Cyclo-Cross is big business in the USA these days. Most of the top manufacturers now have a 'crosser in the line up and now Spesh have entered the mud plugging fray with this complete bike - The Tricross. It's a sleek and capable machine. OK so the 'cross season is nearly over, but this bike is the 2006 model so it will be available all year and potentially could be the bike for your next season's campaign.
There's a pretty healthy specification on the Tricross too and there would only have to be a few changes made to get it off-road ready straight from the box. Perhaps some tyres and a pair of SPDs, then your ready to line up for a local cross race. And there's plenty of scope for upgrading this into a stealth-cross bike, so with a few choice upgrades it could be a perfect steed for local cross leagues.
But there's more, Specialized have also added mudguard eyes, bottle bosses and rack mounts so during the summer you could pack up a tent and a sleeping bag and head off for a spot of touring, or use it all year round as a commuter.
Needless to say at £700, they're selling like hot cakes
Specification
Frame: A1 Premium Aluminum, double-butted tubing, semi-compact design
Fork: FACT carbon cyclocross, carbon legs, aluminum Steerer, Speed Zertz inserts, rack/mudguardmounts
Aheadset: 1 1/8" integrated threadless, sealed stainless steel cartridge bearing
Stem: Specialized 3D forged alloy, 10 degree rise, 26.0mm clamp
Bars: Specialized Comp handlebar, alloy racing drop, 26.0 Clamp
Tape: Body Geometry Bar Phat, cork ribbon w/2.5mm gel padding
Brakes: Tektro Oryx, cantilever brakes with cartridge pads
Brake Levers: Shimano Sora, 8-speed, STI, flight deck compatible, with Specialized brake lever extensions
Front mech: Shimano Sora, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
Rear mech: Shimano 105, short cage
Shifters: Shimano Sora, 8-speed, STI, flight deck compatible
Cassette: Shimano HG50, 12-25t
Chain: Shimano HG50, 8-speed
Cranks: RPM forged alloy compact crankset with 48x34T rings
BB: Shimano UN-25 cartridge, 68mm shell, 113mm spindle
Pedals: Composite body, alloy cage, with toe clips and straps
Rims: Alex ACE-19, double wall rim, machined sidewalls, spoke eyelets
Hubs: forged alloy, 32 hole, double sealed bearings, QR
Spokes: Stainless 14g
Tyres: Specialized Borough CX, 700x32C, wire bead, 60TPI
Saddle: Specialized road saddle, full padding
Seat Post: Specialized carbon fibre, 27.2mm
• Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61 sloping geometry.
• Colours: Black
• Price: £699.99
• From: Specialized UK - 020 8391 3511
• www.specialized.com
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Compact drive |
'Cross clearance |
budget Shimano group |
Spesh on/off road tyres |
Carbon Zertz fork |
Cross set up |
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Alistair Robinson
