Going from a Trek 7.5 to a Specialized Tricross

[Alcdrew]

Is it worth it?

Currently I have a Trek 7.5FX disc 2007 version and since it has been used pretty much everyday since purchase it is now at a point in it's life where it needs a lot of money and loving care spent on it so I'm considering replacing with a Tricross 2011 but am not sure if I should bother getting the Tricross or just get the Trek back to it's former glory.

What do you all think, is the Tricoss a step up for the Trek? in speed mainly!

Majority of the time the bike will be on badly looked after cycle paths, with a bit of gravel paths thrown in and used on my commute to work 7 miles each way, and leisure biking with the family at the weekends. Reason for looking at the Tricross is I need something that will take full mudguards and a rack for panniers plus cope with the bad cycle path, but I'd like drop bars. I went for a ride on my friends Giant Defy 4 yesterday and that felt so much faster.

 

[Q McTrich]

Hi!
Just read your post and it is pretty much my situation: need a bike for long commute on rough paths and often big loads/ panniers...
What was your conclusion in the end?
(my Trek 7.6FX was stolen last week...booo! but this is a chance to get the drop bars and more sturdy tyres/more spokes for my and carried loads!)

Q

 

[scouserinlondon]

I had a somewhat similar question to yours about a year ago where my Trek Valencia was A - a bit battered and B - a bit slow. I tested a LOT of bikes and although in the end I actually bought a roadie, a Tricross was a very very close second, only ruled out by the amazing deal I got on the road bike.

Since then a lot of cross/utility bikes have been adorned with disc braking which if you commute, could be a worthwhile trade in terms of weight. I think if/when I'm in the market for a new bike I'll go for a disc equipped crosser.

In my opinion while a cross bike will feel faster than a hybrid, their geomotory and gearing are often pretty similar and an actual full-blown roadbike (even an upright-ish sportive one) is a whole degree faster again. I pound mine across a short length of dirt path on my local common as part of my commute and it's actually surprisingly stable on 25mm tyres, but if you're doing more off road than that then a cross bike sounds bloody perfect for you.

There's a huge band of Tricross fans on this site and a small but growing Genesis Croix de Fer club too.

The best advice which you will see most often here is to test ride as many as possible. Find a good LBS and promise them the business if they're prepared to let you test three or four bikes.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Is it worth it?

<SNIP>

Yes IMO Your cycling sounds very similiar to mine and I have just had to miss out on a Cross style bike as couldnt stretch the budget to a decent one, the Hybrid (Marin Belvedere) I got instead is excellent but I'm really just counting down the days (718 lol) to when I will blow the budget on an excellent cross style bike for commuting and trails.

 

[jaggyallan]

Hi,

I've bought a Spec Tricross 2010. After using an old mountain bike for several years. My reason for choosing the tricross was that it
was versatile. You can go on rough paths without much to much trouble and the tyres can be changed to suit what type of
cycling you mainly do. (in my case on the road )
Baically its a jack of all trades. Just wish i was fitter to justify a new road bike. (i mean i've had it for two years now)