questions:
- I originally wanted to swap the compact chainset to a triple but now realise that this would not be cost-effective (reason for doing so: possible touring use of the bike; getting the lower-spec Sport is not an option I really want to follow now...) Living in Wales, I'm still a bit worried about big hills on a compact (I'm fit and should be absolutely fine for day-to-day rides, though. I still think I'll change to a 34x50 compact, though.
- it also seems that the 2009 models no longer come with cyclocross interruptor (suicide) brakes. Is that correct?

Cheers,

ben

Hi there!

Thinking of buying a Specialized Tricross Comp (am in the UK, so the choices are actually limited) but still have a couple of questions:
- I originally wanted to swap the compact chainset to a triple but now realise that this would not be cost-effective (reason for doing so: possible touring use of the bike; getting the lower-spec Sport is not an option I really want to follow now...) Living in Wales, I'm still a bit worried about big hills on a compact (I'm fit and should be absolutely fine for day-to-day rides, though. I still think I'll change to a 34x50 compact, though.
- it also seems that the 2009 models no longer come with cyclocross interruptor (suicide) brakes. Is that correct?

Cheers,

ben
My wife and I bought Tricross Comps a year ago. I got the previous year's model with a triple because it was in stock and fit me. My wife ordered the new one that comes with a compact double but the LBS ordered it with a triple for no extra charge.

Your options are not that limited in the UK, although your bank balance will take a bigger hit than if you were purchasing a bike in the States. American brands not available in the UK directly include Redline, Lemond, Motobecane. However, off the top of my head, the following brands make cyclocross bikes that are available in the UK:

Kona (Jake, Jake the Snake, Major Jake)
Cannondale
Trek (X01, X02)
Giant (TCX)
Genesis (Croix de Fer)
Felt
Ridley (Crossbow)
Raleigh
On One
Paul Milnes
Edinburgh Bike Co-op
Focus (Mares Cross)
Surly

I'm pretty sure someone more knowledgeable than me could come up with many more as well. If you're not satisfied with the Tricross, you should be able to find what you want without necessarily having to change the chainset. Let us know what you go for.

I've seen one of the 2009 bikes at a shop locally and it had the brake levers on the top of the bar.

As far as the triple. I've got a 2006 Comp and I converted it to a triple. Only thing I changed was the crank and front derailleur. Cost me about $75 off ebay. I got a NOS black 105 crank that came with a bottom bracket and a used 105 FD. Nothing else needed to be changed.

The other option that I had was I bought a second wheelset and put a 11/34 cassette on it. I did have to change the RD though. Not quite as cheap as changing to a triple, but gave me more options.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

As regards the brand, I'm not stuck on Specialized but I definitely want to support my LBS. They're a Specialized dealer and that's why I considered the Tricross in the first place. Subsequently came to the conclusion that the bike was exactly what I was looking for, at least for now.

Changing the Comp to a triple would be a costly option, I beliebe, because I'd have to change the STIs too. The stock ones are not triple-compatible. Ordering the bike with a triple doesn't seem to be something that is possible in the UK. Don't ask me why, though. Ah well, I might actually wait until I'm next in the US to grab a new bike. Will see.

Cheers,

ben

Some other options

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=472062

There are also a few threads in the BF touring forum about tri-cross bikes and their set up.

You must not have read my post. I changed mine to a triple and didn't change the shifters. 105 shifters are double and triple compatible. For a small charge, you might be able to talk the shop into changing all that stuff over for you.


Thanks for all the help, guys!

As regards the brand, I'm not stuck on Specialized but I definitely want to support my LBS. They're a Specialized dealer and that's why I considered the Tricross in the first place. Subsequently came to the conclusion that the bike was exactly what I was looking for, at least for now.

Changing the Comp to a triple would be a costly option, I beliebe, because I'd have to change the STIs too. The stock ones are not triple-compatible. Ordering the bike with a triple doesn't seem to be something that is possible in the UK. Don't ask me why, though. Ah well, I might actually wait until I'm next in the US to grab a new bike. Will see.

Cheers,

ben

You must not have read my post. I changed mine to a triple and didn't change the shifters. 105 shifters are double and triple compatible. For a small charge, you might be able to talk the shop into changing all that stuff over for you.
No change in my wife's shifters either.