Cyclocross - Replace Tricross Triple with BD Fantom Cross Rival?

Here's a question for you guys:

I'm into road cycling....already have a Cervelo S1. But I also have an entry level CX bike that I tool around on with the family or for a nice commute to work. Its a Specialized Tricross Triple (2010 with Shimano 2300 8 spd).

The S1 has Ultegra...so you would imagine the difference between 6600 SL and 2300 thumbshifters and a clunky triple.

My S1 is also a 56, while the tricross is a 58. The more I ride the 56, the more stretched out I feel on the 58.

My two options:

1) Sell the tricross for 700-800 bucks and buy a Motobecane Fantom Cross with SRAM rival for $999. I'd get a 56.

2) Keep the tricross and upgrade the gruppo to Rival or Force for 600-700 bucks.

Does anyone have experience with the BD bike? Is the frame (aluminum with carbon fork) comparable to a Tricross frame?

Since your current frame is already a bit large, I'd get the new bike. Obviously you already know and prefer upgraded shifters. I would double check the geometry/sizing though. You may find the next size down to be preferable due to more upright riding style of tooling around town.

There's no comparison between the Fantom Cross frame and the TriCross (I have both - a TriCross Comp and a Fantom Cross Outlaw). The Fantom is brutally stiff and buzzy in comparison. It also has a standard geometry (horizontal top tube) and shorter head tube than the Tricross, so the riding position is more aggressive. I find mine very fatiguing to ride off road and use it as a commuter mostly, and a slop weather bike a couple times per year. It's also heavier.

If you like the way your TriCross rides, you'd be better off selling it and picking up a used 56cm, or maybe keeping it, getting a shorter stem, and upgrading the components.

There's no comparison between the Fantom Cross frame and the TriCross (I have both - a TriCross Comp and a Fantom Cross Outlaw). The Fantom is brutally stiff and buzzy in comparison. It also has a standard geometry (horizontal top tube) and shorter head tube than the Tricross, so the riding position is more aggressive. I find mine very fatiguing to ride off road and use it as a commuter mostly, and a slop weather bike a couple times per year. It's also heavier.

If you like the way your TriCross rides, you'd be better off selling it and picking up a used 56cm, or maybe keeping it, getting a shorter stem, and upgrading the components.

Thanks for that. I do love how the Tricross rides, and the geometry is a bit more advanced than the Fantom. As well, i just read that BD doesn't ship to Canada, so that option is fading fast. I'll probably end up with a component upgrade instead.

I have a fantom frame, and enjoy the slightly aggressive positioning.

I would get a Fantom with Rival in heartbeat if I could, for what its worth. I actually am planning to upgrade my Fantom (got it as just a frame) with Rival soon.

had a fantom cross for a few years before it was stolen and it was really good bike but when I a friend let me borrow his tricross comp for a weekend I must admit it was a sweeter ride. I wouldn't think twice about getting another fantom cross though I been playing with the idea for about a year now. Good bike for a great buy.

I ride the fantom in a 64. it's a bit flexy for my taste... I am looking at specialized, trek, c-dale and scotts for next season. The fantom also has a bit short of a head tube compared to the long TTs for us tall guys