Spesh Tricross Sport v CruX Elite

[wilko]

Been looking to but a cyclocross to replace my Spesh Secteur Elite road bike and have come down to these two. My local Spesh concept store has both these bikes in stock for the same money, but I can't choose between them! The Tricoss is a triple whilst the Crux is a compact. Which one would you say and why?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2011-road-bike-ec025020#features
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/crux-elite-2011-cyclocross-bike-ec023881#features

 

[PK99]

Been looking to but a cyclocross to replace my Spesh Secteur Elite road bike and have come down to these two. My local Spesh concept store has both these bikes in stock for the same money, but I can't choose between them! The Tricoss is a triple whilst the Crux is a compact. Which one would you say and why?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2011-road-bike-ec025020#features
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/crux-elite-2011-cyclocross-bike-ec023881#features

What will you use if for, Specialized are clear each has a different focus.

I've got the Tricross disc elite, and if pus came to shove I could get rid of the MTB and the Van Nicholas Yukon and be happy on 90% of my rides on the tricross

The Crux is a Cyclocross bike

Competitive riders who live for the fun and fury of ‘cross racing or who want a durable tool for their winter training rides will find all the speed, strength, and quick handling they need in the CruX—master of adverse off-road conditions.

the Tricross is a Freeroad bike

Whether commuting to work or exploring fire roads, these bikes are perfect for enthusiasts who just want one versatile bike for any surface or any purpose. With road-based geometries and all-terrain spec’s, these machines can truly do it all, from touring to singletrack, commuting to racing.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Depends what you want it for. The Crux is a proper race-oriented CX bike, with a spec to match, while the Tricross is more of a 'leisure' bike. If they are both within your price range, I would get the Crux - but that's just me.

 

[wilko]

From what's been said here I'm thinking the Tricross is the way to go. I have no intention of racing, it will be more of a leisure thing really.

 

[potsy]

I have the Tricross and it makes a perfect do it all bike, decent comfort off road with wide tyres, fairly fast on road, and can be turned into a commuting machine by fitting a rack and guards.
My perfect bike in many ways, if it was a kilo lighter and had BB7's instead of 5's then it would be awesome.
I've just put some 25mm tyres on mine, and removed the rack and guards for a few days and it has given it a whole new look, will post a pic if it ever stops raining

The Crux is defintely aimed at the proper race going CX'er as iy has no facilities for commuting comfort.

 

[Norm]

I have no intention of racing, it will be more of a leisure thing really.

That's easy then.

Tricross.

 

[2pies]

I bought the 2011 Tricross (standard, not Sport/Elite) last year. However, I had a test ride of the Crux as I wanted a test of a CX style bike and the Crux was the only one they initially had in stock in my size. The difference is the geometry. Kind of like comparing the Allez and the Secteur, or Roubaix and Tarmac.

I preferred the Crux, but couldn't afford it. While I love the Tricross as an all round bike, it does feel like you're driving a tractor some times, as you are so upright. But then, I've just bought a new road bike (Focus Variado 2.0) which has a slightly more streamlined feel to it and will use the Tricross purely for commuting, where being more upright gives you better awareness in traffic.

I doubt one bike is better than the other, it is a completely personal decision.

 

[Albert]

Having changed the gearing 50/34 with a 11 - 34 cassette, I use my Crux as a go anywhere/winter/bad weather/road training bike - the strong frame inspires confidence and it copes with off road pretty well. i.e. I don't need a mountain bike.
The Tricross is much more of a relaxed all rounder from what I can see.

 

[2wd]

I've had my Tricross Sport (2011 model) for around a month and after owning an Allez Sport wondered if I'd done the right thing

But after a change of tyres to 28mm Conti Hardshells for road use and about to buy a spare wheelset for the 32mm Borough CX tyres for off road/winter use I'm loving it.

Its a real "plug and play" all rounder,point it and off she goes,no fuss and soaks up the roads well

For road use with the 28mm on I'm a bit more confident with poorer surfaces and its as quick as the Allez

With the 32mm on I went off road down a steep unmade,rutted farm track and it ate that up.

If your looking for an all rounder that's comfy as well then I can seriously recommend the Tricross Sport

Here's a piccy of mine with a few subtle "Green" changes