Cyclocross - Which bike?

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knobster
11-09-09, 10:07 AM
So now I find myself in possession of 3 Specialized Tricross's. Didn't intend it that way, but that's how it ended up.

One has a purpose already: 2006 Tricross Comp is my dedicated rain bike. Fenders, rack, etc.

I have a 2010 Comp and a 2009 Expert also. Since I'm most likely going to keep them, I probably want to have one as a road bike and one as a dedicated cross bike. Which would you choose for which purpose and why?

Expert (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2009&spid=38440&menuItemId=0): Full SRAM Rival, Roval SL wheelset, FSA SL-K carbon double crankset
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2009/bikes/9091-10_EL_TRI_Expert_Wht_d.jpg

Comp (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45903&eid=4670&menuItemId=12187): Full 105, Roval Classic wheelset, TruVatiV Elita alloy crankset. Same frame, sworks fork and same gearing

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2010/bikes/9001-41_d.jpg

R900
11-09-09, 10:23 AM
Expert = Cross

Comp = Road,

or 2 Experts, or one Expert and 2 wheelsets...

Comp is ok, but not a fan of the brown...
Crack Monkey
11-09-09, 10:44 AM
I like the brown.

I'd go with the Expert for racing, just because it should weigh fractionally less and I like the Rival stuff.

Slap a 50t big ring and some slicks on the Comp and have fun on the pavement.

meanwhile
11-09-09, 12:25 PM
Isn't the SRAM better at shifting under load? I'd use that one for off road - unless you're much more serious about road racing than cross. In which case you should probably sell one or more bikes and get a CAAD 9 or Allez.
knobster
11-09-09, 12:48 PM
Well, I tried selling the Comp, but it's not going for anywhere what I paid for it even though it's on a few weeks old. I got a good deal on the Expert which I why I bought it.

I'm only cross racing and not what you would call serious. I do more road riding than anything, but I don't want a road bike. For me the cross bike is perfect.

Thanks for the replies so far.
meanwhile
11-09-09, 03:29 PM
Well, I tried selling the Comp, but it's not going for anywhere what I paid for it even though it's on a few weeks old. I got a good deal on the Expert which I why I bought it.

I'm only cross racing and not what you would call serious. I do more road riding than anything, but I don't want a road bike. For me the cross bike is perfect.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Then I'd use the SRAM as the off road bike and keep the other Tricross for the road. Reasoning -

- You benefit from better power shifting under load off road even if you're not racing. But on the road it only really matters in racing.

- For non-racing, a Tricross is a great road bike. Almost as fast as the Allez and a lot more comfortable.
rat fink
11-10-09, 02:50 PM
Dude, share the love!