Cyclocross - Jamis Supernova and Specialized Tricross Expert

Anyone ever compare the two?
I'm wondering which is the better value/smarter buy.
Also wondering if there is a measurable difference in geometry. I don't think there is an LFS near me that carries both brands to compare side by side.
It looks like they both use SRAM Rival components (how are these by the way? I'm used to shimano ultegra) and a shimano 105 cassette.
The Tricross is retail $2900 and the Supernova is retail $2450.

I'm looking for something to replace my Felt F65 as a weekend road bike but also double as a fast/light commuter if I don't need to take my Riv. Will most likely get more use as a commuter than weekender. I will be putting on 28c or 32c flat resistant slicks, probably marathons.

If anyone has any experience with either bike I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
Thanks!

Not very popular bikes I take it?

Not very popular bikes I take it?

Can't say about the bikes in question but the Riv is super nice. I checked out your photos. Man that's a nice bike. I'd probably have it hanging in my living room.

i don't understand why you need a true cross racing bike, when you aren't planning on racing or running very fat tires. this will just be a weekend road bike and commuter? the cross racing oriented chainrings of both bikes will probably leave you feeling undergeared.

why not take the group from your felt and slap it onto a more commuter friendly road frameset that takes fatter tires? the salsa cassarole comes to mind. or move the group to a not-so-racy cross frame for that matter. soma double cross?

i don't understand why you need a true cross racing bike, when you aren't planning on racing or running very fat tires. this will just be a weekend road bike and commuter? the cross racing oriented chainrings of both bikes will probably leave you feeling undergeared.

why not take the group from your felt and slap it onto a more commuter friendly road frameset that takes fatter tires? the salsa cassarole comes to mind. or move the group to a not-so-racy cross frame for that matter. soma double cross?

Any self-respecting Rivendellian wants a bike that is just as comfortable on the trails as it is on the road, ie: (the only true cross bike here was my Salsa, although my Riv was there under my buddy)
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/photos/478835362_yZf4c-M.jpg

cs1, thanks! I love it!



i don't understand why you need a true cross racing bike, when you aren't planning on racing or running very fat tires. this will just be a weekend road bike and commuter? the cross racing oriented chainrings of both bikes will probably leave you feeling undergeared.

why not take the group from your felt and slap it onto a more commuter friendly road frameset that takes fatter tires? the salsa cassarole comes to mind. or move the group to a not-so-racy cross frame for that matter. soma double cross?

I like my Felt, so basically I'm looking for something like that with ability to run fatter tires and maybe fenders. The Riv is awesome, and I want to leave it as is for heavy duty commuting or regular chill riding. But for days when i want to travel light and fast, I'm looking for a fast, light, very well spec'd pre-built bike that I can also do long weekend rides on once in a while. Basically, if I stripped everything off of my Riv I would have what you're talking about, but that's not really what I'm looking for. I'm not sure how I'll feel about the gearing, never rode one. But Houston is soooo flat I'm always in the big ring up front and usually just one gear in back. I think my Riv has a 50 big ring so a little bigger than those two bikes. It's very seldom that I change gears. What would I be missing with the cross bike besides a few teeth up front?

I agree, that level of bike sure seems like a waste to just commute on. Maybe drop down a level on either bike. I have a Tricross Comp and it's been a great bike. I primarily only use it for commuting now, but I did use it to race cross on, road rides and some rail trails. Great for every purpose. Mine came with an Ultegra/105 mix.

i thought any self respecting rivendellian wouldn't be caught dead riding aluminium! :eek:

i thought any self respecting rivendellian wouldn't be caught dead riding aluminium! :eek:

This is true! I will never buy a full aluminum frame again.
But i can deal with aluminum when there is a carbon fork and seat stays. :thumb:

In regards to it's intended use, I appreciate the advice, but my Riv costs quite a bit more than either of these and it was purchased specifically for commuting and relaxed weekend rides. It's a lot more bike than most would want for a commuter. But I really enjoy it and my specific circumstances allow me to bring it with me into work, avoid riding on nasty weather days, and so forth. In this case, I'd rather spend the money upfront for the better spec than regret my decision later and want to upgrade pieces.

I'm also open to other options, these were just the two that caught my eye.

Thanks! :)