Specialized tricross sport

[lauraelmore1033]

Anyone have an opinion about the Specialized Tricross Sport? I've decided to up-grade a bit from my Raleigh, and I'm thinking a quality touring type bicycle is the way to go for me. I had the Trek Portland or the 520 in mind when I went to the shop since they are both sturdily built--but light--and designed to take a lot of weight, and are fairly "low maintenance". The salesman talked over the pros and cons of both and led me, instead, to the Specialized tricross sport which he thought better suited to my needs. He didn't actually have ANY of the bikes we discussed in stock, and the shop had a policy of demanding a non-refundable deposit for bikes they would have to order, so he sent me to another shop! This indicates to me that he was being truthful about his opinion since his shop was not going to make the sale.

Well, anyway, I rode the Specialized and it fit like a glove, flew like the wind, climbed the hills behind the shop like a champ. It was all I could do not to slap down the debit card and buy it on the spot.

But that is my problem; I felt the same way about the Raleigh the first time I rode it, and, well, she and I are not on speaking terms anymore! I know my response to the bike was mostly emotional (in both cases), so I'm trying to take a moment and be rational about it. Does anybody have one of these bikes? any experiences, good or bad?

[uk elephant]

I have a Specialized Tricross, last years model. I think for this year they put a tripple on it, mine is a compact double. I really like my bike, and I've done a lot of miles on it. Well over 3000miles in the last year and a bit that I've had it. And I did all 550 miles of the ALC6 on it. I chose the bike because I wanted something fairly light and fast for the road, but still sturdy enough to handle dirt trails and the Tricross fit the bill perfectly. I haven't tried hauling any significant weight on it, but for everyday commuting or pootling along trails or pounding down the road it seems to work just fine in my opinion.

[lauraelmore1033]

Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to buy it:D

[Kalidurga]

I have a 2006 TriCross Sport and have been very happy with it. I rode an "all terrain" bike for 10 years or so, but when I started realizing that I wanted to go farther distances more efficiently, the TriCross was my first "real" bike. If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have spent the extra money for the Comp model, but the Sport has been a great "starter" bike. Sleek, sturdy, and tons of fun!

Bear in mind, though, that the geometry of the TriCross is not that of a touring bike. I've had mine tweaked so that it's now a bit closer to touring geometry, and I currently love the fit. If you have the opportunity, do ride some other bikes so that you can compare emotional responses.

[lauraelmore1033]

After a couple of other test drives I did decide to buy the Specialized. I'm loving it so far! I love that it is fast, but also rugged. I can do anything with this bike! People have commented that it seems better suited to me--that I look really comfortable on it. And I am. I just hope I don't ride the wheels off of her after 1800 miles like I did with the Raleigh...

[Kalidurga]

Congrats! Which color did you get??

[rij73]

Yeah, I want to know the color too. Post pictures! Congrats!

[GLC1968]

I know you already bought the bike, but I thought I'd tell you something that might make you feel even better about your decision.

My husband wanted a bike to do the same things you mentioned. He had a light fast road bike, but he wanted something more sturdy, that could be used for commuting, for touring, and for light path riding when it came up. He bought a used 520 to this end and rode it for about a year. He loved the comfort of it and the smooth ride.

Then, a couple of months ago, he bought a Tricross Sport. I have no idea why he bought it...to be totally honest, but it was his choice. He LOVES this bike. LOVES it. The only downfall is the lack of a triple. If his had a triple, I think he'd also sell his road bike but we like to hit the mountains around here and a triple makes it possible without being in TdF shape. Anyway... he just listed his 520 on bike forums. He loves this tricross THAT much that he's selling the 520. The tricross is much lighter and more nimble than the 520. It's also a bit stiffer, so it accelerates better and makes hill climbing easier. On the 520, standing to climb a short hill was a complete waste of energy. He's got a rack and panniers on the Tricross for commuting - but he pulls them off for our weekend rides. It really is a great all-around bike.

You made the right choice!! Enjoy it!

