Originally Posted by Harley2

Thanks Badger1. Your comment above that Crosstrail Pro w/Paragon fork should prove a great bike indeed … is largely responsible for me choosing the Pro. To better explain that complement, some background is needed. I started researching and riding Hybrids about a year ago but soon focused on Specialized models after finding the Specialized Hybrid's dedicated Thread on this site. I learned something new every time I came to the Forum, but soon knew I wanted a Hybrid vs. a carbon fixed fork Sirrus after riding both (bigger tires and the suspension fork made all the difference in riding comfort). Last year I rode 2015 models of the Crosstrail Comp, Expert and a leftover 2014 Pro. I thought the Comp was everything I would ever need or want in a group-set -- until I rode the Expert. Even I with limited experience compared to you guys could tell the difference between SLX and XT. For $300 more the Expert just seemed like a bargain compared to the Comp.

Then I started reading the back and forth between Badger1 and ColonelSanders on the merits, differences, pros and cons of the Expert vs. Pro (most of it is recreated in this Thread above). You two are both super-knowledgeable and extremely logical in presenting the rationale behind your cases for the Expert and Pro group-sets and other riding qualities of the two models. As said, I was settled on a two-ring front drive Expert with the wonderful XT group-set -- until I learned the potential benefits of a 1-11 drivetrain from Badger's interaction with the Colonel. I found no flaws in the logic of either of you for either bike (not that I have the biking knowledge to find flaws anyway). I could easily go with either of your views and be happy with either bike. But I got enamored with the "prospect" of a 1-11 drive. It just made total sense to me not to fool around with two rings when one 10-42 ring could provide all the gears I would ever need for my riding purposes. Colonel -- you made perfect sense too for choosing the Expert; but I was caught-up in Badger's 1-11 drive list of facts. I decided on a 2016 Pro largely for that reason -- and I thank Badger and the Colonel for helping me get there. I was now ready for a 2016 Pro purchase.

Then low-and-behold I found out that BOTH the 2016 Pro and Expert have 1-11 drivetrains (SRAM X01 on the Pro and Shimano XT on the Expert). What was I to do? My choice to get a 1-11 drive now turned into an impossible choice since both group-sets are wonderful; so how do I decide? Brakes were maybe one big difference (theoretically, because I felt few riders could probably tell the difference between Shamano M447 and M615 unless they were on a racetrack and needed the higher performance qualities of the M615's). Another difference was sealed cartridge bearings in the wheels. Badger thought that was significant, I just assumed they prevented water from getting in but I don't know their real benefits. Another factor was the Pro has a 10-42 cassette and the Expert has an 11-40. That's two more teeth but I probably would never notice the difference in real-world riding. Then there's that this year's Expert is Shamano's first venture into 1-11 drives, whereas SRAM has years of experience in 1-11's. Probably not too significant since Shamano wouldn't be offering it unless they had tested it to death and were sure it was going to perform. (As an aside, SRAM and Shimano now both have 10-48 cassettes for their 1-11 drives, which should put some real pressure on 2-ring drivetrains for the future -- i.e., who needs 2-rings anymore with 10-48 cassettes available? They are really expensive now, but in a few years they'll probably be more affordable; that'll allow them to be used in mainstream-priced bikes. Just like 2-rings are replacing 3-rings, some people I respect think 1-ring will replace two-rings in the not too distant future.)

OK, this is getting pretty long so "how did I decide"? They're both wonderful bikes (the Pro and Expert) and I think there's no real-world difference in group-sets for riders of my skill level and who just ride for fitness and recreation. A $300 difference in price is significant -- but NOT to be me because I loved the color of the Pro. The Expert Black Chrome paint is very striking and even elegant; but the Expert's Brushed clear-coated Aluminum with Rocket Red Accents has to be seen to appreciate. It looks like the classic raw metal used on VERY high end racing Mountain Bikes.

There you are, after all the time and effort you guys spent to educate me on the major, minor and finer points of group-sets and other important bike qualities -- I forget all that an picked one based on color! That's may not be altogether accurate. I think the Pro has some important differences from the Expert. That makes me feel somewhat better. But I still largely picked it over the Expert based on COLOR. Sorry guys, I must be a total disappointment to all of you. Maybe I'll do better on my next bike, but don't count on it. I'm not always logical when it comes to bikes, motorcycles, boats, trucks (and women).