naranoth

So I'm graduating from college in may and biking with two of my friends from los angeles to vancouver (trying to avoid the real world as long as possible). We plan on doing a mix of camping and hostels while keeping the gear as light as possible (20-30 lbs, lighter if we have to). Because of this, they both bought cyclocross bikes ('07 jake the snake and bianchi axis, both of which I like). I'm 6'2" and 185 lbs and my local bike store is recommending the specialized tricross comp, but I am hesitating. Basically, I feel that the specialized looks slightly more rugged and dirt/trail friendly than either of their bikes (the kona and bianchi) which translates into a worry that the specialized will be a slower bike for light touring. I like a lot of the features of the specialized, especially the wheels, but i am hoping someone can either confirm or alleviate my fears of it being worse as a climbing/long distance touring bike(or just for the trip I'm planning in general).

Thanks

vpower

if you're buying it for touring. I would really recommend getting a steel bike (surly cross check or a jamis nova). I would also try posting this in the touring forum. I think the cross check is your best bet.

I would worry less about speed and more about comfort. Are your friends so fast that they will ditch you if you aren't keeping up? Unlikely. That said, the cross check and the nova are hardly turtles.

somnambulant

I think I'd recommend steel too. Steel is a little more comfortable on long distance rides, and also in the (unlikely) event you'd need to make any frame repairs at any time, steel is basically your only option.

flipped4bikes

I own a TriCross Comp and I love it! Took it on a credit card tour in Nova Scotia 140 miles RT and it was stable, stable, stable. I didn't have an issue with gearing ('06 ran compact cranks), but then again there were no huge hills to climb. If you are getting the '07 with triple, prolly more suited for touring. Wheels and tires are bomb proof, but it ain't slow! The frame is stiff, but doesn't punish you. What else do you want to know?

socalrider

I would also look at the Bianchi Volpe.. Good gear range, steel frame-fork.. They can be had for around 800-850 range..

endform

I would say that my JTS is an awesome bike. I have an '05 frame/fork which I built up myself and have done some longer road riding on it and never have felt beat up by it. Now I can't say I've done day after day after day touring with it but it's a good solid stable bike.

naranoth

well it looks like i am going with the '06 tricross comp as i found one on sale for 30% off (can't really resist that). They agreed to switch up the gears at cost to make it more suitable for climbing and that sold it for sure.
Thanks for the advice

socalrider

how much did you get one for?

naranoth

$1350, not bad i think

Deanster04

How much gear are you hauling? What kind of rack are you going to use? Both questions need to be part of the equation.

hopperja

I understand Surly will be offering the Long Haul Trucker for around $930 as a complete build. It should be comparable in quality and value to their beloved Cross Check. I would highly recommend either of them; both would suit your purpose... do a search online and try to find any negative comments about either. I bet you won't be able to find anything...

hamr22

I know I'm a little late to this post, but just wanted to congratulate you on putting off the real world. something I should have done.

MACKBEAR

Yea...I'm late too. A Bianchi Axis ($1300) would also do the trick, it's also a cyclocross/road bike.

shawnzyoo

I just bought a Bianchi axis about 3 weeks ago and can't stop riding it even though we have had a lot of snow and below average temperatures. It is a great bike for just about everything, wider tires, narrow tires, rack mounts, mud guard mounts,
My LBS allowed me to swap some parts on it, (new saddle, bottle cages, rack, front/rear guards) for an even $1000, I couldn't not buy it after that.

George

I bought a Jamis, and I just can't believe how smooth the bike is. I bought the flatbar Coda Elite because of health issues, but the steel frame with the CF forks is a great combination for a smooth ride.