highflyr

hi everyone,

Just curious if anyone knows the answer to this question... are there any other 'off the shelf' cross bikes that come with a triple besides the specialized tricross ?

i'll be using this bike for a 20mi commute and it will replace my rocky mtn for adventure racing (hence the need for the third ring).

anyone?

thanks for reading,

deputyjones

Bianchi Volpe, Kona Jake...those are the ones I looked up.

RonH

My commuter is a Jamis Nova.
I've only used the granny gear twice in 2+ years.

The '07 model has a compact double (???). Don't know why they changed.
I believe the '06 still had a triple if you can find one.

The '07 Jamis Aurora (listed as touring) has a triple.

kokomo61

How hilly and long is your commute? Mine is 43 miles RT, with 1700 total feet of climbing. I started riding a Trek 7300 with a triple, but once I got some conditioning under my belt (about 6 months worth), I switched over to a Kona Jake the Snake, which has a double, and haven't looked back.

....although, if you find that you want a triple, it would be hard to go wrong with the Volpe, Nova or Jake triple - all are great bikes.

M_S

My commuter has a triple, but it's also my touring bike (Jamis Aurora). The Volpe is a popular model around here. I believe it's been alternately listed as a touring and cyclocross bike over the years? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. You could also do a surly cross-check build, or even buy the stock model, and I don't think it would take much to switch it from a double to a triple.

voileauciel

The Volpe is pretty good, I have one for touring. Nice wheelbase and good handling. Definitely consider upgrading the tyres, however, as the Allterrainasaurus' are only so-so.

fat_bike_nut

Bianchi Volpe. Sure, it can be used for touring, but Bianchi built the thing around a frame with cyclocross-style geometry. People seem pretty satisfied with their Volpes when it comes to commuting.

highflyr

the commute is only 20mi RT, however the triple would be for the adventure racing. ya never know what the course has in store until the night before when they hand out the map and instructions to only the first check point.

i agree that a double is what i'd need 85% of the time, if not more... but i definitely don't wanna 'huck a bike' up the hill when i could be granny gearing it

the kona JTS is pretty popular in canadian bike stores (for obvious reasons)... has anyone tried to convert it to a triple?

bkrownd

I have to use the "granny gear" on mine on just about every substantial hill, or I poop out after the first quarter mile of climb. However, I've never ever used the big ring on any of my commuter or road bikes.

freemti

I've just started commuting. My trip isn't long (3.3 mi) but the return leg has a long hill that is kicking my butt (well actually my legs) I don't have a triple on my Trek 7.6 FX and the low gear just doesn't seem to be "low" enough. I have to stop to collect my breath and allow my quivering thighs a rest for a minute or so before I can finish the hill.

Do I just wait for my muscles/conditioning to catch up or do I go with a triple or a different double?

txtricrossryder

Specialized makes a Cyclocross/Freeride called a Tricross in a triple. I bought the double in 2006. The triple was not available till 2007. I haven't had any problems with my commute or hills with the double though.

Fred Smedley

I use a old al. Miyata quickcross which go cheap on ebay. Triple chainring, al frame , chromemoly fork and rear triangle. Makes a great commuter. Canti brakes and all mounts make tire/rack/fender options possible.