Hi folks

I'm getting ready to buy a single speed, and am hoping to get some opinions. I already have a 21 speed hybrid, and I'd love to get a SS configured road bike, but not an all out track racer.

My LBS has a Specialized tricross single (2 actually) that they will sell me for a closeout price of $600 (will swap out the knobbies if I want). The reviews on the bike are pretty consistent - great frame, lousy components, and a bit pricey for what you get. Still, most owners said they loved riding theirs. Does anyone have any personal experiences to share, or maybe informed opinions?

I'm trying not to break the bank, and I don't want to spend the bread, and then start buying new brakes, etc, etc. The other options I see right now are an IRO, or something from bikesdirect.

Thoughts?

Do you know what year it is?

I think the Specializes Tricross Singlecross is a great bike for commuting, it has a more relaxed geometry than the IRO. They also permit the use of fenders and larger tires. It's a good bike, you should get it if it fits you.

I would like to add that I've ridden one on a test ride, it feels really comfortable with some 32c tires. Components are not too shabby too, that's a good price for that bike.

Hmm, never seen one. Looks decent.

I don't know the year. I was assuming it's a 2010, but I could be wrong. The color is black, and it seems the color may change from year to year.

I'll be using it mainly on a paved bike path. The paving is generally pretty good, but it's bumpy in spots, could use some maintenance. It's in a 56cm, and seems to fit me. I've got to jack the seat up a bit, but the reach seems right. I love the bars.

I've read "relaxed geometry" before and am not sure what the phrase means. If I could get a few words to explain, if only what it means in terms of the ride, that would be appreciated.

I think the salesperson said he'd even give me choice of cog. I'm thinking I want something taller than the 18 will give. I don't like the idea of the knobbies, but the alternative I was offered was a track tire, or at least something that looked to be. Something more road worthy would be in order, for me anyway.

Thanks for the help...

Ive seen a tricross singlecross first hand. Beefy little bastards. Not as light as the langsters but way more durable. Great bikes.

Black is the 2009. I know because I've got one.
The Singlecross is hands down my favorite bike that I've ever ridden. I paid around 500 for mine when I worked at a Specialized dealer and think it was worth every penny. I run it fixed with 700x23s most often and as such it can still go anywhere. I'll regularly leave the road/path to go play on some dirt trails, this bike can bring you to some very interesting places. The components on the single aren't really much to gawk at, but they are still decent enough that upgrades do not need to be done right away. All you'll need is a threaded cog and lockring and some slicks and you'll have a pretty solid contender. If you ride rough roads often it's wonderful, the super beefy front fork really does absorb a lot.
I also take this bike and run it as a singlespeed with knobbies out at several of the local XC singletrack mountain bike trails. It may not be the fastest bike out there on the road but the fact that you are in no way limited to riding on the road makes every ride more interesting!

The only things I've changed on mine in 2 summers of riding as a commuter/exercise bike/toy would be the saddle (now a Specialized Phenom) and the rubber (now specialized roubaix 700 x 23/25 slicks)

I'll never sell this bike. But I also enjoy riding it so much I never remember to stop and take pictures...

Thanks for all the replies, especially 2slo2run. My mouth is watering and I think I'm going to pull the trigger.

2slo2run, I'm wondering what cog(s) you are running. I'm thinking about a 15 for freewheel. I calculated final ratio (crank, teeth, & wheel size) compared to the 42/13 I've been testing myself with on my 21 sp hybrid. The 15 would give me a bit lower final ratio than that.