Cyclocross - Specialized Tricross Wheel question

I have a 2008 Specialized Tricross sport, which came with a mixed gruppo triple crank and a set of Alex Ace-19 wheels.

The wheels have been decent but am looking for a better set and thought about upgrading to the Roval Pave SL's which come on the advanced model Tricrosses. I am also planning to upgrade my triple to a compact double at some point.

What I would like to know is if it possible to put my existing 9 speed triple setup on the Roval Hub until I upgrade the drive train later or should I do both at the same time?

I would also welcome any thoughts anyone has on the differences between the wheels-drive trains etc if the have any experience.

Thanks a lot.


My bike:
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9747/trisportcharel908131.jpg

The wheelset I am considering:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2388/07wheelrovalpavesll.jpg

I had those on a Tricross Expert I had. Nice wheels for cross racing. If I was going to buy wheels for the road though, I think I'd pick something else. You can get lighter wheels for much less.

But, to answer your question, yes you can swap all your other parts over to these wheels. Consider changing out the cassette. It's low end and quite heavy. If you changed out to a 105 or Ultegra 11/25 cassette, it'd be much lighter and the jumps between gears is much less noticeable.

2008 comp rider. First owner had it for a year. I had those wheels for 14 months of commuting on very sketchy pavement. No broken spokes, never needed to have them trued. I am also light Athena and ride over 4 RR crossings round trip. Properly maintained, rear hub is silent.

Ditch the stock Boroughs, though. It is a decent tire as far as rolling resistance and comfort go, but puncture protection of Saran Wrap.

Side note - the reason I went straight for Comp is to avoid painful case of acute upgrade-itis.

Have fun and ride safe.

SF

I had those on a Tricross Expert I had. Nice wheels for cross racing. If I was going to buy wheels for the road though, I think I'd pick something else. You can get lighter wheels for much less.


Thanks Knobster,
I do spend most of my time on the road, but also do some light offroad/carriage road/single track and I am about 200# So I definitely wanted a sturdy bombproof wheel. I do not race so having the lightest or fastest wheel is not my primary concern. I am definitely swaping out the components for possibly a Sram rival or Ultegra. But I mostly want to get rid of the granny gear which I never use.




Ditch the stock Boroughs, though. It is a decent tire as far as rolling resistance and comfort go, but puncture protection of Saran Wrap.
Side note - the reason I went straight for Comp is to avoid painful case of acute upgrade-itis.
Have fun and ride safe.
SF

Thanks, Sci Femme,
New tires are my first upgrade. Possibly to Armadillo elites and maybe thorn resistant tubes. I have already gotten several flats and always on the rear wheel which is even more annoying. Otherwise I like the Boroughs.




Has anybody upgraded from Alex Ace 19 to the Pave SL's. I am curious to differences in performance.
Thanks.

Thanks Knobster,
I do spend most of my time on the road, but also do some light offroad/carriage road/single track and I am about 200# So I definitely wanted a sturdy bombproof wheel. I do not race so having the lightest or fastest wheel is not my primary concern. I am definitely swaping out the components for possibly a Sram rival or Ultegra. But I mostly want to get rid of the granny gear which I never use.

Well, if you're not worried much about weight, maybe look at the Roval Pave Classic. Not much difference between the Classic and the SL except a couple hundred grams. Much cheaper also. Classic come on the Comp model.

Well, if you're not worried much about weight, maybe look at the Roval Pave Classic. Not much difference between the Classic and the SL except a couple hundred grams. Much cheaper also. Classic come on the Comp model.
I stand corrected - mine are Classique, not SL, sorry, Germanicus. Still bombproof. Still tubeless-ready.

Tires - last autumn I annoyed the bejesus out of road, cyclocross and commuting forums with all the hand-wringing over next tires to buy. Settled on Contis 4-season 700x28. Pricey, but puncture rate went down from every other week to ONE since November. Ride quality and rolling resistance did not suffer, added innnnsaaaane wet grip. In my state we ride year round.

Thanks Guys,
I considered the Classique but Specialized has stopped producing those and only makes the SL now. Also the price on the SL has come down to where the Classique used to be so I am fine with those.