SullDC

Looking to get a new bike for daily commuting and longer weekend rides. I'm interested in the Specialized TriCross but was wondering if someone could explain the difference between the TriCross Sport and the TriCross Comp in layman's terms for me. General opinions/advice on this bike, or similar bikes that might also be worth looking into would be super helpful too. Thanks!!

tjspiel

For the most part they are the same bike with the Comp having the more expensive, lighter components. Test ride each and see what you think. Pay attention to the braking and the shifting. The comp may also ride better due the nicer tires but you could also get better tires for the sport.

acidfast7

to me, they both seem to be missing pedals? will this impede your forward progress?

kinda surprising when they're 1250 and 2000 USD, respectively.

SullDC

Ahh, good one.

vesteroid

Good for you, if you can even find one. I called every bike shop in 50 miles and couldn't find the first one in my size. Now I am told they don't even have them available for order. I went with building my own cross check instead

flipped4bikes

The Sport has Sora (meh) and the Comp has 105 components (much better). Other than that, not sure what the big price difference is- the wheels? They better be the shiznit hoops. What's interesting is the Elite has SRAM and disc brakes for less money than the Comp, but an alloy rather carbon fork. I have no experience with SRAM, so I can't compare it to the Shimano 105 group.

I own the Tricross Comp v 1.0 (2006) with 105/FSA Gossamer double and I love it. I recommend it because like other 'cross bikes you can fit fat tires AND fenders on it. Incredibly smooth on the road and can take it onto dirt, mud and rough roads and double track. I've even toured on it. The only change I've made on it is a new chain and a Brooks saddle.

Big Lebowski

Timely post, since I test rode the TriCross Elite Apex today, but I also took a long look at the Sport. The SRAM and the disc brakes were great (the brushed aluminum was an eye-catcher too) on the Apex Compact, but the aluminum forks were a no-go for me at that price. The Sport looks great. It's on my short-list.

sci_femme

I own 2008 Tricross Comp and agree with all of the above. Buuuuuutttt.... Tricross of today is different animal from what you and I own. What we ride has migrated to Crux Expert: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...ruxexpertforce - frame material, wheels, hubs, carbon seatpost, Gossamer crankset, etc. And even Crux does not have carbon seatstays. At this kind of coin it's a shame.

Mondo734

the biggest difference is the components and wheelset are better on the more expensive one. 105 is two component levels above sora. It goes sora tiagra 105 ultegra and then dura ace.

I personally test rode the apex disc brake version of the tricross and really really liked it. In the end though I went with the Specialized Crux instead, mostly because it seemed to be a little more aggressive than the tricross. But for your intended purpose I think that either would be a great fit for you.

flipped4bikes

So your TriX Comp has an E5 frame. Nice. Mine is the A1 Premium no carbon seatstays.

flipped4bikes

I agree with the alloy fork being a no go. But I also think that Sora is junk. It's worth paying the extra for the 105 group.

FrenchFit 

Yeah, I built up a 2009 TriCross frameset with my own components. Hard to recognize the new ones as the same bike. General opinion..the bike is a blast, assuming you are not in the market for a true "competitive" road bike. The wide FACT fork and frame hardly slices through the air.

andboy

I just picked up the Sport with a triple. 2008 model.

Weight isn't too much of a concern for a commuter bike for me. It's lighter than what I had before! I put a Topeak shell bag on front for ID badge / phone / keys. Also a rack on the back. I have Dinotte lights front and back.

This has tiagra. The shifting isn't as fast or neat as my 105, but i'm slowly adjusting them closer!

I like the bike, the ride, even with the 32's it came with, it rolls well.

boog

I recently picked up a Sport Disc model for commuting/general purpose fun rides. It's got an upright seating position for seeing traffic, not too heavy, and the stock tires are okay. The brakes are amazing, and totally make up for the Sora drivetrain. The compact double up front seems like it will be enough for me on my commute, but I would have preferred a triple, had they had one available and in my size. Just got it back from the shop after getting the break in tune up done, so ask me in a few more days how it really is, but the first 100 miles have been very promising.

boog

Sprayman

I'm not familiar with the new models of the TriCross, but I have an older model and it's a sweet, sweet ride. I can only imagine that they've gotten better since I got mine a few years ago.

sci_femme

Yes, E5 frame and 105 all over, rear derailleur is Ultegra. Roval Pave wheels are double-walled and friggin' indestructible - after 8000 mi of city commute (RR tracks, potholes, occasional curb-jumping) never needed truing. And I am a light Athena.

I guess my point is for OP to take in account that older model Tricross owners are singing praise to a different bike from today's.

Big Lebowski

Ran across a 2011 base model for sale on craigslist. My size too. He's asking $700 and says its been ridden less than 20 times and is mint. I checked the Specialized archive and it says it came with the Shimano 2300 components, but does have a carbon fork. Looks like he's had it listed for a bit, so maybe he'd cut me a deal. I think this might be a the one.

EDIT: Here's the ad:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/bik/3034370612.html

idc

I'd get the Tricross Elite disc compact over either of those. It's listed at $1900.

You will need to buy pedals (~$50+) and possibly shoes (~$50+) if you want to use cleats as well since these are marketed as higher end bikes.

IMO $2000 for 105 is a bit much, but it is Specialized.

Darth_Firebolt

i got the sport for the same reasons. i already have a sirrus with an aluminum fork, and i'm done with that noise for longer distances.

it might be worth it if it was 9 speed 105 with a triple. no way i'm spending more money to get less range and more fragility just to save a few grams. ESPECIALLY on a bike like the tricross. it makes even less sense when replacement parts are figured in. i can put a chain, cassette, cables, bottom bracket, and chainrings on my sora for what a chain and cassette cost for the new 105.

sora shifts just fine. it might weigh a little more, cost a little less, and not get near the street-cred, but it's perfectly acceptable. i picked the sport just because it has a triple with 9 speed, carbon fork, and no disk brakes. i have touring in mind, and in my neck of the woods, that means a triple. i also work at a bike shop, and the disk brakes just aren't worth it to me on this bike. paying more increased replacement costs, less robust drivetrain, and being forced into an aluminum fork, plus only coming with BB5 brakes is a deal killer.

SullDC

Ive been searching for a Tricross Comp or a Sport in a 56 all over the NYC area and NO ONE HAS THEM. Did you wind up having any luck finding one? I am hoping the 2013 models have the same minimal aesthetic.

El Gigante

Good point - I have a '09 Tricross Comp that I picked up towards the end of 2010, and it has been a great bike. I've got over 5600 commuting miles on it and other than replacing the chain a few times, have had virtually no mechanical issues with it. I agree that its a shame that Specialized has downgraded the frame and componentry on the newer Tricross models and forced buyers up to the Crux level for basically the same bike.

Big Lebowski

Seller accepted my offer. I won't get to pick it up for about a week, but I'm so happy. I've been looking for a bike to compliment my Trek single-speed Soho and I am sure that this is it.

Big Lebowski

Drove to the seller's house to buy this bike last night, but it was actually a size "S" (he said it was a Medium) and was not in the expected condition. I could have gotten past the dirt and stuff, but the wrong size was a show-stopper for me. Oh well, I commuted today on my Soho S. Not a bad day.

ThermionicScott 

Road (and other) bikes are often sold here without pedals so that the user can install the system they prefer. Helps knock a little off the price, too.

EDIT: Whoops, old thread.

El Gigante

Sorry to hear that Lewbowski. From the photo, it looked like a pretty nice Tricross, too. There's a lot of love on the forums for the Surly Cross Check and Salsa Vaya - any luck on finding either of those in your area?