This will be my first bike purchase in over ten years. I want to go single-speed for simplicity. Fair weather commuting and rec rides in NYC. Occasionally heading to upstate or vermont for light trail riding, no single tracks. see pics of all three. I don't really need racks. Fenders? not sure yet.
Masi special commuter '09 795$
Specialized tricross singlecross '09 $900
Salsa casseroll single $900
the ride is what is most important to me. Not a hipster nor do i want to look like one. For that reason alone i dig the tricross. Nothing really "hip" about it. Just a fast ,solid looking machine. How much of a difference does steel frame compared to aluminum really make?
Anyone own one of these models? or maybe know someone who does? thanks......

Seriously? A new thread?

Better to "have and not need" than to "need and not have". Minimal weight penalty.

No rusting. Alum has a little stiffer ride. Steel flexes more when you hammer, usually not in a bad way. The Tricross is very nice. I don't like that the Salsa and Masi have unneeded braze on's.

thanks red horn. what the hell are braze ons? I am just learning about all these terms. And sorry sneaky vike, i did start a new thread. Also not familiar with forum rules or etiquette. The tricross is decent as a commuter you think? It just feels so tight when i ride it. Haben't tried the masi or salsa yet.

was looking at the tricross, ended up with the bianchi san jose since it's a few hundred bucks cheaper.

get the specialized. It will be a GREAT all weather bike (snow) and you can put largish tires on it too which is a perk since you won't be limited in your options

i have a tricross single and i love it. It's what you said, not a hipster bike, but definitely a solid commuter. i carry it up and down 3 flights of stairs daily, so the top-mounted cable and the flattened top tube are a plus for me. However, i got it for under $500 (it was used). i would definitely NOT pay $900 for one. A lot of shops around here have last years models for around $700 (it was originally $799). But even that's a little pricey, IMHO.

yea thats the prob. Price is steep. I found one store who will order me the 09 for 820. I can't find any '08s in my size(56-58)
Bang for the buck what do you think? Which has better components? Thats the point of buying a complete. I don't want to have to upgrade for a while.....

how do you like it so far?

huh?

Also, someone needs to make a head scratching smiley.

By trying to avoid the aesthetics of the hipster, you have inadvertently become one. The key is to admit your hipness, thus freeing yourself from it.

The Hipster Paradox is quite tricky.

The braze on's are the little metal fittings brazed (welded) onto the frame that guide and hold the cables. Because there are no derailleurs only a few are needed on a single speed for the brakes. Frames looks much "cleaner" without them.

IMO it is a fair price for the features you get. Retail is maybe $100 to high, but a dealer would possibly work with you or give an accessory allowance. I'm not aware of any all road/weather bikes that have the flexibility and fender/tire clearance that it has.

I know what braze-ons are. Sometimes this place just makes my brain explode, that's all.

I'm going to the coffee shop now.

damn your right. my hipness is not hideable. That is a tricky line to walk. I sure love my baggy pants still......and the line is way easier to walk in those pants.
But seriously, in the long run what bike will be the better choice for durability and versatility? I really don't give a **** about colors, looks, hip or not. I just want a solid bike thats going to last for many a good year.

Durability? Steel. I mean, I don't think you'd have problems w/ that SPecialized, but if that's in your top 2 criteria, I'd go steel.

Versatility? The Masi or the Salsa both have the braze-ons to be geared up later. Flat fixing will be easier with fenders because of the forward-facing dropouts. Those 2 things make them way more versatile.

But the Salsa wins. Painted stem. Sugino cranks. Better wheels (Surly hubs laced to Delgado rims! vs. Formula/ Alex). If there's less than $150 difference, I'd go with the Salsa over the Masi.

Sure you didn't have too much already ?

benmanship, I hope my answer was accurate enough to answer you question. Enjoy your new venture .

Thanks for the advice fellas! I will be checking out the Masi and Salsa tonight. I will report back to you later on. Still leaning towards that specialized......

I'd get a salsa because it makes me think of yummy food.

cross is the new tarck

I'm sure I have, but like this place, I keep coming back for more, even though I know it's a horrible idea.

I agree that the Salsa Casseroll is more versatile because of the derailleur hanger and forward-facing dropouts. It is best looking one out of those three too.

just got back from my test ride on the casseroll. DAMN that is a smooth ride. I rode a 55 which was perfect. The guy at NYCvelo told me they come a little larger than most companies. Very nice looking and feeling. Damn thing is pricey though.The masi is out. It's the tri-x or the salsa at this point.....any thoughts? same price. In fact i can get the 09 specialized for 820 from another shop so it's even a little cheaper than the 900 for the salsa. tough choice.

Did you ride the Tri-X? Kinda apples to oranges I feel. Compare the gearing and parts. Ultimately it should come down to the frames.

I have the 2008 57cm casserole which I built to a single speed and believe the ride is much smoother than my Cdale alum mtb that actually has wider road tires. I like the flexiblity (single/fixed/derailleur) of the Salsa, rack and fender points, and the relaxed geometry. I haven't riden the specialized though. I'm not sure how wide of tires the specialized will take. I run 28cm on my salsa with fenders but don't think i could squeeze 32cm with fenders.

yes my roomie has the 08. size 54 and i need a 56 but still very nice as well. I think the salsa has a more easy ride overall, but the Tri-X is quick. Higher gearing on the tri also and being that i'm new to riding that might be something to consider. It's the same price basically so bang for the buck what would you do? and it's really fricking expensive for a damn single speed. I mean 900? is that REALLY worth it? maybe i should get a cheap draft for 300 bucks.