Specialized Tricross SS vs. Charge Plug

t0mm

So I already have a stock Tricross SS, which I want to up spec with caliper brakes, better tires and a 16t fixed cog and free wheel on the rear. But looking at the Charge Plug, specifically the Freestyler, it already has everything I want, and looks a damn side sexier too. I estimate cost and delivery would be around €600, and seeing as a new tricross is around €500-550, I could probably sell my one for around €380-400, maybe a bit more. Would you say getting rid of the Tricross and getting the Plug is the way to go, or would I be better off just upgrading my Tricross. I have no intention of ever doing anything remotely offroad.

Lumen

Can you fit caliper brakes to a Tricross? Wouldn't have thought you'd have the clearance.

I'm running Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro on mine, and they're fine. Have also stuck on a rear muguard and smaller fixed cog, although I'm spinning along on the free side this week until I get used to commuting again.

I saw a charge plug in a shop yesterday, and it was nice, but not nice enough to warrant the upgrade (my Tricross cost under €300). Maybe because it was standing next to a Pashley Guvnor...

Thomas_S_Hunterson

I'd go with the Plug, it looks way cooler.

copacetic

charge plug is nice but they are a bit overpriced. reckon you are overestimating how much you would get for the tricross also.

blorg

You can't fit calipers on a Tricross. I would suggest swapping the tyres for slicks before you make any further decision, it makes a big difference to the bike.

dcRoadie

Stick with the Tricross, I bought a brand new one of a forum member earlier on this year for less than €300, so you're definitely over pricing it.

That said though sometimes you have to let your heart rule your head..though you may regret it..;)

Lumen

dcRoadie wrote: »

Stick with the Tricross, I bought a brand new one of a forum member earlier on this year for less than €300, so you're definitely over pricing it.

The new Tricross single is £500 (I guess about €560 including shipping), and it looks a bit prettier than the '08.

I may be selling mine too at some stage if I can decide what to replace it with. I'd probably ask for €350 including upgrades.

t0mm

Yes but that was back when pearsons were doing their sale (btw dcRoadie I'm pretty sure you bought it off me (tommyv) on the epicmtb forum! And €295 isn't much under €300!). I'd say I could get that much if I got lucky but a more realistic bet would be ~€300. I spose I'll get new tyres and brakes instead. Is a fixed cog plus lockring simple enough to put on?

dcRoadie

Ah TommyV, you're right it was the EPIC Forum! That was a good deal that - cheers once again!

Putting a cog on couldn't be simpler, Al in Cyclelogical sorted me out with both cog and lockring, no tools needed - except maybe to take off wheel, and you'll probably need to shorten the chain if putting on a 15t cog. I'm commuting into City Centre from Kill on it and it seems like the perfect ratio for that.

Lumen

A 15t will just about flip-flop with the standard free without altering the chain length. I don't think you'd manage it on a 14t.

edit: The 18t is not great tbh, I spin out on my relatively flat commute at about 30kph.

blorg

I have a 15T on my own Tricross; I had to take one link out of the chain for this to work. You need a chain tool to do this. 16T you might get away with the current chain length.

You can Rotafix a cog on easily enough if you don't have a chainwhip. Lockring can be fastened I believe with a hammer and screwdriver, alternatively you can use a bottom bracket tool to secure it. Remember it is reverse threaded and don't over-torque the lockring or you can strip the threads.

Why do you want to change the brakes- the ones that are on it are about as good as you will get for that sort of braking system. (I would consider getting adjustable V brake noodles so you can adjust them mind.)

t0mm

Yeah I have a chain tool, I do all my own mountain bike maintainence so I'm fairly handy with stuff like that. I've been meaning to change round the 18t since I fist got it, just never got around to it. Yeah the adjustable noodle things is really what I want, it gets kind boring having to find my pliers and tighten up my brakes (I like them nice and harsh, so this is kinda often), you're right though if they can't take caliper then I'll just stick with what they have.

All that being said, the charge plug freestyler is still damn sexy...

Thomas_S_Hunterson

t0mm wrote: »

All that being said, the charge plug freestyler is still damn sexy...

DOOO ITTTT!:p

Morgan

t0mm wrote: »

Yeah the adjustable noodle things is really what I want, it gets kind boring having to find my pliers and tighten up my brakes

Keep them in your back pocket at all times - problem solved.

Hang on ... why are you adjusting your brakes with a pliers?

t0mm wrote: »

All that being said, the charge plug freestyler is still damn sexy...

Pervert.

blorg

Morgan wrote: »

Hang on ... why are you adjusting your brakes with a pliers?

The Tricross uses road levers with V brakes. There are no barrel adjusters on either lever or brakes, so the only way to adjust them is to loosen the allen bolt holding the cable and pull the cable tight. This can be addressed by replacing the stock noodles with ones integrating a barrel adjuster.

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

This can be addressed by replacing the stock noodles with ones integrating a barrel adjuster.

:cough:

blorg

Lumen wrote: »

:cough:

Yes, OK, I will get around to that now I am back