Hybrid Bicycles - Specialized Crosstrial owners, pros and cons

How happy are you with your purchase, pros and cons. Would you buy it again/recommend it to your family and/or friends?

Any input regarding this bike will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

The Crosstrail is one of my most favorite bikes. The biggest reason is the upright riding position. Also it feels like I am riding in a Buick... Quiet and comfortable.

http://www.mikenchell.com/images/econ_thumbsup.gif

Mikey

This bike does it all. It is basically my dedicated trail a bike holding my kids bike, but it was my daily driver when new. Very comfy.
Not an offroad bike, but very, very capable on gravel and such.
My wife might take over mine as I have a Tricross and a Casseroll SS which see most of my action.
I would (and do) recommend a Crosstail to anyone who asks.
Enjoy.
Kevin

I have an 08.

I absolutely love it - it's a really great do it all bike.

It still likes to go fast, even though it's not as fast as a true road bike. It likes to go anywhere, like a mountain bike (just keep it off the mountains)

It's a great grocery getter, errand runner, path rider, around town commuter. It's a really nice bike - and comfy, too....

Some things to consider -

Get rid of those stock tires, before you buy it - they are extremely flat prone. Trade em in on a set of Schwalbe Marathon Supremes, 32, 35, or 40. This is a big improvement. Then, pump 'em up to 90-92 PSI. It's usually cheaper to do it now, than have to pay full price for the Schwalbes. My LBS does this, without hesitation - you just pay the difference in price. I absolutely love the combination of a 40 on the rear, and a 35 on the front, but probably wouldn't hesitate to use a 35 and a 32. (Us big guys will bebefit from the 40 on the rear, but the front doesn;t seem to matter) The 32 or 35 on the front will definitely quicken up the steering, and it will be a lot more precise, and won't degrade the ride. I really can't say enuf good things about Schwalbe Marathon Supremes - these things are awesome tires! But, the "extra" 5 to 7 pounds make a huge difference in roll.

Add a set of Ergon Grips, I like the GP-1, for a lot more hand comfort. While you are at it, slap a set of bar ends on there, for more hand positions.

Switch the brake pads for a set of Kool Stop Salmons, as soon as the OEMs wear out - much better braking, even though the OEMs are very decent.

Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid Fenders, fit like a glove on the 32,35, and 40 Supremes, and sure keep you and the bike much cleaner. If you get a black bike, the color will match perfectly. I love mine, as they are secure, quiet, very functional.

Don't forget lights and locks, as pretty bikes seem to like being stolen. Lock em to something solid, so they can't run away.

Get a rear rack, some kind of rack trunk, and a set of your choice of panniers for hauling stuff - I am very partial to my Performance Grocery Panniers.

Don't forget a pump - a Mountain Morph G will be an excellent choice, even though you may not need it with the Supremes.... LOL

This really has been a great do it all bike - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone!

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask, PM, or e-mail me. All info in my profile.

another edit :::: this bike does great on gravel roads/paths, also. Even with the SUPREMES, regular country roads, aglime, whatever.

I have a 09 Comp and really like the bike. I switched out the standard tires with Panaracer Rimbo 700 x 35 and what a difference they made, I also have a set of Michelin Pilot Sports but have not had a chance or reason to switch out the Panaracers yet. And I have the ergon's and went with the SKS 29 fenders they are woking fine so far.
wbill

I have a 09 Comp and really like the bike. I switched out the standard tires with Panaracer Rimbo 700 x 35 and what a difference they made, I also have a set of Michelin Pilot Sports but have not had a chance or reason to switch out the Panaracers yet. And I have the ergon's and went with the SKS 29 fenders they are woking fine so far.
wbill

So you have the black/rootbeer bike too...:thumb:

Mikey

I just sold my 2009 Crosstrail. I got about half what I paid and I was happy to get that because this bike is not made very well. I am a big Specialized fan and I owned a 2009 Hardrock Sport, a 2007 Sirrus and a 2001 Allez. I like them all but the Crosstrail was a major disappointment and I would NOT recommend it to anyone.

There are different kinds of hybrids, there are the more mountain bike type and then there are the flat bar road bikes like the Sirrus. The Crosstrail is more like a mountain bike hybrid like the Trek 72FX. I have owned a 7.2 FX and while I am not a big Trek fan, it is in every way a superior bike to the Crosstrail.

My Crosstrail breaks had a part that was made of plastic instead of metal. It caused the brakes to not work because the spring bent the plastic and it wouldn't hold it in place. Basically the brakes are crap and are something you would expect to find on a $89 Wal-Mart bike. Very sad that it has come to this on a $400+ Specialized.

The front shock has no lockout feature which is silly for a hybrid. Ideally, you would want to lock the fork on the street for efficiency and speed to take full advantage of the hybrid "do-it-all" persona. You are unable to do that and the Neon Pro shocks are garbage anyway. It would be a much better bike with a solid fork.

The seat clamp broke on my bike right away.

