Tricross ... Canti or Disc ?

[simonB2014]

Firstly, 'Hello'

I'm not 'new' to cycling, but maybe new to 21st century machines, my current rust bucket being about 15 year old! So I am (soon to be) a reborn cyclist.

After some hours/days researching the wonderful world of 'modern' bikes, I think I'm looking at a Specialized Tricross. Simply because I'll be using it for reasonable road distances, but would cry if I had to miss out on a forest track or muddy path.

My dilemma is this.... Canti or Disc.
In my head and heart, I'm dying to have Discs, but it's the price.
Second hand tricross with Canti's come in at £300+ , but with Disc £450/£500 +.
Can I justify an extra £150/£200 for Discs ?

I guess the answer may come as I slide not so gently into a tree down a dark forest track in the not to distant future.
Yet a little voice says that people rode bikes for years upon years before Discs came along ... is it more of a luxury than a 'need' ?

Any advice ?

 

[2pies]

Depends how much time you will spend off road. If you expect to be riding in the mud, get discs. Otherwise, rim-based brakes are fine, cost less, easier to maintain and weigh less. Certainly invest in better pads for the rim brakes though.

 

[sazzaa]

I'd pay the extra for discs rather than regret it later.

 

[simonB2014]

Many thanks ... I think as I'll be spending a lot of time o/road .... I'll try and find a Disc model.
Assuming I can find one in my budget mind

Thanks again

 

[vickster]

Edinburgh Bike often have some good deals on CX bikes, especially if you are a more unusual size. Specialize do control pricing however even reductions, so you may struggle. Look at other brands perhaps (Boardman, C'dale, Ridley)...although it looks like you are only seeking second hand which will make it more difficult

 

[Brandane]

Depends how much time you will spend off road. If you expect to be riding in the mud, get discs. Otherwise, rim-based brakes are fine, cost less, easier to maintain and weigh less. Certainly invest in better pads for the rim brakes though.

+1. I have a Tricross with cantis. Brakes were not great from new, but Koolstop pads transformed it.

 

[Crankarm]

If there's an option then disc brakes every time, no contest.

 

[DCLane]

I've a 2011 Tricross with canti's; it's about to go up for sale as it's too big for me at 56cm.

The canti's are fine once I bought some decent pads.. My disc braked MTB is a pain since they squeal.

 

[Nebulous]

I bought an Edinburgh bike cross with discs abut 5 weeks ago. My first venture into discs and I'm quite happy so far. Main use is commuting with my previous bike being one of their tourers with cantis. I had a couple of hairy moments with it, where cars stopped unexpectedly, so I'm hoping the discs will be better.

 

[simonB2014]

DCLane .. I'd be interested to know you size !
I haven't managed to sit on a tricross yet, so sizing is on my mind at the moment.
I'm 5'10.5 & inside leg 30" .... sat on another brand bike in the lbs which was a 54 and felt good .... but the guys in the shop said I'd be better with a 56, which they did not have .

I 'might' be interested in your tricross, price dependant, but tbh most people seem to be saying that discs would be better for me if I am going offroad a lot.

 

[simonB2014]

Update (belated) just to tie the thread off and maybe help others looking for a similar decision.

I found a 2013 Tricross Elite Disc on ebay for +/- £500.
And it's bloody brilliant.

Was it worth the extra for the discs ?
Hard to give a 'qualified' answer without having both models to compare side-by-side, but I'm pretty sure it's an absolute "yes".
My practice route to date has a wide variety of terrain - woodland path with roots & mud, grass playing fields a rather boggy heathland, and of course tarmac.
The bike stops. No messing around, consistently, even though and after the bogs and mud.

Gives me the confidence to 'go' ... maybe as a noob that's more relevant, whereas someone more experienced might manage just fine on cantis ....
... but for 'me', it's certainly helping me tackle stuff I'd be a lot more cautions about otherwise.

Thanks for the advice