Trek vs. Specialized vs. Cannondale
 

Looking for gut reactions and brand loyalty thoughts on the following options:

Trek 8.6 DS
Specialized Crosstrail Comp Disc
Cannondale Quick CX1

I know I should go and test ride all of these. Looking for what you would lean toward first?

I like the hybrid market. I mostly ride paved, sometimes parks and cut-through grass/hills/neighbors lawns to make it to the pavement. Currently have a Marin Larkspur CS1...poorly fit by a local shop.

All three are nice bikes and I would of course recommend riding them all and seeing what you like.

That being said, I would probably lean toward the Specialized and Trek, depending which you like better (does one feel better, do you like the color of one over the other, which dealer do you like better, etc). The Cannondale is a great bike, but it's a fair bit more expensive than both others, and comes with slightly lower level components than the others. You get better bang for the buck with the Specialized and Trek.

If you're riding mostly all on road with just small excursions offroad on grass and the like, you may actually be better served by a solid front fork hybrid (Trek FX, Specialized Sirrus). I would definitely consider those too.

Those are nice bikes. I did the same comparison maybe a month ago and ended up with the Crosstrail Comp Disc. This was based entirely on test rides, the crosstrail feeling like a much better bike to me. Getting better components than the others for less money helped rationalized the decision. I also tested sirrus and the FX but the crosstrail comp disc frame and fork are so lightweight I didn't notice any difference when the fork was locked, and it was much less brutal on the rough stuff when unlocked. But thats just me and I'm far from a pro rider. If you want even slicker shifting, look at the Crosstrail Expert. Some here that purchased the Comp Disc, if they had to do it over, would have spent another $300 for the Expert. Most of the crosstrails are sold out, but the 2016s should be arriving within a few weeks.

Ride and decide. One should jump out as most comfortable, easiest to ride, looks nicest.... That's the decision you have....

When I bought my Crosstrail, the Trek and Cannondale, and Giant, just didn't seem right under me. First ride on the Crosstrail, I said to myself - WOW! It just felt BETTER! This one is really easy to ride!

That's what should happen to you!

Since I do almost all of my own wrenching, dealer didn't matter too much - just lucked out that the Specialized dealer was my first choice, and closest to my house.

I just ordered a 2016 Cannondale Quick CX 1. I tested both the Quick CX & Crosstrail lines, but cheaper models & 2015 lines. The Quick seemed a little more spry to me on good pavement and just as smooth in the poorly paved/gravel alleys. It also has a more upright position, which provides a good rotation with my other commuting bike (Felt Versa 3). Both were very nice bikes though, I would have been happy with either.

The MSRP for the 2016 model was $1520, $100 cheaper than the 2015, with some component upgrades to boot (or so the kind person at my LBS told me). I'll post some pics when it arrives, hopefully on Friday.

all about your geo and the bikes...hopefully you will get an opp to ride all three..

There is quite a bit of difference between the Crosstrail Expert/Comp and the other Crosstrails. Same geometry but much lighter and better components. They are just different bikes. The Comp is a steal at $1200. But then, if the Cannondale fits better, it will provide more enjoyment. The Cannondale did not fit me well.

Trek vs. Specialized vs. Cannondale
 

Pretty much in agreement with Wanderer. Just wondering if you considered the Giant Talon models ????
Talon 27.5 2 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States

Hopefully the Cannondale CX 1 will have the same jump in quality. I am pretty excited about it.

I would be too. Beautify bike!! I hear so many on this forum talk about how they do all there test rides. I was at my local Trek dealer looking at the DS line, and they had a 2015 8.4 there on display and I was asking how to go about ordering a 2016 8.6. Wasn't offered any test rides and there is a bike trail right in back of store.

How do they work? Like special code word you got to say? Do they have special ones there for that, or are you guys test riding there floor models of these high end bikes? What if you wreck it? etc etc.

Any information is appreciated.

That's how it worked out for me as well and I ended up with a Crosstrail.

Didn't get a chance to try the Giant Roam though since the dealers were out.

That's a mountain bike. Not a hybrid bike.

I usually just ask and say something like "can I ride this one? ", then they usually roll it back to the shop to make sure it's ready to ride. Some shops will ask for your driver's license before you take it out. Then they give you a helmet to wear and just let you go out and test ride.

That's just crazy enough to work. Wouldn't mind taking that 8.4 for a spin first. Thanks.

I think I said "I am looking to upgrade my bike and want to do a few test rides." They will give you a quick fitting and check the bike over for a moment. It appears to be standard practice.

They should have put you on a Marin Muirwoods!

Thanks for all the responses! Time to visit a few shops and find out!