The grips slip off at every chance.

The shifters started out fine but got an annoying rattle in them after a few hundred miles.

Some of these problems are mild issues but the brakes being made of plastic is unforgivable. This bike is not cheap at $429 but they are skimping in quality to the point that it is hurting the bike.

I would get a Trek 7.2 over this bike any day. I sold it for $250 and was glad to be rid of it. I suggest anyone thinking about buying this bike to inspect the components and build quality and compare it to other bikes in the price range. Do NOT buy this bike based off the brand name of Specialized! Consider it like any other bike and see what you think. Don't let the name fool you.

Some of these problems are mild issues but the brakes being made of plastic is unforgivable. This bike is not cheap at $429 but they are skimping in quality to the point that it is hurting the bike.


So does the sport on up have better components?

So does the sport on up have better components?

Not really, Elite and Comps have better components

Elite being the best value, but in my eyes, I can’t stand the color. I think entry level is the best looking of the 2010 models.

From the Sport on up has a lockout. To me that's important! ;)

Mikey

From the Sport on up has a lockout. To me that's important! ;)

Mikey

Yes. Locking the shock makes it a true hybrid. I was surprised to find that you couldn't lock the shock on the Crosstrail base model! I can understand not bothering with a mountain bike but all hybrids that have shocks should be able to be locked out. That is a no brainer.

In any case, there are better hybrids out now so there really is no need to mess with the Crosstrail unless it is your perfect bike for some reason. I think the Crosstrail was designed for a non-bike person. It was made for people who would never do any of their own adjusting and probably ride it 15 miles a year.

Funny ---- my experience has been totally different....

Of course, my 08' Sport, has lock out suspension, Deore components, and no plastic that concerns me; and, has been basically trouble free, after a few warrantee items - they replaced the front derailleur at one year due to sloppyness causing less than precise shifting, and they rebuilt the rear wheel with a 36 spoke version at a couple weeks of age, due to breaking spokes.

What plastic part broke that caused catastrophic failure?

Hairspray on the bars, as an adhesive, will stop grip slipping, as will Ergon Grips.

I do all of my own maintenance and adjustment, and have encountered no problems with componentry, whatsoever.

Since the wheel problem, (while brand new,) it has been a rattle free, trouble free, bike. And I put 30 - 40 miles on it every single day. (Usually approaching 1,000 miles a month from March thru Nov/Dec. It's now going on it's third summer of hauling my 190#, rear rack & panniers, grocery shopping, errand running, full tail trunk hauling. This bike, with everything attached, in it's normal (for me) itteration, weighs 42# (without groceries-LOL) and has proven to be a great bike. The OEM tires, while flat prone, lasted ovder 5,000 miles, and still had life in them, a second set gave up the ghost at about 6,000 miles - I just got tired of fixing flats, so switched to Schwalbe marathon Supremes. Thes tires are miles ahead of the Specialized tires... The Schwalbe Marathon Supremes have about 8,000 on them now, and are beginning to show wear, but there are another couple sets waiting in the basement.

Comparing a Crosstrail to an FX is like comparing apples to oranges. The Sirrus is a better comparison to the FX (both being more performance oriented); as the Crosstrail is a more fair comparison to the 7000 series Trek.

Mine has been such a good bike, that it's hard to imagine we are talking about the same machine.

^
Maybe his bike was made late Friday on a long weekend.

If memory serves me correctly, the sport has a mechanical lockout and the comp has a hydraulic lockout.

But I agree with Wanderer, my experience with the Crosstrail has been all positive. And we have two of them. http://www.mikenchell.com/images/econ_thumbsup.gif

Mikey

I may be wrong, but, I think my 08 Sport is hydrauliically locked out.

I may be wrong, but, I think my 08 Sport is hydrauliically locked out.

You're right... on the '08 Crosstrail Sport...:RST Neon TnL7 fork, alloy legs, coil spring w/ hydraulic lock out

On the '09 Crosstrail Sport, which we have it's mechanical:The 75mm-travel fork features mechanical lockout and an external preload adjuster so you can easily fine-tune the ride.

My Rootbeer colored '09 Crosstrail Comp has the hydraulic lockout and an external preload adjuster so you can easily fine-tune the ride.

So that brings us to the question, what does the '10 have?

Here's the answer...

'10 sport: Mechanical Lockout
'10 Elite: Mechanical Lockout
'10 Comp: SR SunTour SF10-NRX-D-LO-700, magensium lower, Cr-Mo stanchions, hydraulic lock out

Mikey

Funny ---- my experience has been totally different....

Of course, my 08' Sport, has lock out suspension, Deore components, and no plastic that concerns me; and, has been basically trouble free, after a few warrantee items - they replaced the front derailleur at one year due to sloppyness causing less than precise shifting, and they rebuilt the rear wheel with a 36 spoke version at a couple weeks of age, due to breaking spokes.

What plastic part broke that caused catastrophic failure?

Hairspray on the bars, as an adhesive, will stop grip slipping, as will Ergon Grips.

