Bike advice - 2012 tricross disc vs 2011 tricross comp vs ?

Magneta

Been reading quite a few threads in this forum and am now looking for some buying advice. The specialized tricross range seems fairly well-liked and made for the types of riding I'm considering (city commuting, weekend rides, occasional longer tour). I've now got the option to purchase a 2011 specialized tricross comp (with replaced carbon fork after re-call) or the new 2012 tricross elite disc (UK) for the same price. Bearing in mind that I don't know much at all about bikes, the main differences seem to be the disc brakes on the 2012 and the move from a carbon fork to an alloy. I'm slightly confused about the pricing, is it fair to say that the 2011 comp has better quality components but no disc brakes which make the 2012 (with cheaper components) as expensive? Unfortunately, I don't know anything about bike components (yet), is it even worth worrying about the differences, assuming that this sort of money should buy good quality parts regardless? I sat on the 2011 comp briefly and liked it. So forgive my naivety, but how would you arrive at your choice? What additional inputs would you need to help make a decision?

Cheers

2012 tricross elite disc
2011 tricross comp[/url]

Moodyman

The previous year's model always offer better value.

I got a 2007 Trek bike at 30% the price of the 2010 bike from the same shop.
The 07 bike was specced just as well as the 10 bike.

mudcow007

i have a 2011 Tricross which seems a higher specced bike for the equivalent this year (if that makes sense)

2012 tricross standard has alloy forks, in 2011 they were on all of them!

look around at last years model

veronese68

I'd go for the disc model. Look at the number of people that struggle t oget canti brakes working properly. Look in the workshop thread at people struggling to upgrade Tricross brakes. It's still got Tiagra gears on the disc model, the comp has 105 which is a bit better.
I'd go for the disc model and as and when things wear out if you're bothered by the difference you can upgrade. To upgrade the brakes you would have to change the forks on the front, but the rear would have to stay as canti unless you change the frame. Admittedly the rear brake is not as important.
If I'm not making myself clear, I'd get the disc model.