Summary: I first got this bike as "winter" bike for riding roads and gravel paths in crummy weather. It fit the bill well due to its comfort and wide tires. I recently did a cyclocross clinic in it, and it performed very well...the flattened top tube made shouldering the bike easy, and the carbon fork and stays smoothed things out. The stock tires (Specialized Borough CX) are not up to the rigors of real 'cross riding and need to be replaced with Michelin Muds.
Summary: I just bought a 2009 Tricross Comp and I couldn't be more pleased. This is one of the best bikes, if not the best bike, I have ever owned. My last two bikes were a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix and a steel framed touring bike and this bike combines the things I liked best about those two bikes into one bike. I wanted a lightweight bike for recreational/fitness riding that I could also take tours on if get the opportunity and this bike fits the bill perfectly. It is a very versatile bike. You can also use this bike for what it was designed for and race it as a cross bike, but I wouldn't want to scratch it or get it dirty!
Strengths: - Aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid frame is a smooth ride even on rough country chip seal roads. Long chain stays make it very stable.
- Good climber
- Relaxed geometry
- Can handle racks/fenders
Weaknesses: - I'm not crazy about the seat and will probably change it
- I read some negative reviews about the cantilever brakes, but my bike came with V-brakes and they work great
Bike Setup: Stock. Added Specialized top-mount brake levers recently (they were included with the bike but not installed with the original build). Shimano PD-M540 pedals.
Summary: This is a 2009 bike. I was out of cycling for a few years and decided to start again to give my knees a break from running. I'm a 45yo retired military officer and I work hard to stay in shape. Couldn't be more pleased with this bike as it replaced an old hardtail steel frame MTB that has many, many miles on it. I'm also envisioning some touring within the next twelve months.
Strengths: Rock solid frame. It's great being able to rack up the miles quickly and comfortably while retaining the flexibility to ride gravel and trails.
Bosses for racks, panniers, and fenders make this a do-it-all bike. LBS service has been first rate, too!
Weaknesses: None to date.
Similar Products Used: None
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Summary: I wanted a bike that do a comfortable 50km on the road, but handle some gravel and singletrack as well. After ordering the 56cm 2008 Tricross Comp in September (7 months is the time it takes a Spesh bike to get to the Baltics), I picked it up at last. The brown frame looks better on the real thing than on the Spesh website.
The ride is nice and comfortable on the road. The 32c tires, not too harsh Roval Pave wheels and carbon seatstays and fork don't mind the potholes and there is almost no road vibration. Certainly 28c or 25c would be better suited for tarmac, but it's a do-it-all bike for now and I don't have a second pair of wheels.
The weight is surely less than a typical MTB. Cant't really compare it to a true road bike as I dõn't have much experience with them, but it's heavier I suppose. The flat top tube makes it easy to carry whenever you have to.
You may say that a RRP of $2050 can get you better components, but I like the frame quality, the geometry and comfort.
I had a little fork shudder at first like others have mentioned, but there was almost no toe in on the front brakes, so after toeing the front pads, it's gone. There was some ticking after the first few km's. It took some time to figure it was one of the cranks. A bit of lube on the bolts and gone it was.
The best thing about the ride is that it's (reasonably) quick on the road, but you can take it to gravel and singletrack with no problem (...duh, it's a CX bike).
Strengths: - Not too heavy, but strong frame and fork
- Comfortable riding position
- Well chosen components
Weaknesses: - price could seem a bit on the upside at first, but after a week of riding...
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Summary: Frame is outstanding and sturdy. Shifts flawlessly. Ride is smooth and the ergonomics are wonderful when propery fitted. I have over 1200 miles on this and it really is a nice smooth ride.
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