I have an order in for the S Works E5 Frame. I want to upgrade the heavy Specialized fork, but I noticed that the new 08 Tricross Pro uses a proprietary fork-headset setup and you can't change forks. I am hoping that since the E5 is an 07 model that this unfortunate change dosen't apply. Anyone have an S-Works E5???

I have an order in for the S Works E5 Frame. I want to upgrade the heavy Specialized fork, but I noticed that the new 08 Tricross Pro uses a proprietary fork-headset setup and you can't change forks. I am hoping that since the E5 is an 07 model that this unfortunate change dosen't apply. Anyone have an S-Works E5???Just curious -- where did you hear this?

The 08 Tricross Pro has a "recessed" lower headset bearing requiring a proprietary fork crown race a la Pinarello. The Specialized fork has a conical lower steerer tube. Maybe I didn't look close enough, but the fork race was very tall and seemed to be mated to the conical shaped lower steerer.

I have an order in for the S Works E5 Frame. I want to upgrade the heavy Specialized fork, but I noticed that the new 08 Tricross Pro uses a proprietary fork-headset setup and you can't change forks. I am hoping that since the E5 is an 07 model that this unfortunate change dosen't apply. Anyone have an S-Works E5???

I have two new frames sitting in a box, but I haven't looked at them closely yet to know if the lower bearing is any different from before. These new ones have an all carbon fork and rear carbon seat stays. But I do know that w/ my other two older s-works frames, 06/07 version, the heavier aluminum crown/steerer fork can be swapped out for a different fork if desired. I think I've only seen them set up w/ Ritchey as an alternative fork. Not sure if others work as well.

Just for reference, I really didn't find that the heavier fork was a problem at all. It rode better than any other carbon cross fork i've been on and had excellent mud clearance... more so actually than the new all carbon ones! Last year was the first time I felt confident bunny hopping the occasional barrier when it was possible. I never felt myself at a disadvantage due to weight. I actually had more confidence in it because I knew it was strong. Give it a chance before you swap it out, you might actually like it better!

cdb

I know the Spec fork is heavy. A friend has a Spec cross bike, though not sure which model. It's a sweet bike that he's upgraded with Sram. I'm pretty sure the frame is aluminum. We were just talking about this, actually. He went with the Alpha Q fork. The rep told him it wasn't a good match and would make the bike twitchy. He said it seems fine to him, and he is saving a bunch of weight. He's ridden it on the road, grass and single track with no issues.

I ask because I searched Specialized public and dealer sites and didn't see any indication that they have anything proprietary going on with the lower headset bearings. They simply note "1 1/8" integrated threadless".

I have an 07 E5 tricross I upgraded to Ritchey WCS fork and used all last season. Worked well and saved a full pound vs. the specialized fork! I occassionally get chatter with the Ritchey but I never used the Specialized fork so I can't compare.

is the tricross pro the same frame as the tricross expert bike?
any word on sworks tricross' yet
The 08 Tricross Pro has a "recessed" lower headset bearing requiring a proprietary fork crown race a la Pinarello. The Specialized fork has a conical lower steerer tube. Maybe I didn't look close enough, but the fork race was very tall and seemed to be mated to the conical shaped lower steerer.