mach250

I test drove both the Crosstrail Disc, without brain with no lockout, and my current Sport that comes with the brain fork. First, I testdrove the non-brain disc and immediately felt the dive when I rode away from the strores front door. On the backside they have some rough grassy areas with tons of roots and the non-brain fork felt really bouncy to me but I didn't have the time to dial in the suspension which I would never want to do anyway. When I returned and hopped on the Sport with the brain I noticed very quickly how responsive it is to road conditions with zero action on my part. I can feel a very tiny and in my opinion a negligible level of fork movement on the road but when it's valve "sensed" the rough grassy area it really came alive and deadened the impacts in a more sharp and controllable manner than the non-brain fork.

When it came down to my decision on the crosstrail it was a money limitation, if I could afford it I would have bought a road bike with no suspension and then a mountain bike with lockouts. As I sit with the crosstrail in my garage I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with the sport for around $200 more than the disc without the brain.

ColonelSanders

Jeebus, that is sad to hear.

I really wish Specialized had kept at least one Crosstrail model with an aluminium frame, spec'd like 2016's Expert or Comp, rather than force people to go with a carbon frame if they want that level of running gear.

travbikeman

Yea, the owner told me that far more people were interested in the Giant Roam for the price. He did let me test ride the Giant Toughroad. That is a fun bike!

mach250

Trying to do wear and tear parts research...

What disc pads do you normally purchase and where do you get them?

What inner tubes are you running? I want to make sure I have at least two on hand at all times.


Also, looking to kit up the bike with the Topeak F25 tool saddle bag. Does anyone carry this? plan on loading it with the inner tubes and some other things. Tons of space inside it seems.


edit:

Did some googling and found a dealer that listed this

INNER TUBES: OE PV standard Bulk Road 700, 28-38x622, Presta, 48mm valve

then found this tube on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Road-Bi...EP8?th=1&psc=1

travbikeman

I replaced the metallic pads that were on my Crosstrail Sport Tektro brakes with these organic pads:

Clarks Organic Disc Brakes Pads for Shimano Deore/Auriga Comp/Aquila/Clarks S2

The metallic pads made some strange noises, that the organic pads fixed. Plus the organics seemed to stop the bike better for me. But they are showing signs of wear at 1000 miles already. I believe the new Crosstrail Sport uses organic pads now instead of the metallic ones. I'm doubting you will have to worry about wearing those out anytime soon. Just try to avoid getting any kind of oil on the pads and discs.

Inner tubes will of course depend on the size of tire you may end up switching. But for our 700 x 38 Triggers I've been using these:

Forté Road Presta Tube 700c x 35-43

Your LBS should have all these parts readily available, if not they selling quickly or the LBS is not doing a good job of stocking the shelves.

**Yes, I buy a lot from Performance Bikes, it's what happens when I buy the families bikes there and have lots of points to get lots of free stuff with.

munkeyfish 

What upgrades, changes or accessories have you folks done or found especially useful for the Crosstrail?

Got any pics of said upgrade, add-on or mod (s)?

FLJeepGuy

No pics since I'm at work, but mostly I've just added accessories since this is my main all-around ride:

• More comfortable grips and better seat
• Basic computer for time, speed, and distance
• Front and rear lights
• Rear rack and bag
• Water bottle holder
• Mini frame pump

travbikeman

Page 15 of the following has pictures of both my Black Crosstrail and another members Orange Crosstrail with modifications:

https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bic...-today-15.html

I've added or changed:

To Ergon grips with a new Ritchey stem. I've also added a new Ritchey handlebar, not seen in the picture.
New 36 spoke Weinman mountain bike wheels.
Clipless pedals
Have several sets of tires for gravel or road riding
lights, computer
New Power comp saddle

Switched the Cassette to a Shimano HG400 and SRAM 9 speed chain, makes for a smoother shifting experience.
Of course seat bag, and water bottle cage.

