2007 vs. 2008 Specialized Bikes....

Demiurge

Hi,

Looking at getting my first bike in ages, and was plumping for Specialized Tricross Sport, which does everything I want in my budget (i.e. front and rear rack eyelets, carbon fork, suitable for light touring as well as light off-road, not too pricy, STi + drops). Question is, I can pick up the 2007 model for cheaper than the 2008. Looking through the specs, I can't see that they are any different, apart from a new paint job.

Am I missing something? Is there a strong reason to get the 2008 over the 2007 model?

Thanks for any advice on this,

Wid.

Kléber

From about now onwards, the price of the 2007 models plunge as the new models appear. There are some real bargains to be had as often, it's the paint job that changes and not much else.

mea00csf

Alot of the time the specs don't change at all, just the colours. it's always worth checking, making sure it's a complete spec rather than a shops abbreviated spec. If they're the same, or you prefer the 07 one just get it, saves you money.

On the other hand the bike i was looking at Giant SCR 1.0 W had a massive change of spec between the 07 and the 08 model. Went from a triple to a double, worse cranks on the 08, better saddle on the 08. I really wanted the 07 as i wanted a triple and would rather have better cranks than a better saddle (as who knows, just cause it's expensive doesn't mean i'll like it!) so spent ages tracking down a cheap 07 model despite being offered a cracking deal on the 08

Demiurge

Thanks for advice.

Think I'm looking at full specs, but even if not, I reckon that if the major specs remain unchanged - so if the front + rear mech, shifters/brakes, frame, carbon fork, chainset and crank are the same between the 2 - I can't see that there's really anything major going on behind the closed doors to get worried about - so i may as well just go for the 2007 version!

I'm getting this through a cycle to work scheme which can only deal through Halfords (so I'll get it serviced straight after picking it up :twisted: ) - this causes a few problems for sizing though, as I need to specify size in advance. I chatted to my LBS, and they suggested that for a 6' exactly chap like me, the 58 cm ought to be the one to go for. I know people always say that it's best to try before, but since I can't (and don't have time!!), does anyone think this is way off? Would the 56cm be better? I know the tricross has slightly shorter tob-tube, which is why I thought I'd eer on the side of larger, to avoid being cramped. But - any suggestions here?

Thanks again for other advice,

Wid.

robbie the roadie

As for the spec I doubt it will be much if any different from the previous year so the 2007 one should be fine and a bit cheaper

Size wise I'm 6'1" and ride a 56 cm spesh e5 s works. A friend of mine who is pretty much the same size as me also rides a 56 cm s works but also rides a 58cm spesh allez so I suppose either would be fine, but if I had to pick one i wuld get the bigger one because of the shorter top tube. hope this helps.

Demiurge

Thanks Robbie - that's really useful. 58cm it is then.

Can't wait to try my new bike out; having a dreadful feeling this might be the start of a long (and expensive) relationship! :P

Wid.

velocitizen

My local spesh dealer told me the 07 tri-cross sold out and there were none left, where are you buying yours?and what sort of a discount are they offering? If you are big enough to handle a 61cm frame then Leisure Lakes in Nottingham had a 2nd hand tricross for £500.
Me I am seriously considering a knocked-down price Roubaix.

Big Red S

Halfords get most of the bikes they're not supposed to stock (like Specialized) from Leisure Lakes. I assume they'll look at other places if LL don't have it, but they may very well turn round and say 'nope, we're out of 07, have an 08'.

I'd put you on a 56 or a 58, given your height. But the guys in your LBS have actually seen you, so probably have a fairly good idea of what size. Do they carry Specialized?

pendulum

Re: Size, I'm 6'0 and have a 56cm S Works Roubaix and Allez, 58cm was just too much of a stretch!

Demiurge

Well, just spoke to them, they can't get the 07 anymore, so has to be the 08 - but having to wait till November to get it, which ain't so great!

LBS did carry Specialized, yes, so hopefully they'll have given me the right advice. However, they only really looked me up and down, didn't chuck me on a bike to test.

Pendulum - since I'm going for a more relaxed ride than a roadie, thought I'd be OK on the 68, but are the allez / tricross frames similar geometry? If so, maybe I should consider dropping down to 56. Do you have short arms for your height?

Trying out the fit calculator from comp. cyclist - see link below:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Thanks for advice all.

Wid.

pendulum

No, normal arms! If you're looking for a more relaxed riding position, have you considered a Roubaix?
Sizing can be a minefield, best bet would be to try the different sizes and see which feels right.