[lauraelmore1033]

she is black with a bit of a red swoosh on the top tube. And she has a triple!(50 39 30) She's a little mountain goat. Thanks for sharing your husband's story, GLC, that does make me feel even better:D . I will post a picture when I figure out how...

[7rider]

Sounds like you got the 2007 model. The '08's are a different color.

Have fun with it!

[abvnx]

nice! ive been considering getting a cyclocross bike myself. this one is definitely on the list to check out.

oh yeah, pics please!?:D congrats, hope you have many happy miles together:)

[Moptop]

Hello out there! As a returning rider wanting to replace my ancient bike I have been spending the last 2 weeks with my head in catalogues, pestering dealers or performing deep-into-the-night searches on the web getting totally confused by the plethora of amazing bikes available. And generally driving my long-suffering husband insane while I witter on!

However, after getting it down to about 5 models suitable for the mountainous area I live in, I came across your wonderful website. Thanks to the brilliant reports regarding the Tricross Sport I have definitely decided this is the one for me. Thanks girls; I can go to bed now!

However, one question - how do I decide which is the best frame size for me? Not all the dealers have a choice in sizes when you go along, or allow you to ride them to get the feel. I am a 5ft. 6.5ins. tall, with longish arms, longish neck, slightly long back and an inside leg of 31 ins. Has anyone any advice to offer please? All contributions very gratefully received!

[Undeadmonkeys]

Hello all. I am also looking at the tricross as my next bike purchase. I am at heart a Mnt bike girl, but my husband is wanting to start commuting... needless to say he leaves me miles in the dust. Committing to a road bike is a huge step for me as I usually get the notion to take the less than smooth path when it appears. So I started looking at tricrosses. I am a small girl 5'3 on a good day with short legs and small hands. My question is how does this bike handle for us stumpy women. I usually prefer a womens specific geometry but alas the tricross hasn't entered that niche market yet.
The other bike I am considering is the Dolce ... for that beginner road. Any opinions on this bikes performance would also be appreciated.

[Kalidurga]

I'm also 5'3" and have a 49cm Tri-Cross. I had the fit tweaked in a few ways- we installed Salsa Poco bars and shimmed the levers for my somewhat small hands, and raised the stem to improve the reach and put less strain on my shoulders (I have some chiropractic issues). Other than that, the fit has been fine. A smaller size might've been preferable if I were doing actual 'cross racing, but the 49's been great on pavement, gravel, and even easy singletrack.

I also tested a Dolce when I was shopping for a bike, but I ended up with the Tri-Cross.

Love your avatar, btw :D

[lauraelmore1033]

I can't speak to the sizing issue since I am 5'9" or so. The 54cm frame fits me more or less perfectly, though. I must say that I still LOVE this bike! The odometer just ticked over 5000 miles this weekend and I have had relatively few troubles with it--and I'm not all that gentle with it. I've replaced the Cassette once and the shifter cables as well. It is versitile and strong, so you can ride just about anywhere on it. All I can say is ride one and see if it works for you.:D

[AnnieBikes]

Since the initial post, I, too, have bought a Tricross-sport, '08 (it is royal blue for all you color oriented ladies!) and I absolutely love it. I had been looking for a bike for commuting and for touring. I got on this bike and it fit, I could reach the drops, and I was absolutely comfortable. My LBS was not excited to get one the right size for me to try out, so when I was visiting my sons in Denver last October, I went to the Specialized store and they had one in my size. (I am 5'5") They gave me a deal and actually packed and shipped it home for less than my LBS would sell it to me. It is now totally outfitted for touring with racks, etc. I took the extra brakes on the handlebars off after I had ridden 350 miles and did not use them. They also took up some space where I wanted to put lights and cyclometer.

My husband also bought one and is in the last 300 miles of a 900 mile self supported tour right now, and when I met up with him for a visit last weekend, he said it was the best choice he could have made. The bike is comfortable and carries his load extremely well. He could not have been happier with the performance of the bike. :D:D

PS I forgot to say that they also shimmed the brakes for me...the shims actually came with the bike. My hands are very small and that has always been a problem for me...no more, however!