The Specialized Langster is no more! One bounce in the Cornish surf, a skewed knee and suddenly the Singlespeed world doesn't seem such an attractive place. But lo ......... five hours on Facebook, the bikes sold and the next day the replacement moves in .... a Specialized Tricross, 52cm frame 'Freeroad' bicycle. Specialized describe it as....
'the perfect do-it-all bike for anything from trails to commuting to touring, with rack/fender mounts, wide-range gearing, and secondary brake levers.'
Yesterday Jo and I set out on the road for a test ride. Is it as fast as the Roubaix? Well, that's not possible..but it's no slouch and it feels planted on the road, its wide, borough cross tyres soaking up the rugosities (potholes) kindly left lying around the local County Council. It's not as light as the Langster, the extra weight amply experienced on the climb out of the car park at Cheltenham Racecourse, but its dripping with gears, so no real problem.
The best thing is its potential. Too frequently have I taken the Roubaix out for a ramble, and glanced down tantalising bridleways and remote tracks too difficult for slicks. Not any more! The Tricross is going to be my explorers bike, my winter hack, my ambling along machine, and my wet weather steed, . Because it's got fenders! * That'll be mudguards to us British fellows and they look fine ............. I'd rather they weren't there, but will be happy to have a dry rear on cold wet days ............ no fine weather cyclists in our house! So, we'll see how we go. After 22 miles I'm happy, and thrilled with the thought of how the Roubaix will feel after weeks spent on a heavier machine - bring on the Exmoor Beauty!
* One week later I took the fenders off.
