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I'm finally taking the plunge on the old bike to work scheme. Looking for a bike I can use to race cross in the winter (been doing it on the mtb for too long), ride to work on the road and do the (very!) odd road ride on.
Thinking at the moment is a Jake or Tricross plus a set of road wheels/ tyres for it. Any other bikes I should consider? Anyone got experience of Jake or Tricross?
I had both a jake (on the BTWS) and a tricross, although it was a single/fixed. In all honestly, I'd go with the tricross as I was really unimpressed with the weight and build quality of the Jake. It lasted me ages, I toured, raced and commuted on it and it did all three well, it was just the bolts all going rusty after a couple of months use and the fact that it weighed so much. Oh, and I did about 4 bb's in a year.
The tricross is also easier to shoulder - worth considering if you're racing
I didn't bother with an extra set of wheels - just stuck road tyres on the wheels they came with.
Don't think you'll go wrong with either really. I have a Jake and it's a bit on the chunky side for a race bike, but handles well, and feels like it can take some abuse. Have used it for commuting, road rides, and off-road touring. The P2 fork is a bit "direct" - the Tricross's fork cankles may or may not alleviate this. Not sure you need a triple chainset really unless you're doing very havily laden touring.
Also have a look at the Focus Mares from Wiggle, similar price but the spec is a bit of a step up from the Tricross and the Jake.
"Not sure you need a triple chainset really "
If you'd seen how steep the hill I live on is, you'd know I need a triple! Plus in all likelihood I'll have a sporg on the back of it from time to time
Focus = good call. *goes to wiggle website*
Might be worth looking at a Giant TCX 1 - retails at around £1000.
I've had one for about 6 months, ridden it both on and off road, and will be racing it this winter.
Pleased with it so far - particularly the frame which is light [1420g]and has sharp geometry.
I use my tricross for sprog transporting duties and it works OK. Handles like shit with a seat on the back but I assume all bikes do.
Tricross is a great all rounder - Only weakness for me is the lack of a disk drilling on the fork. I'm riding with the wee man every day atm and finding that it really needs a front disk. Me plus child seat plus wee man is a lot of weight. This obviously wouldn't be an issue for most people.
had a jake for 3500 kms in new zealand fully laden no complaints
even managed to only be 10 mins behind marcus roy in the bannockburn MTB challenge on it ....
only used a pair of tires over 3500k but that was due to the tar melting to them and melting the tire
got a tricross now , much nicer to ride off road (it did the bachnagairn walkers path and the capel mounth on sunday, less direct more comfy ! but it was more expensive than my jake..... probably better frame/fork imho
Jake was a better tourer on the road though , more sturdy when weighted.
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