dkyser

Does anyone have any reviews on the Trek CrossRip Elite, was at the LBS tonight and they seem to think its a great option for a clyde wanting to put more road miles on a bike.

If there are better option in the $1200 range would like to hear them.

dkyser

I know its new so may not have too many out there, but what do you think about the specs.
This type of bike would be perfect for me for now, as I have many gravel paths and roads to ride while I work my way up to a roadie bike.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ross/crossrip/

bassjones

I'd like it better if it had a 105 or SRAM Apex equipped version. But, the new Sora is basically last year's Tiagra, so it's probably not bad.

jethro56 

I have a Trek 4.5 Madone with 105 and a Surly Cross Check with Rival. The 105 is smoother if I keep it clean and adjusted. The Sram stuff just doesn't care about dirt and dust. (I've never ridden in mud) The Hayes CX5 brakes are suspect as well. I'd want Avid BB7 because I don't like the idea of disc brakes that require warping the disc to work. The problem with my suggestion is that Trek would want 200-300 more to run Apex and BB7.

dkyser

Thanks for the input.
I really like to modify things, have been doing it with my hobbies all my life, the things you would like better like the Apex and BB7, can those be upgraded.
All the components are pretty overwhelming right now, but as I get into this more will enjoy learning.

bassjones

Apex, 105, and Tiagra are all 10-speed now, so upgrading would require a complete changeover that wouldn't be cost effective. Honestly, the Sora bike will be fine. For my money, I'd find a Kona dealer that's close and order a Rove - https://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=rove - similar, but much better equipped bike.

jethro56 

I think you're on the right track looking at wide tire drop-bar bikes. I'll assume you've been riding the Navigator. With a drop-bar bike especially in gravel you'll really want to start working on your core strength. Stuff like Pilates. Another issue in gravel with a more aero position is upper back strength. An issue I'm dealing with is that I'm stronger in front (like bench press exercises) than the lats. When I get tired or dealing with rough conditions I tend to pull my shoulders forward. Shock from bumps goes straight up into my neck. If my upper back was stronger (I'm working on this)then the shock would be handled properly by my shoulder.

dkyser

Closest dealer is like 90 miles, I hate to buy a bike that far away but guess its not as bad as buying used. I assume most things can be fixed by the rider.

bassjones

It's all standard parts that can be fixed by any competent bike shop and a lot of private individuals.

dkyser

Looks like the Specialized Crux Elite, and Crux Elite Disk Apex have the better components also, I do have a few specialized dealers close.
Would the Crux Disk be worth the extra $$?

thejokell

I was looking at that, the Trek Ion CX, and the Felt F75X. Went with the Felt because I got a lot more for the money. With Trek you end up paying for the name, so at similar prices other bikes will probably have better components. For $200 more than the CrossRip the Felt comes with 105 shifters and an Ultegra rear derailleur.

Roosterbird

loved the lines of the Crossrip with the subdued colors, very stealthy looking.

dkyser

Thanks for the info, I had never heard of Felt before, I do have a Felt dealer an hour from me, which in rural pa is close.

thejokell

Although I love my Felt, there are plenty of other options too. Everyone here seems to love Surly and Kona bikes, and they have options in your price range. I also didn't want disc brakes, which is why I was looking at the Trek Ion line as well. The Ion CX and the Felt F75X are essentially the same bikes, but the Trek costs $200 more.

I've just found you pay more for Trek than you do for similar bikes of other brands (and I say that as a Trek owner).

fietsbob

one in print, in current issue of Bicycle Times & https://www.bicycletimesmag.com/conte...crossrip-elite

If you want Upgrades , Point Of sale Takeoffs, can always be done, if you are convinced
you need a different derailleur, than the ones they ship with.. test ride them as is, ..

maybe have them build up another of the same,& as it comes out of the box,
changing parts before the final setup adjustments are done , saves some minutes,
over if adjustment's done twice.

re tape the bars if the cross and brake levers are not at the angle you like ,
since they are done on the bars before boxed up and shipped.

cmrtn7

I looked at the Crossrip Elite, nice bike. I managed to talk myself into spending the additional 400 for the Ion, which should be in tomorrow. There were only 7 Ions in my size (54) left in the country (US.)

dkyser

I have decided the same thing, I hope my size is not 54.

cmrtn7

The Trek Store in Erie has a 56 if that helps you.

thejokell

Good choice!

dkyser

Thanks guys, going today to get my size checked, if its 56 may make a trip to Erie I believe at this point if I were a size 54 and could not find a bike would go with the pro model. I do not want to wish I had gotten better components than the CrossRip has.

CraigB

That's not been my experience around my area. Here, that role is filled by Specialized.

Chitown_Mike

I think it presents less of a "steal me" look to it. lol, probably why it is marketed to city people, I know I am eyeballing one pretty hard. Although I am looking at potentially buying the LBS I go to. The owner is a really great guy but wants out in the next few years, so we are talking about me coming in to learn the business and get into bike sales.....and he is a Trek dealer and has a Crossrip or 2 in store.

dkyser

I liked the Specialized Tricross, but the frames are only rated for 275# The Trek Cyclocross frames are rated for 300#. I know they are probably fine but spending that kind of money want to make sure warranty is good.

I also realize I may be paying more for a Trek, but the time spent driving an hour or more is valuable to me too.

mprelaw

Yup, in these parts, you also pay a higher brand premium for Spesh. Even when it comes down to MSRP, a Tarmac or Roubaix with Ultegra lists for $250 more than a Madone 5.2.

I think that 'cross bikes are a great choice for a Clyde.

mprelaw

Trek has an excellent reputation on warranty issues. Spesh does, too. Sometimes it's worth paying for the brand premium.