Why my bicycle (Specialized Single-Cross) is way, way cooler than you. The reason is simple; this bicycle does not need to pretend to be anything it is not. Here we have a smart and simple design which lends itself to a wide variety of practical uses. Granted, there are a few things I would have changed and most likely will change when it becomes necessary to do so. I’ll let you know about those changes later on.
Let’s start off by looking at what you can do with this bicycle while leaving the idea of racing alone for the moment. In addition to exceptional fender clearance, there is additional room for wider tires. The stock 700 x 32 tires happen to be quite stable for a rather aggressive cycle-cross tire due to the ridges which run parallel to the tread and offer extra cornering support on hard pack or paved surfaces. Front and rear rack mounts allows this bicycle to be adapted for self supported touring or for those commuters who require or desire to use panniers rather than a back pack or other body bags.
As with any modern design, we have seen a vast variety of tube sizes and frame shapes appearing in full force. This generally has more to do with the overall function of the frame material as it is required to deal with stress and load. The beauty of composite technology is that within a given set of parameters set forth by the constraints of a particular material, an engineer will be able to eek out the best possible design.
The flat top tube, near the seat tube junction, allows the rider to carry the bicycle over the shoulder rather easy, whether upstairs or down; or just for fun. The longer wheelbase, along with the relaxed head tube and raked fork, increases the overall stability of this frame design over a traditional road frame design. If you are coming from a traditional road frame, the sizing may need to be looked at more closely. This platform tends to feel big, and a proper fit is going to necessary to minimize issues with rider position and to maximize overall performance and comfort. Just to let you know, all Specialized Tricross bicycles use the same design. The only difference is mine has only one gear.
Why only one gear? Well, silly, one gear is all you need. No really, it is all you need. Less can go wrong with a single speed and the overall maintence costs are lower. Sure there are some benefits to having multiple gears, as long as you have a proper understanding of how to operate and maintain a multi-gear bicycle. The rear wheel utilizes a flip-flop hub so if you want to fun it fixed you may.
Let me go back to the idea of racing this bicycle. Yes you can, however, this bicycle tends to lend itself to a more recreational rider. Most people don’t race and never will. Ridding for fun, fitness, and getting to and fro are the main reasons we people hoist our fat legs over the bicycle to begin with. You hear that?! Ride a bike for fun and fitness and you will soon find yourself.
Ok, now back to the things I would change on this particular bike. First things first. Before you leave the store with this bicycle, you need to get rid of the stock seat. I found it to be extremely uncomfortable. Specialized offers plenty of quality seats which are a much better design. The brakes are adequate, however, if you plan on riding a lot you should look at changing the stock linear pull brakes and levers into a quality set of more traditional cantilever such as Paul Components ‘Touring’ Cantilevers. The stock 46×18 is great if you climb or ride off-road more often than not. Raising the gear to a 46×16 or 15 for road riding will help you from ’spinning out’ too quickly and will allow you to maintain your speed more efficiently. If you desire more of a workout, as i do, you could opt for a 46×13. And just to minimize the snickering and talking behind my back, yes my bicycle is ever cooler than I am. No questions there.
Overall a great value and a practical bicycle for $800 and it should be a main stay in any bike geek’s quiver. No lie.
Kevin C. on location in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