Painted the disc brakes to add some more color to the bike.

munkeyfish 

Which computer did you add?

munkeyfish 

Would love to see it.

I see we are "neighbors" I bet there is some great places to take your Crosstrail in Jacksonville.

travbikeman

Got the Cateye Padrone, its a nice basic computer with large numbers

FLJeepGuy

My wife and I mostly ride north along A1A through the Talbot Island area to Amelia and Fernandina. The Jax-Baldwin rail trail is a nice 14.5 mile ride each way too but it's a 30-40 minute drive away from our home. Also, we do a good bit of beach cruising from Atlantic Beach south to Ponte Vedra.

As far as computers go, my LBS ended up throwing in a Specialized SpeedZone Sport Wireless computer. It's just got the basic functionality, but I've been happy with it so far.

munkeyfish 

Anyone use the Topeak MTX stuff on their Crosstrail? Mainly interested in the Quicktrack Bike rack system. Thinking of added it to use to fetch groceries and whatnot.

ColonelSanders

I am sure it will be pretty decent and suitable for the task you have mentioned.

One area that Topeak has a big advantage is in their 22litre trunk bag with built in panniers.

I haven't been able to find a quick release system that matches that.

Of course if you are someone who doesn't want a trunk bag(that big) or would ever use the built in panniers, then I believe the RackTime rack and quick release rear basket, is definitely superior.

The Topeak rack has those ugly as sin arms, that connect the rack to the seat stays, some people get the Bontrager arms to replace them and are much better for it.

Anyway, here is a link to the RackTime stuff.

RackTime Rear Rack - 30Kg carrying capacity
RackTime Rear Basket - Bigger than the Topeak rear basket
RackTime Trunk Bag - If you want one.

FLJeepGuy

I've got a Topeak Explorer rack and use the prior version of the MTX TrunkBag DX. I've been really happy with them and haven't had a single issue.

munkeyfish 

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Awesome, thanks!

FLJeepGuy

Just be sure you get the correct version for disc brakes. The non-disc version of the rack isn't wide enough at the bottom.

munkeyfish 

Yes sir, thanks for the heads up.

Did you by chance put fenders on yours as well? If so, which ones? Or do you know if you can put fenders and the rack on at the same time?

travbikeman

Looks like others have done this. Take a look at post 427 of the following:

https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bic...-today-15.html

munkeyfish 

Thanks for that! That looks awesome!

munkeyfish 

Thinking of adding an adjustable stem, any suggestions? Not sure what size I wound need to get....

travbikeman

It's a 31.8 clamp. The length and degrees you want is your choice.

I replaced my original stem with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-Comp-...ems&th=1&psc=1

oaxaca

Anybody have advice on converting to drop bars and/or rigid fork? I have a 2008 crosstrail with v-brakes and already have drop bars and levers/shifters i can use so i'm ok on that front but wondering if anybody has gone that route and how they feel about it. More importantly though i'm wondering if anybody has converted to rigid fork. I'm having trouble finding anything with the right dimensions and don't know where to look really. I'd spend around 100 dollars if i could find something with the right measurements and could accommodate front racks and a fender. I'd like to spend less if there are any other options. It seems like the options are really limited though without dropping down to a 400 ATC from 470...

The only potential I've found yet is here:
Surly Ogre Fork 29" with Rack Mounts in Tree Fort Bikes Mountain Forks

Any advice appreciated

FYI bike is mainly used as commuter but want it set up to be more cargo/touring friendly

travbikeman

I know there has been many people whom have asked this question in the past. I've found this thread, it might help you. I remember seeing also on youtube, some guy did switch over his Crosstrail to a rigid fork. Think it was an older silver bike.

https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bic...ork-rigid.html

oaxaca

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I found that and some similar older threads for other hybrids but seems like every thread i found ended up unresolved or the suggested forks were no longer in production. I think the surly ogre should work though if the hub spacing is the same... I would prefer a more affordable option but 110 isnt bad really.