trainchaser

After perusing the new lineup of 2017 Crosstrails you notice a lot of changes. There's very little that hasn't been completely changed on the Crosstrails from 2016 to 2017. Now, in order to get anything close to what we used to have available with the Comp, Expert and Pro, you have no option but to go with a carbon frame. The E5 aluminum frame is gone, in fact the frame design itself is all new when you compare it to last year, and all the models below the carbon frames are A1 alloy. There is a dearth of Shimano components, other than the top carbon model most of the Shimano parts have been replaced by equipment from other makers, many I have never heard of prior to now, Sunrace, Microshift, and Flow Set Control. The brakes are almost all Tektro with Shimano reserved for the top of the line. A new seat is featured on everything, Canopy Comp, it's not even shown in the new catalogue listings. They've changed how the suspension fork works, there is no lockout anymore on any of the bikes...
I wonder if Shimano raised all their prices and Specialized went shopping for more affordable components - or, the Merida factory made the decision, seeing as that is where all of our Specialized bikes are made unless you buy an S-works bike made in California...
...hmmmm...
Even happier now with my 2015 Crosstrail Comp!!