Specialized Crossroads Elite for Touring?
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Specialized Crossroads Elite for Touring?
I've found a Specialized Crossroads Elite at a very good price. I'm considering getting it and trying it for some touring. Anyone here with some experience with this type of bike?
Thanks
DK
Thanks
DK
#2
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This is a hybrid right? While most any bike will work for touring, there are MUCH better choices out there. Looks like it does have rear rack mounts so I guess you could either do some light credit card touring with it, or pull a trailer. Either way, you'll still have to deal with the front suspension robbing power and I think, while comfortable for a little while, the upright position is going to get quite uncomfortable. Personally, I'd wait to find a older touring bike before I'd buy something like this. Would probably make a great commuter, grocery getter, bike path, townie type of bike though.
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#3
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From what I can tell, it looks like a mid-range hybrid / comfort bike. I used one of these for awhile, and eventually moved up to more road-style bikes. A few pros and cons.
Pro: fairly low gearing, wide tires.
Cons: rider position is too upright; components don't look particularly good quality; suspension is not ideal for touring.
If the riding position works for you on long rides, I would say it's acceptable for short tours (2 weeks or less). Unfortunately, a position that relaxed may not feel great after 30-50 miles. It will also be better if the front suspension can be locked, and you swap the seatpost for a non-suspension version.
I'd let your other uses guide you. I.e. if you're going to use this bike for short rides (30-40 miles) and commutes, it's fine. If you think you're going to do 100 miles a day, a less upright position will most likely turn out to be better for you.
Pro: fairly low gearing, wide tires.
Cons: rider position is too upright; components don't look particularly good quality; suspension is not ideal for touring.
If the riding position works for you on long rides, I would say it's acceptable for short tours (2 weeks or less). Unfortunately, a position that relaxed may not feel great after 30-50 miles. It will also be better if the front suspension can be locked, and you swap the seatpost for a non-suspension version.
I'd let your other uses guide you. I.e. if you're going to use this bike for short rides (30-40 miles) and commutes, it's fine. If you think you're going to do 100 miles a day, a less upright position will most likely turn out to be better for you.
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Specialized Crossroads--Long Term experience
I have owned a Specialized Crossroads now for 7 years and have put on it by my estimation over 10,000 miles. I have had to replace a few things, like pedals and just recently the shifters. Overall, it is a good bicycle for numerous uses, including touring. I have yet to ride a century on it, though I have come close many times.
Mine (2001 model, mid level, no suspension) does have braze-ons or mounts in the rear. The wheels are strong, with 36 spokes each. The tires are of a medium width—38C or 1.5 inches to us traditionalists. Generally, it is a bike that is designed for comfort on long, or longer rides. And though it is generally not designed for speed, I have gotten it up to 36 mph on a flat surface with no wind. (It got fitted with a bike computer later in its life.)
Guess what I am saying is that I wholeheartedly endorse this bike and its siblings (other levels and years of Crossroads) for just about any type of riding (except racing), including touring of any kind.
Mine (2001 model, mid level, no suspension) does have braze-ons or mounts in the rear. The wheels are strong, with 36 spokes each. The tires are of a medium width—38C or 1.5 inches to us traditionalists. Generally, it is a bike that is designed for comfort on long, or longer rides. And though it is generally not designed for speed, I have gotten it up to 36 mph on a flat surface with no wind. (It got fitted with a bike computer later in its life.)
Guess what I am saying is that I wholeheartedly endorse this bike and its siblings (other levels and years of Crossroads) for just about any type of riding (except racing), including touring of any kind.
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This is a 1998 model with no suspension. If I change the stem and put drop bars on it, will the position change enough?
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...lite&Type=bike
https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...lite&Type=bike
#6
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Obviously that's got to be a used bike. Even if it's been sitting around, it will need a tune-up and likely some new parts. Add $100 - $150 to the cost of the bike.
Changing out to drop bars will cost you at least another $150, by the way. I.e. if you want a bike with drops, you're better off getting a bike with drops (new or used).
Changing out to drop bars will cost you at least another $150, by the way. I.e. if you want a bike with drops, you're better off getting a bike with drops (new or used).
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I made the same conversion that you are talking about with an earlier model of crossroads. All told with some parts I had around my workshop I have around 400 into the conversion. Not exactly cheap but half of what it would have cost to build up LHT. I still have some tweaking to do and racks to add but it should handle it fine.
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I made the same conversion that you are talking about with an earlier model of crossroads. All told with some parts I had around my workshop I have around 400 into the conversion. Not exactly cheap but half of what it would have cost to build up LHT. I still have some tweaking to do and racks to add but it should handle it fine.
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Yes, at $125 it does sound like a good buy. It saddens me though to think
that mine may only be worth a little more than that.
that mine may only be worth a little more than that.