DonMcCleary

I havenarrowed my bike selection to Trek DS 4 or Specialized Crosstrail Elite basedon component levels that I was interested in. They were out of stock so I won’tbe able to ride them until next week. Looking for any advice as far as choosingone over the other. Is Shimano M445 disc brakes any better than the Tektro FlowSet Control? Is the Specialized Fitness Brain suspension better than the Trek SRSuntour NRX ATB rated? Thanks for your assistance.

Scooty Puff Jr

Both are nicely equipped bikes, I really don't see much difference between the two, they both come with awesome SLX rear derailleurs. They both come with good brakes, I don't think either brake set up is better than the other. The forks are also pretty much the same, but I like the remote lockout feature on the Trek, much nicer than having to lean over at flipping the lockout switch at the fork tube. I also like that the Trek comes with SLX shifters, I always prefer that my drive train components match. I'd say ride both, and if they ride the same, then go with the lighter one, and if they both weigh the same, then go with the cheapest one.

travbikeman

Well, there are a few other differences as well. The Crosstrail's front wheel is the newer thru axel where as the DS4 is the older quick release. Not sure if it really means that much for many of us with our style of riding though.

My personal opinion about gearing for both bikes, I would rather a 44/32 crankset, but a 11-36 cassette combo. Seems both bikes are attempting to be hill climbers?

Regarding front suspension, when I inquired about the Brain Suspension, I found that it is something Specialized has used for a few years with the mountain bikes. At first there was some problems with it working well enough, but after a year or two I've heard good things on it. I did hear back from one recent Crosstrail owner whom said the Brain system works very well. Specialized did basically tell me it's the same suspension of prior years, but with the new Brain tech. So chances are the Crosstrail Expert is using the NRX like they did last year, but added the new tech. But it's new tech on a hybrid.....take that for what it maybe.....

The only real possible issue I see with the Trek's suspension, other than many people disliking Suntour suspension in general, is the switch on the handlebar. It's nice...I really agree with that, but I've heard it could break easily. It's something on a number of bikes and I have heard instances of them breaking when flipping the bike upside down to fix flats on a trail.

Regarding the brakes, they are both of equal quality, like others have stated. Any better brakes than these maybe overkill for these hybrid bikes, but a nice cool overkill. I personally like the Tektro's better for one reason. The Tektro's have a screw that hold the brake pads in which makes it easier to change the pads or clean the pads. Where as the Shimano has the pin which can be awkward trying to bend straight and back when changing pads. But that's a minor thing to like I suppose.

On a coolness or good looking bike factor, the Trek wins. The angles of the frame are just cool looking.

The shifter on the Crosstrails are now Microshift. I'm not sure how nice they are on the Crosstrail, but have read good things. I have tried the Microshift on a Sirrus recently and frankly they were impressive. But these were a bit different Microshifts on the Sirrus than the Crosstrail.

Hope this helps on your decision. Both bikes are great bikes and ultimately you will need to figure out what you like better. Happy Shopping!

skids929

The new Crosstrail Elite is Carbon, that alone (to me) is the reason to get the Crosstrail.

I rode both and the Trek wasn't quite as smooth as the CT. I'd go for the Carbon bike personally.

badger1

There are two 2017 Crosstrail Elites: aluminum and carbon-framed. I suspect the OP is thinking of the former.

Trek DS4 or Crosstrail Elite (aluminum)? Components are a wash. Frames are likely equivalent in quality/weight; aesthetics are a matter of personal preference. Personally, I think the current Trek DS frame, with that kinked downtube, is hideous -- but that means nothing to anyone except me.

Two things differentiate these bikes substantively: geometry and fork. The geometries are different; again, the only way to choose between the two is personal test riding/figuring out fit. The forks are a different matter. I have ridden the Crosstrail Elite with the Specialized-modified Brain fork.

It works, and effectively negates the need for a lockout. The concept is simple in concept, though difficult in execution as travbikeman noted. The fork's hydraulic damper has an inertial valve built into it. The suspension is inactive (in effect, locked out) until the fork hits a bump. When it does, the inertial valve opens and the fork responds. There is no noticeable lag. Bump past, the valve closes.

To my mind this is an excellent application of this technology -- that is, to this kind of cross-terrain bike. My only criticism: the two carbon-framed models should have the air-spring version of this fork (Suntour NRX).

travbikeman

Theres 2 elites, one carbon and one a2 alum.

Really interested in hearing about your test ride on the carbon one! Was it light? How smooth riding was it? Did it really help with comfort?

skids929

I definitely felt a difference in the two for sure, Carbon is definitely smoother. I wouldn't say it was light necessarily but it was lighter than the AL one. Personally I'd spring for it, it felt worth the upgrade.


My biggrest issue with the Crosstrails was the colors are simply awful, especially on the Elite Carbon. Maroon? Not for me..This is of course a personal thing.

I opted for a Sirrus Expert in the end, but the CT is a nice bike that can do it all.

Esthetic

I wish the 2017 Crosstrail Disc color option carried into the higher end models. So sexy.

DonMcCleary

Thanks for your feedback. I was interested in the Crosstrail Elite aluminum not the carbon. I see the Crosstrail listed at 1099 and 1149 but I can get either Trek or the Specialized for 999. I tried to post the links but it says I need 10 posts to do that.

Scooty Puff Jr

Try not to "over think it",go and ride both, go through the gears, take on some hills, put enough time in to see if the seat and reach is comfortable. They're both nice bikes, and unless you're taking on some serious off road trails, the suspension on both are more than enough to handle any hard pack trails, curbs, sidewalks, etc.