avidone1

Mine has a D on top then in smaller print "dynasty" On the side it says "SLX". Perhaps Specialized knew they were going to put deore's on some and slx's on others, hence the non specific info on the spec sheet. The fine print always gives all manufactures a get out of jail free card

DorkDisk

The preload knob adjusts the initial rate required to get the fork moving. It doesn't change the spring rate at all - on a coil spring this is fixed. Use preload to adjust your sag (roughly 30%) so that the fork can extend for depressions.

Most (all?) OEM coil forks come with a one size fits all spring tuned for a Very Heavy Average American Male. If you are lighter you may not compress the spring at all or get full travel. If you are heavier you run the risk of bottoming out constantly. In a perfect world we would all be riding custom springs for our weight and riding style but since coils are found in the low end, it can be very difficult to get different springs. That is one reason why the infinitely adjustable air springs are used in the upper end. Many preload adjustors have very little effect also, or is barely noticeable in extreme conditions

Good news on the front d.

ColdCase

Thats the same preload adjuster on my comp.

ColdCase

I found that specialized is sometimes slow to update the spec sheets, and that they sometimes put the next model year components on the bike in advance and as a running change, or change their mind and keep the current components. My comp is spec'd with delore but was delivered with SLX.

ColdCase

My theory is that it is a clerical error or poorly worded spec/configuration sheets. The suntour fork model used in the higher end crosstrails are available in either air or coil configurations and Suntour used to list them in tables and descriptions as "air and coil" where they are actually air or coil (two different forks). I noticed they changed those tables to air/coil... dunno if that helps, but it will likely be a source of confusion and what looks like contradictory wordings. None of my local LBSs have 2016 experts or pros in stock, or I'd stop by and snap off the fork cover to look for an air valve.

ColdCase

Doesn't seem to be anyone around here that has seen a pro yet, but the 2015 and 2016 expert has the NCXi fork without any air fittings, like the photo above. Suntour puts their air fittings either under the cap or at the bottom end of the fork, so check both sides.

CT Sean

nothing on the bottom of the fork but a hex head on each leg.

Bill1227

I ran a Specialized Carbon Zerts for a while but, did not notice much difference and went back to stock.

Bill1227

Nice photo, nice job

avidone1

I got a thudbuster. One of the better upgrades I made

kielwb

For those of you who replaced the stock tires, any idea on what the narrowest size the rims will support? I put on a trainer tire for the winter (my Christmas present is a CycleOps Fluid2 and I'm already making use of it) which is 32mm wide (Continental Hometrainer) - and I think it would be great to swap the tires out with more road-going tires for spring since most of my riding is on a paved trail and not on rough surfaces. Can I get away with a 28mm, or is that too narrow?

travbikeman

My LBS, that sold me my Crosstrail and my new tires, had tried to get me to go with 28mm. I told them about wanting a better road going tire, where as I wanted to keep my 38mm for when I tackle trails. They told me that many others were doing this.

I just wasn't so certain about putting such a thin tire on since I'm still overweight and didn't want that hard of a ride, so I stuck with some 35mm tires instead that were smoother for the road.

Wanderer

I ride Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my Crosstrail. I've got a 35 on the front of my Crosstrail, and a 40 on the back, for the best of both worlds. I've got 30s on my Sirrus, and it is much more harsh!

To me, the 35 is a good compromise, and is only about 1 3/8 inch wide, vs an 1 1/8 for a 28mm. A quarter of an inch ain't a lot of difference, but it sure makes a BIG difference in comfort.

ColdCase

The Schwable Marathon Almotions have a carcass construction that provides low rolling resistance and comfort. I've put 600 miles on them (OEM size) and they just love to roll, the bike will roll away from me if I'm not careful. They are great on paved surfaces with enough width for trails. One can save some $$ by buying them from one of the european outlets.

avidone1

I use the Marathon Supremes in 35 width. Love hitting the corners hard with them. Them is some sticky tires

MrCoffee

So far, I have kept my 2014 Crosstrail Disc stock. It has proven its self a reliable workhorse. Well, I looked at the Specialized web site, and I am appalled! They have the NERVE to label the Crosstrail a "fitness" bike. Meaning: CHEAP @$$ED WALLY WORLD SPECIAL for 1 mile jaunts! How STOOPED can they get??? They have maligned perhaps the best UTILITY tool that one can get with two wheels, by calling it CHEAP. Yes, the price of a Crosstrail may be CHEAP. But it's a darn good work machine that can do corners like a combine and handle curbs like a Chevy Silverado pickup truck. I am half tempted to sell my bike after Specialized's idiotic advertising!

badger1

Well, that's one perspective, I suppose.

badger1

... meanwhile, in other news, it rather looks as though this year's M4 Crosstrails do come with a coil fork, not air. Recent review of the Pro on the Specialized site makes that quite clear. Oh well.

Specialized Bicycle Components

The BigS really should clean up their 'features' descriptions.

avidone1

I agree that their mentioning air spring is misleading. I also think that the irate reviewer should have done some homework before laying out 1800 plus tax. One would think he would have asked the LBS to identify the exact fork make and model it being such a big deal for him and all. Plus even though the fork is a lower end suntour, I haven't had any problems with it, nor have I heard complaints from any other owners, 'bottoming out'. I get suspicious when I see posts like that. Makes me think it's some kind of malicious troll.

badger1

Don't think it's a troll, but other than that I agree with you all around. My point in posting the link was 'point of information' re. the specification of the '16 Crosstrails.
As I said, I think the BigS really, really should take the trouble to edit their web information.

trainchaser

...for what its worth, I weigh more than 180lbs and ride on a lot of mixed surfaces with the "off road" portions including tree roots and rough surfaces, and I've NEVER managed to bottom out the shock. After you've been riding for a while with the shock engaged you can look at the thing and see the line where the shock has reached is farthest point of deflection, and it's never been anywhere near the point of bottoming out. If his story is accurate then he was riding off road on trails where a true mountain bike was warranted...

travbikeman

I'm down to a bit over 300 pounds. This past year I've only bottomed out my shock "1" time. Weird feeling doing it. Hoping this time next year I can say I'm down to 220lbs and never felt this during the year.

**By the way, aren't all manufacturers starting to list all hybrids under the fitness group?

badger1

Agree with this as well, TC; I think it quite likely that the reviewer's general comments are the result of anger and/or failure to set up his fork properly and/or misuse. I too discount all that. I also agree with Avidone1 that the reviewer ought to have verified fork-type before ordering 'blind' if that was an issue for him. That said, Specialized has brought this negative review on themselves by not cleaning up the misinformation -- a simple matter. To the company's credit, though, they have let the review stand.

kevindsingleton 

My 2013 Crosstrail Elite, on a trail in Webster, NY. That was a great trip!

avidone1

Question for owners of the comp disc.......(2 chainrings)
How many actual gears are there?
I know that 2x10=20 but there are a number of selections that overlap.
I wonder just how many unique gear configurations there actually are.
It seem to me to be no more than 14.
Anyone know how to figure this out?