GillyTheKid

Hello all. I started out with a Giant Roam 1 in mind, but after reading and getting advice from everyone here, I'm now deciding between the three listed.

2012 Giant TCX 2
2012 Specialized Tricross (the $990 model on specialized site)
2011 Kona Jake

I live in elevation that changes from 1400 ft to 1600 ft. I will be riding 99% road, but due to limited bike lanes and thin shoulders in some areas I am forced to ride on dirt to survive a motorist from hitting me at times but only for a minute here and there.

Goal is to ride about 25 miles consistently. Reason for bike is fitness and longer rides.

My LBS doesn't have any Giants or Specialized in these models for me to test ride. And I've been informed that if they order one, I have to be committed to buying because they are special order. (How can I choose a bike if I've never ridden it?)

The Kona I've only heard of online and a different LBS in my area didn't know what I was asking them for until I kept correcting them telling them it's a cyclocross not a super cross. But they had none in stock either.

Spec wise... which is the better bike for the price. They are all at the $999 level. I'm not as educated in the spec area and would really appreciate the help.

Tricross
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...2+Early+Launch

Giant TCX 2 (2011)
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/7315/44078/ (LBS had 2012 showing but I can't find link on it)

Kona Jake
https://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=jake

Andy_K 

The Kona has the best shifters, and overall I think it's the best value. It seems like Kona got rid of the rack mounts on the 2011 Jake, if that matters to you. Otherwise, I think it's the way to go.

A road trip might be worth the effort if you can find a dealer in driving distance that stocks one of these.

GillyTheKid

I was afraid of that. Not sure where I can find one around here.

GillyTheKid

I'm searching my area for the Kona. If I can't find any Konas, can someone recommend which is better of the other two?

Richard8655

I've never tested Kona, but in my evaluation of cross bikes the winner was Specialized Tricross. In my case the Comp. It was by far the most comfortable and had the most natural and sure-footed feel of the 4-5 brands I test rode when making my decision not that long ago. Those brands incuded equivalent models from Scott, Giant, Trek, Bianchi, and Gary Fisher. But this was me, and for others it may be a completely different experience.