+1

When I looked at the Specialized Tricrosses, it seemed to me that some of the more-expensive bikes had more aggressive designs. Maybe this is only true for those that are more expensive than the comp?

Does the comp have the same braze-ons that come with the sport?

What about gearing?

I can't say for sure whether the sport or the comp would be better for you. I haven't looked at them for quite a while. You're probably in a better position to evaluate and choose between the two.

Just be sure you enjoy the way it feels -- how it rides.

Also, be aware that not only tire size, but also tire pressure will affect the ride and feel. It would be a good idea to test ride the same bike at several different tire pressures, to get some feel for this.

(Sometimes one bike will feel fast and skittish and harsh, and another bike will feel much smoother and better -- but it is just the tires. The first bike might actually be a better and smoother ride than the second, if ridden with the right tire pressure for you.)

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I agree with one of the posters on the other thread, that a recumbent might be worth considering. You could at least go on some test rides and see what you think. Many people, esp. those with a little extra weight (until they lose it at least), find that some of the recumbents are much more enjoyable to ride, particularly so for long rides, but even on shorter rides as well.

I've ridden a few recumbents, and they can be very enjoyable -- if you enjoy something that thoroughly or that much, it improves the quality of life, and gets you out there and fit without even trying. If you enjoy something enough, 'trying' just ceases to be an issue....

While the geometry is the same, the braze-ons and components are not. The sport is geared lower, has less carbon, and a nine speed mixed road/atb drivetrain rather than the 10 speed 105 on the comp.

It's more versatile, reliable, affordable and approachable for a new rider.

If I remember correctly, the sport has a triple chainring crank set.

It looked like a very good, versatile bike. I liked the braze-ons.

(Now that I think back on it, I looked at the gaps between the rear tires and the seat tubes, and the sport had more room there. I don't remember which Tricross(es) I was comparing it with, but there was disctinctly more room. From what you've said, it may have been a model other than the comp....)

ok guys, so i am stupid, but what are braze-ons?

They're attachment points for things like racks, fenders, and water bottle cages. Most road bikes come with braze-ons for two water bottle cages and that's it. The Sport will take front and rear racks and fenders. Probably a third water bottle as well.

thanks for the explanation
i will check the spec website and see if it tells me whcih model has which braze-ons
i can't find much there ab out max tire size for each model
too bad
i could have gone with a sequoia eleite with biger tires to avoid the cost of a tricros comp triple
but then again
what do i know anyway

The Sport has rack and fender fittings. The Comp does not. If you plan on not riding in the rain and don't plan on ever needing to carry anything heavy on the bike, you don't need rack and fender fittings. OTOH, it's nice to know they're there in case you change your mind.

The Sequoia comes with 23mm tires and probably won't fit anything much larger than 28mm. The TriCross comes with 32mm and will fit larger.

If versatility appeals to you, the Sport is the most versatile bike in the Specialized line.

Just found out something interesting: I checked the 2007 Specialized catalogue. In it, the Tricross Sport, Tricross Comp, and Tricross Expert are said to have the same geometry.

Sometimes catalogues are not as reliable as firsthand measurements.

I checked a shop, and compared the chainstay lengths on the sport and the expert. The sport has longer chainstays. No question.

It might be interesting to take a tape measure with you, or borrow one (or some kind of measuring device) at the shop, and take the measurements firsthand. You can't always go by published data.

i looked online and i thought i saw that the tricross comp also has fittings for a bracket and fenders
not likely wanting fenders
or do i want them
will likely get a bracket or rear rack or whatever you call it
can you tell by my posts that i tend to overspend and buy the next best thing when i do stuff like this
the tricross sport may suffcie but
if the comp is similar but adds things (those carbon inserts to ease vibration, and better components)
then i will get the comp god i hate making decisions...

It's interesting that the Sport has longer chainstays of the Comp. Something different for '07 because of the different frames? I would try to ride both to see what the difference is for you in terms of ride. The '07 Sport has the same frame and Speedzertz fork as the '06 Comp. The A1 aluminum frame is nice, and light for a 'cross design. You don't get the Zertz seat post or handlebars, but you probably won't miss it. The component spec is fine also. The Sport is heavier than the Comp overall, but hey, you're riding to lose weight, so it's a wash.

The max tire size for the Tricross would be 38c. The Sequoia will not fit anything above 25-28c. That has to do with the brakes. Tricrosses have cantis (greater clearance), the Sequoia has dual pivot sidepulls.

The money you save getting the Sport you can use buying some good lights, rack, and bags. And oh yeah, there's no bell included, so you have to buy one!

i appreciate your continued help with replies
my lbs does not have a sport or a comp for me to try
what they do have is one of the owner's own expert double that they offered to let me try
but no sport or comp
the spec website lists similar geometry and braze-ons
so if i ride and like the expert double
what do i do next
it is not entirely about the money
it is more about getting the most bike for my money and avoiding mistakes

The biggest mistake you can make is poor fit. See what kind of fitting services they have.