Specialised Tricross sport.

[Alim]

I took an XL frame (61cm) Tricross for a test ride this week. Loved everything about the bike except the damn judder (which was substantial - even though this was a showroom bike). I want a 58cm frame, but reading forums suggests that this will suffer the same problem - so I've asked my LBS if they'll fit mini-V brakes (to replace the cantis) at no extra cost *before* I fork out for the bike. They're calling Specialized to see if they can get the bike shipped this way - will let you know how that turns out.

A real shame that this spoils an otherwise brilliant bike - though if they'll fit the mini-V's it won't stop me buying it. Otherwise I guess I'll take a look at competitors (Kona Jake? Marin Tricross? Can't find a single online review of the latter, mind - but it does have disc brakes...)

 

[b0redom]

Actually Specialized sent out some mini-vs to put on the original bike I had, and they didn't fit. I'll give them a ring and see if they can sort something out for me.

As with you guys, I'm loving the bike, just not the brakes!

Cheers...

 

[Alim]

Still worried that mini-V brakes will rub against the rim if the wheels are even slightly out of alignment. And about having to deflate the tyre to get the wheel off. All in all, may be swapping one pain (judder) for another (v. close-running brakes)
Apparently you can keep the canti brakes if you fit an 'uphanger cable stop' [whatever that is - I'm new to all this...]. See e.g. here:
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/bad-brake-juddertricross-content
Perhaps I'll ask the bike shop to try that before going down the mini-V route...

 

[ACS]

'uphanger cable stop'

 

[Alim]

Thanks very much for that picture - extremely helpful. It would be great if something so simple could nix the juddering...

 

[nigelnorris]

If you've not already seen it here is Specialized's advice.

http://www.problemsolversbike.com/pdf/PS_travel_agent.pdf

 

[johnr]

I've had a Tricross comp for 3 years. Still not sure about the colour, but it really does do everything the older gentleman may need. May well take the advice above and try different tyres though

 

[ACS]

I've had a Tricross comp for 3 years. Still not sure about the colour, but it really does do everything the older gentleman may need. May well take the advice above and try different tyres though

I changed my CX tyres for a pair of 700x28 Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase and the slight loss of comfort is counterbalanced by the decrease in rolling resistance.

In addition I have changed the black Kool Stop brake pads for some Aztec pads, the degree of vibration is diminished and I feel there is a slight increase in stopping power in the wet.

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

I should have said: the judder problem was mainly an issue on the larger frames

Chris Juden of the CTC is familiar with this problem:

“The main cause of this problem is flex in the steerer tube, plus a contribution from the fork crown and the top few inches of fork blade. With the cable hanger at the top of that tube, any flex due to application of the brake tightens the cable and puts the brake on even harder. In moderation this is a very handy servo effect. In excess it causes judder. Changing to a design of cantilever with less mechanical advantage reduces the servo effect and may remove the judder, or not.

The most effective and the cheapest solution is to re-locate the cable hanger to the fork crown, taking the flexible carbon steerer tube out of the loop. You need an "uphanger" like this:

Available from any bike shop that has an account with Fisher Outdoor Leisure (most do) and can be ordered via their website, enter product code BP1272F”

Paul_Smith
www.corridori.co.uk

 

[Alim]

Huge thanks to Paul Smith for posting those photos. My cycle shop told me it wasn't possible to fit fork-mounted hanger on the brand new Tricross they'd ordered in for me (which juddered on the test ride). So I geekily went back clutching print-outs of these photos, and the Fisher Outdoor product code. They're now ordering the part for me, and will fit it when it arrives so I can take a test ride. (The Tricross does have the drilled hole in the fork crown which you need to do this.) Without these forums I would have taken their word for it, and started looking for another bike. So bless you, one and all...

 

[Alim]

Thought I'd post a follow-up, for anyone else who's considering buying a Tricross but worried about the brakes:
The bike shop fitted the cable stop, and it completely eliminated the fork judder. Not just reduced - it's completely gone. Not bad for a £5 piece of metal (Specialized should do this for the larger frame Tricross bikes as standard, no question). Better still, since I didn't have to fit mini-V's, I still have plenty of clearance for mudguards.
I've had my Tricross a few days now, and so far I'm thrilled...

 

[Tynan]

I surprised that a bike could go into production with braking/shudder issues, I've read one or two reviews mentioned having to slam the brakes on on a high speed descent

It was one of the reasons I ended up not getting one, the fork inserts are also questionable as I recall, if you want to ride cross country sure but too much compromise if you going to be on the road imho

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

I surprised that a bike could go into production with braking/shudder issues, I've read one or two reviews mentioned having to slam the brakes on on a high speed descent

It was one of the reasons I ended up not getting one, the fork inserts are also questionable as I recall, if you want to ride cross country sure but too much compromise if you going to be on the road imho

I have sold many bikes, not only Specialized, where this can be a problem, enough to warn any that go for a test ride that they may experience judder.

I have noted with interest that those who use the front and rear brake evenly seldom mention any problem, where as those who brake with more focus on the front often do.

Should this style of carbon fork remain popular then I wouldn't be suprised if we start to see the 'uphanger' that I listed earlier becoming more common place.

Paul_Smith
www.corridori.co.uk

 

[philipbee]

Has this happened to Anyone Else?

Hi..new member..I came across this thread when looking into what happened to my Cross bike with Canti's. I had Avid Shortys and a full carbon fork. Bike had terrible chatter, and I tried all the usual tricks )though not this fork mount cable stop). I used this bike to commute, hardly ever off road, no accidents and the bike about 1600 km on it) A few weeks ago, riding along at 25 kmh, I braked and the fork sheared at the crown. The only reason I think that this could happen is as a result of fork chatter. Has anyone else seen - heard of such a thing? Tore shoulder rotater cuff and was concussed and was lucky I had a helmet...

 

[nigelnorris]

Cripes that looks nasty.

I googled it pretty much to death looking for information about mine, and haven't come across anything like that.

[And got the problem fixed [on mine at least] just by getting the brakes adjusted properly.]