Specialized Tricross. Good buy?

newbie?

Hi all,
I am looking for a bike for adventure racing/multisport events and was hoping for some advice.

I was thinking along the lines of getting a cyclocross style bike for races that are on road or light trails.

Here are the two bikes I'm thinking about:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=12993&f_FullProductVersion=1&f_SupersetQRY=Ktricross&f_SortOrderID=-1&f_bct


http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=13749&f_FullProductVersion=1&f_SortOrderID=0&f_bct

I'm leaning towards the cheaper one, but not sure if I would regret not spending that bit extra?

Also; from my research of forums it seems to have been a really popular bike. It got a great review in 2009, but the 2011 review has scared me off a little (I'm hoping the harsh rating is related to its higher rrp).

2009 Review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/cyclo-cross/product/review-specialized-bicycles-tricross-sport-09-33640

2011 Review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-specialized-tricross-sport-11-42337#review_body

Any ideas?

Can't comment on the tricross (other than I was considering one at one point) but I would suggest you don't rule out a boardman: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/cyclo-cross/product/review-boardman-cx-team-11-45403

Lumen

"Lows: The hefty weight, weak rear brake and cruising, non-combative position won’t suit everyone
Buy if: You’re not planning on racing but want a fun, friendly bike for exercise, exploring or commuting"

Cheap enough here:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2011-road-bike-ec025020#features

(if you can get them to export a Spesh, which can be tricky)

At almost 11kg it is heavy even for a CX bike. I haven't ridden the latest Tricross but my 2008 singlespeed model had sluggish handling.

I don't know anything about adventure racing but I wouldn't really want to race CX on it.

At least they've sorted out the front brake judder, according to the review.

thebouldwhacker

I have a tri cross and use it for touring, commuting and the likes. I find it a great bike on and off road. Its by no means as fast as a road bike but is a very comfortable ride.
The brake judder def was an issue but is a very easy fix. The only issue for me is the flat bar brake handles, very handy but restrict what can be attached to the handlebars (lights, odometer etc) but again an easy fix with a bar extender.
Over all I'm happy with it and have no issue taking it on tracks and trails (with the right tyres)

Besides this I think it a lovely looking bike too with all the bosses you need (including 3 bottle cages)


Hope this helps!

newbie?

Thanks everybody for your replies.

That boardman looks like a beauty, but is out of my budget. (The 700pound tricross would eat into my mountain bike budget).

Sorry for not posting back sooner. I had decided to go for the cheaper tricross, but a friend said a road bike would be just as strong as a cyclocross (but with less tyre clearance) & more than able for light trails and fire roads. So I am now back at square one. This just doesn't sound right to me, any opinions?

These bikes were suggested to me as better value alternatives:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html#ancre-detail

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-id_8167039.html#Product_information

Lumen

Adventure racing is a very specific discipline. You may be better on a road bike, or a cyclocross bike, it depends on the race.

Whichever you pick it will be compromised when doing stuff it isn't designed for.

It's like trying to pick a car that will be great on and off road. They don't exist, except in the dreams of marketing people.

LCRC_BAX

I have a Scott Cross bike and find it great. Very light - 17lbs (with lightweight wheels) and responsive. I bought mine 2nd hand for £600.

Might be worth a look, I have raced a few adventure races - Gale Force West etc and the CX bike is perfectly suited.

Link