Hi,
I am new here and new to biking in general but am in the market to buy a bike. I am limited to buying a Specialized Bike as I have a connection that can get me the wholesale price so please do not offer suggestions for other brands.

I live in very near a seawall (however quite busy) which I will be using the bike on as well as riding to work (very short commute). I do plan on taking it out on weekends on the seawall as well as longer rides, mostly on road.

My preference would be something that isn't too uncomfortable but at the same time looks sleek. That is why I was leaning towards a Tricross Sport or Comp however the Crosstrail maybe more suited to my needs.

If anyone has any experience with Specialized bikes and can give some insight as to which Specialized bike is right for me I would appreciate any feedback.
thanks!

I used a Tricross Singlecross to commute everyday 11 miles each way for 1.5 years. I have not a bad thing to say about it at all. Except maybe wanting a few gears on that massive hill.

It is a very capable bike and I found it to be comfortable. Obviously, the best way to find out is to ride both.

buy the tricross you can add racks and fenders later.Crosstrail is heavy and the equipment on it is not good.on the other hand it has the fenders and racks.But the cost of fenders and racks i think 100 dolars or so definetly tricross

thanks for the quick replies. because I am limited to getting a Specialized bike, would you have any other model suggestions within that brand? and if I were to get a road bike, which one would be optimal for me? I have a 30-35% discount and my budget is about $1000.

Wouldn't it be easier to just go on the Specialized site, look at Road Bikes, figure out the MSRP, subtract 30-35% then come back and tell us which bikes are $1000 after discount? Then we can help you narrow it down from there. I doubt anyone memorizes Specialized prices and you are asking people to do a lot of work for you. Present the condensed list to us to make our jobs easier.

Easy now. When you are new the whole thing is a bit overwhelming. I think their concern is mostly what is going to work, with an idea on price. So no one comes back to say get a S-Works Tarmac! I get your point though.

I don't know which bikes will have long reach brakes. That will be your hurdle looking at road bikes.

The Allez Comp hits your price point and that's a good deal at $1000. Again not sure on fender clearance. It's up to you, fit, and your athleticism/competitiveness/and desire out of the bike.

Fit aside....if you want to tool around town on it, do light trails, and leisurely-moderately path yourself on your commute with easily fitting fenders and rack the Tricross fits.

If you want speed and to do some road work on the side get a road bike.

Didn't know what the other bike you mentioned was. You want no part of that, IMO.

For that kind of money, the Tricross is a really nice bike. Better suited to road, and quicker than the Crosstrail. And, it will still do fine on most unpaved surfaces. (A mountain bike, it ain't - but, neither is the Crosstrail.)

Spoon a set of 28 tires on there, and you will have oodles of room for fenders and racks. And, still have a decent ride quality. Sounds like fenders will fit, easily, even with the 32s on there. $29 for a set of planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid fenders, and they will bolt right on, with adequate coverage.

I have nothing to add except I would LOVE a tricross single.

Thanks very much everyone. And yes, I am very new to this so I appreciate the patience you have demonstrated with me. For $950, I think the Tricross Sport is the best bike/deal for me, plus I've never had drop handlebars so new is always welcomed. I noticed Wanderer advised me to get a Tricross even though he owns a Crosstrail so that must mean something. I think the point is, I do NOT need a mountain bike or anything close to it for what I plan to use it for.

Can't wait to give you an update after I get it!

The ONLY reason I bought the Crosstrail, in '08, is because I NEED the front suspension for a physical problem with my back. And, getting older, the upright position of flat bars helps a lot. (thus the reference to the Sirrus)

I love my bike, don't get me wrong - but they changed it in '09, and it ain't the same bike. My bike is a great "do it all" bike, and I am very happy with it.

If not for the need for the suspension, I probably would have bought a Sirrus, or, maybe even the Tricross.

And just how far away from me do you live? ...

Haha only about 1000 miles.

Nothing will substitute for a test ride but be sure to check out a Secteur Elite.

I have a tricross and it's a great bike as well, but I would have bought the Secteur Elite if it was availible in 09.