I do all of my own maintenance and adjustment, and have encountered no problems with componentry, whatsoever.

Since the wheel problem, (while brand new,) it has been a rattle free, trouble free, bike. And I put 30 - 40 miles on it every single day. (Usually approaching 1,000 miles a month from March thru Nov/Dec. It's now going on it's third summer of hauling my 190#, rear rack & panniers, grocery shopping, errand running, full tail trunk hauling. This bike, with everything attached, in it's normal (for me) itteration, weighs 42# (without groceries-LOL) and has proven to be a great bike. The OEM tires, while flat prone, lasted ovder 5,000 miles, and still had life in them, a second set gave up the ghost at about 6,000 miles - I just got tired of fixing flats, so switched to Schwalbe marathon Supremes. Thes tires are miles ahead of the Specialized tires... The Schwalbe Marathon Supremes have about 8,000 on them now, and are beginning to show wear, but there are another couple sets waiting in the basement.

Comparing a Crosstrail to an FX is like comparing apples to oranges. The Sirrus is a better comparison to the FX (both being more performance oriented); as the Crosstrail is a more fair comparison to the 7000 series Trek.

Mine has been such a good bike, that it's hard to imagine we are talking about the same machine.


I find it hard to believe that you put 20,000 miles on a 08 Crosstrail in just 2-3 years. You would have to do about 100 miles a day during the months you can even ride if you rode 5 days a week. It sounds like you are telling us that you do a century at least every other day on what is basically a mountain bike. If that is true, you must do nothing but ride the Crosstrail. I consider myself an avid rider and I am hard pressed to do more than 150 miles a week. I am not calling you a liar because why would anyone lie about that? I am just astounded.

Anyway, I have no idea what the plastic part is called but it sits between the brake arm and the frame. It is the part that holds the end of the spring in place. My fronts are fine and so is the right side of the rear. The left rear is what messed up for some reason. It looks like the plastic just couldn't hold the spring in place for some reason and bent. Now the brake does not work because I can't seat the spring anymore. It is hard to explain but basically, there is a round part that is plastic that is more or less the heart of the brake action. Why they would make a part like this out of plastic is sort of a mystery. My only guess is to save money. Clearly they don't care if the customer is put out by it.

I love Specialized but I think they are heading in the wrong direction quality wise. If I buy a new Specialized, I will inspect it very carefully and compare it to other bikes in the price range. I am on the verge of disliking the brand.

I do between 30 - 50 miles every day, usually right around 250 a week. I try to use it for everything I can, including errands and grocery runs under 6-10 miles. The last two days being a pretty hard ride, since I was alone. 42 miles in under 3 hours, and 30 miles in under 2. In 90+ and humid temps.

I am also a fairly accomplished long distance endurance motorcyclist, with many very difficult Iron Butt Association Certifications to my credit - the most difficult being Coast to Coast to Coast (also known as the CCC Insanity Run) Run in less than a total of 100 hours. We did it in 96 hours, without speeding! All of my IBA Certs, are proudly hanging on my wall, at my wife's insistence. We, frequently, ride between Albuquerque/Chicago, nonstop, to visit/ride with my brother (about 1400 miles) - and if you have never spent 1500 miles nonstop on a motorcycle saddle, you just don't know what you are missing.

I try to ride every day, with only an occasional day off. If it's cold, snowy/rainy, I do "The Beast" in the basement for 30/40 miles. I generally ride, daily, outside form March thru December, with a friend of mine, and we get "outside" whenever we can during Dec, Jan, Feb - and I have the scars to prove it, from the ice --- LOL. We try to avoid snowy/icy roads, which can be a problem around here for a couple months.

Bicycle riding helps me keep in better shape for the LD motorcycle stuff.

It's MUCH easier to ride every day, even when the weather is less than cooperative, if you have a riding buddy who loves it as much as you do. Yesterday afternoon, was a 30 mile ride, after mowing my, and two older neighbors lawns. (which helps explain why my legs were so dead for the last mile - LOL) This afternoon will be an easy 30 miler, in 90+ temps, because we have an early 42 planned for tomorrow morning, hoping to be done before 9AM for breakfast and Memorial Day Programs at teh local VFW (something we both share in common.)

I generally, mount 2 sets of tires every year, as does my riding buddy, Jim. And, we wear them out - We have settled on Schwalbe Marathon Supremes, as the best bang for the buck - excellent roll, flat protection, wear, and traction - and they even glow in the dark. I have two new sets in the basement, because size availability can sometimes be a problem, plus it really helps to buy them on sale, since they aren't cheap. I vacuum wrap my tires, and date the package, before storing. They come out feeling and smelling like new.

We already have over 3,500 miles this year, so it should be a good year - maybe even approaching 11,000+

I just absolutely love riding my bike - and I am sure it is keeping me mobile, especially with arthur creeping in on us.

And, I don't care if you believe me, or not ---- because it makes no difference to me.