Specialized Tricross 2011 comp vs 2012 disc elite

[Magnet]

Good day,

Looking for some buying advice. The specialized tricross range seems fairly well-liked and made for the types of riding I'm considering (city commuting, weekend rides, occasional longer tour). I've now got the option to purchase a 2011 specialized tricross comp (with replaced carbon fork after re-call) or the new 2012 tricross elite disc (UK) for the same price. Bearing in mind that I don't know much at all about bikes, the main differences seem to be the disc brakes on the 2012 and the move from a carbon fork to an alloy. I'm slightly confused about the pricing, is it fair to say that the 2011 comp has better quality components but no disc brakes which make the 2012 (with cheaper components) as expensive? I sat on the 2011 comp briefly and liked it. So forgive my naivety, but how would you arrive at your choice? What additional inputs would you need to help make a decision?

Thanks!
Link to 2012 disc elite description
Link to 2011 tricross comp description

 

[potsy]

I have been eagerly anticipating the 2012 Tri's and have been planning on getting one as soon as I heard they were being specced with disc brakes.
However, I think the downgrade in spec overall has really put me off them now, I mean £1200 for Tiagra? £900 for Sora?

Still a very nice bike and will be on my shortlist, but I am now thinking of getting a mtb instead for my offroad stuff and just keep the Secteur for road riding and commuting.

Maybe go back to my original choice of a Genesis Croix de Fer?

 

[Magnet]

Thanks for your reply! Problem I have is that I don't know anything about bikes. For example, what's the difference between the 105 and tiagra? I've only ever used a mtb a long time ago, so some opinions on the various components would be great!

 

[Norm]

I've got 1/2 Sora drive train on my Secteur, and Tiagra on my 2010 Tricross, I'm happy with both.

I would probably go so far as to say that I'd take the extra power, efficiency and feel of discs over the Tiagra spec. And I love the plain titanium colour scheme of the 2012 Elite.

 

[potsy]

I've got 1/2 Sora drive train on my Secteur, and Tiagra on my 2010 Tricross, I'm happy with both.

I would probably go so far as to say that I'd take the extra power, efficiency and feel of discs over the Tiagra spec. And I love the plain titanium colour scheme of the 2012 Elite.

That's my point though norm, the 'sport' now has Sora for £900, I just feel I'd be going backwards to pay that much for it, would be more than happy with Tiagra but not for £1200.

I'm now going off the idea of a CX and thinking of getting the Decathlon mtb 8.1 for £500.
Not well up on mtb's so will be asking advice v soon

 

[VamP]

That's my point though norm, the 'sport' now has Sora for £900, I just feel I'd be going backwards to pay that much for it, would be more than happy with Tiagra but not for £1200.

I got a Cube X-Race Pro with full Ultegra and Easton wheelset for £1200 in the sales just now

I think Spesh are taking the piss with their pricing TBH

 

[Norm]

That's my point though norm, the 'sport' now has Sora for £900, I just feel I'd be going backwards to pay that much for it, would be more than happy with Tiagra but not for £1200.

Which is why I said explicitly that I'd take discs over Tiagra.

Moving up a range through different mechs is an evolution. Changing to discs is a revolution. IMO.

 

[Dave Thomas]

The downgraded fork from carbon to alloy will be because of the strain put on the bottom of the fork when using discs - it's not the same forces as a normal rim brake - i think that will be correct anyway. The spec: http://www.cycleprices.co.uk/products/specialized-tricross-elite-disc-2012/ is good - the frame i'd imagine is really good, hence the price difference and when adding the brakes of course.

I';d agree though that the components are of "lower spec" - that said all components seem to have gone up in price for 2012 - so i'd recon you'll see it across everything. 2011 ones will be on sale atm so act quick!

 

[mjm86]

Magnet, if you using the bike for city commuting, weekend rides, occasional longer tour you probably dont really need to go for the disc model. The standard cantilever brakes would be enough for what your looking. I would have thought that the Tricross from 2011 would have been a good buy, theyve dropped in price now as well with the 2012 ones out: http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/12678/specialized-tricross-touring-bike-54cm-2011/