Commuting - Your vote please. Which new commute bike would you prefer. Specialized or Bianchi..

It's been 5 years since I bought a new bike.. I want a higher end commute/touring bike.. These are my choices... Your vote please. Think I prefer the frame of the Specialized Tri Cross. The choices..
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Tricross Comp Never one for playing by the rules, the Tricross® lives to take the road less traveled. Whether that means a 'cross mudfest or hidden chunk of singletrack, these bikes are engineered with lightweight, easyshoulder frames, SpeedZertz-damped forks and beefy tires for the tolerance and traction to battle barricades, bumps and dodgy roads.


FeaturesTechnical SpecificationsGeometry•FACT carbon seatpost with Zertz insert helps smooth out rough terrain
•Ergonomic short drop aluminum handlebars provide a comfortable riding position
•S-Works FACT full carbon monocoque fork provides maximum strength at minimal weight, with SpeedZertz to minimize vibration and rack/fender fittings
•Smooth-welded E5 SLX aluminum frame and FACT carbon seatstays with Zertz inserts for compliance on road and dirt
•Roval Pavé wheelset use high-flange hubs with adjustable axles and DT Swiss spokes for the ultimate durability on varied terrain
•Adjustable 4-position stem with 31.8mm bar clamp for strength and versatile positioning

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45903&eid=4670&menuItemId=12187


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Model VOLPE Tiagra 9sp Triple
Code Y0BC3
Color 6K Olive Metallic, 7C Dark Blue, LC Black
Sizes 44-49-52-55-58-61
Frame Bianchi Cr-Mo, TIG weld
Fork 1-1/8” CrMo blades, CrMo steerer
Headset VP-A51AE
shifters Shimano TIAGRA
rear derailleur Shimano DEORE
front derailleur Shimano TIAGRA
crankset Sugino XD 500T SQ, 48/38/28
chain SRAM PC 951
sprocket SRAM PG-950, 11/32
brakes Cane Creek SCX-5
brake lever Shimano TIAGRA
rear hub Shimano FH-4500
front hub Shimano HB-4500
rims WTB DX23
Tires WTB All Terrainasaurus
Stem Kalloy alloy
Handlebar Premetec 6105R
Grips Bike Ribbon cork
Seatpost Kalloy SP-600
Saddle Velo VL-1166
Pedals Wellgo WPD-823
Waterbottle Hanger NO


http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/gran-fondo/volpe/



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The Specialized has a bit better component mix while the Bianchi has a lot more low-end gearing and higher spoke count wheels. If you're touring involves hitting big hills fully loaded, you'll want the lower gears and stronger wheels. Other than that, buy what fits and feels right.

CAC... The shop that would assemble the bikes stated we can built up the bike to my specifications.. Would that include gearing.?.. I often carry heavy loads so the spoke count in important..

Going off spec usually means up-charges and credits, doesn't it? BTW, does the Tricross have brazeons for a rear rack and fenders? I can't see any.

jyo.. Yes it does.. I like the seat stay.. It's geometry is interesting.. It's credited with a dampening effect when riding over the bumps... If there are up charges are they usually outrageous.. ?.. If doing any hills, it's worth it..

They usually charge you the difference in price when it comes to up charges and credits, but you can negotiate a discount w/ the owner, or kick him some extra business like buying panniers, a rack, etc., at an undiscounted rate so he can spread the bike discount among the margin on the accessories. If the Tricross can accommodate the stuff you need for light touring, and is all day comfy, go for it.

If the cost to build the Specialized up the way you want is within your budget, I'd take a long test ride on each and go with the one that fits the best.

I chose specialized as I have 105 on my road bike and it is really nice. If I am going to spend a good amount of cash on a bike then I want at least 105. The Bianchi looks better though!

The Tricross Sport Triple looks like it would be a more natural comparison to the Volpe--similar MSRP, and closer to the same level of components (the Volpe still has more low-end gear ratios). Any particular reason why you're considering the Comp instead?

As I really, really love the look of the Tricross frames and the styling of the Volpe doesn't do it for me, I'd probably try to rationalize myself into buying the Tricross. The Volpe is probably a better set-up for hilly loaded touring right out of the box, though.

2008 tricross comp rider here and hopelessly in loooove with it.

Buy what fits and feels better.

That aside, Tricross has more bosses, braze-ons and dropouts than you know what to do with. You can add all kinds of front racks, from little 6-pack by Spesh to low-rider, along with fenders and really fat tires. Forks have plenty of clearance. Front fork is uuuugly but can take direct bazooka hit. Seatstays are carbon and feel like good gas-charged shock absorbers - just one up-down move instead of bounce-bounce-bounce.....Besides, it is glued onto rear dropouts and seat tube, so trashing rear triangle does not mean trashing the frame, just replacing that wishbone-shaped part.
Zertz inserts do seem to be a gimmick. Wheels have 20/24 spoke count, so far I did not have to true the wheels after 14 months of kissing every pothole and riding over 4 sets of RR tracks RT. Rear hub is silent when greased just right.
Stock brakes are a toss-up. I had to replace mine with Tektro 720.
Last but not least - stock Borough tires are reasonably fast, pretty comfortable and a total joke as far as puncture protection. After getting flats every other week, sometimes every week, I bought a set of 700X28 4-seasons. By that time I did not care how much they cost. Those made a world of difference in ride quality and puncture resistance.
105 front shifter broke and stuck in big ring - common problem. I am waiting for redesigned 105.

YMMV

SF

As I really, really love the look of the Tricross frames and the styling of the Volpe doesn't do it for me, I'd probably try to rationalize myself into buying the Tricross. The Volpe is probably a better set-up for hilly loaded touring right out of the box, though.


Yeah, different strokes....

I was just about to add that personally I would go for the volpe becuase it seems more versatile and the look is much nicer. Of course, I am more into vintage frames and modern frames with old school geometry. The tricross just doesn't do it for me. Cyclezealot, I am assuming you have a newer road bike, and the tricross wouldn't be that much different. The volpe would allow you to get out there and enjoy the amazing country roads that France has to offer, with a load, over big hills.

If it were me I would order a surly cross check from the UK, but then again I have been lusting after one myself, and I guess it's better to go to the LBS anyway.