I've been Shopping.....but not bought YET!

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Hi everyone.

I posted this a while back on advice on getting an upgrade here

I've had my first chance to get over to JE James Cycles today (in Chesterfield) to have a look around at what's on offer. I started with the intention of spending £1000 for a tourer, thinking of going off in the summer into Derbyshire on a few day trips etc - I didn't want a skinny tyre road bike (I've never ridden one...and they although I lost a load of weight....I wouldn't feel comfortable on one)....anyway - I digress!

No tourers at all in the shop but the guy I spoke to (who sold me my old bike and he's a good lad) showed me a whole load of bikes, road bikes, hybrids, all that could have pannier racks fitted - some that had pannier racks on already (flat bar commuter bikes).

I've taken his advice and I had a better look at the Specialized Tricross 2010 and it's just that bit wider tyres, has a good looking ride height variation and can have panniers on. At £699 (and I can't see it any cheaper on the net anywhere)....when you factor in racks and mudguards it's still well in my budget.

I just wanted to ask your opinions on it - I know nothing about shifters or breaks or gears or saddles or anything remotely road bikey (although it's a cross bike...you know what I mean). I did read a rather awful review of it in a cycle mag....but that's just the opinion of those guys and I wanted a wider perspective.

Another long winded, drawn out post from me but....can you guys give me a pointer or two?

Cheers.

Mick

PS - Just to throw something else into the mix - in late February early March - Edinburgh Cycles open a shop in Sheffield (fairly close to me) - I've been told because I've registered an interest...I'll get a discount voucher for the opening. Any experience of these guys, lots of posts commending their services....I tend to stick with what I know and who I know.....but if they're any good, should I wait.....this £1k is burning a hole in my cycling shorts! LOL :ohmy:
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Easy answer...GO FOR IT.

Well respected bikes, quite a few folk on here have the Tricross single speed as well.
 

Norm

Guest
I'm looking at the Tricross Sport, slightly better components (Tiagra rather than 2300, for example, with a 9 speed cassette etc) for "only" an extra £150.

I'm hoping to get a test ride at the weekend.
 
Cheers lads!

Well they're good lads over at JE James, they're going to build me a 52cm and 54cm frame up for me to go and have a bit of a sit on to see which is right....I was honest with them - I told them they could sell me any old crap and I'd not know the difference....but I pointed out to them.....if they keep me happy....I'll be back again and again (bought my first bike from them).

I should show my loyalty and stick with them - I'm not going to get the price any better than that....penny pinching isn't worth it.

Norm - I'll ask them about the sport one - although it's a 9 speed cassette on the one I looked at...I remember him telling me that (I do listen with great interest....even though I don't understand half of it!) :evil:

I'm thinking about the decent Ortlieb (or however they're spelt!)...spend good money, get good kit (I tell people that with computers) and it's the same with bicycle stuff.

Mick
 

Sheffield_Tiger

Legendary Member
I'll tell you one thing - JE James WANT to sell you that tricross.. had exactly the same looking for a similar bike at the Bramall Lane branch, it was "forget everything else, tricross, tricross, tricross..

I was tempted and I have no doubt its a good bike though you mention mudguards...when you do try it, do check to overlap - pedal forward, check clearance of front wheel. It's a sporty 700c bike, clearance can be an issue sometimes. Esp. if adding mudguards to the equation.

And re: EBC, I ended up getting my new bike delivered to their Leeds branch for me to test ride (and eventually buy). Glad I did, I love the bike. It was either the tricross or the EBC country explorer for me, I plumped for the "lazier" bike since I do have a road bike to ride when i want twitchy speed.

Looking forward to looking in the new EBC shop when it opens.....
 
Top Bottom