psychink

Please help me decide b/w the following. I was first going for the cheaper $579 Crosstrail disk, but the LBS person suggested looking at the ones with the suspension lock out. I'm trying to keep my budget reasonable. I'll be more of a Sunday rider with my son who I bought the Specialized Hotrock 24 21-speed bike
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...04&scname=Kids

I'm trying to find the best bang for buck b/w the following 3... the LBS rep suggested looking at hydraulic disks too but I think staying with regular disk brakes may be plenty for me. I'm trying to figure out at this price point, is there a major difference b/w cannondale vs specialized specs/quality and what I'll be getting for my $

Cannondale Quick CX3 $799
https://www.cannondale.com/2012-quick-cx-3-21063

Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disk $749
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use

Specialized Crosstrail Disk $579
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use

Thanks in advance

ColinL

are these sunday rides going to be on street, bike paths, dirt roads, or singletrack mtb trails?

psychink

mostly bike paths and some dirt roads/street...

no1mad 

By bike paths, do you mean singletrack or an improved/paved surface? You don't need suspension for anything that isn't too technical- wide tires will give you plenty of cushion. Disc brakes are probably overkill as well...

ColinL

Agree.. The bike will be lighter and faster if you skip the suspension.

naehring

You might want to look at the Giant Roam series and the Trek DS series as well. The Roam 1 has disc breaks and a suspension lockout feature and is only about $620 (I actually got mine for less than $600). The Trek 8.3 DS has similar features to the Roam 1 and lists at $640. I think componentry is similar among the Crosstrail, Roam, and DS, so it may come down which fits you better and which LBS is better to work with. I chose the Roam, but would likely have been happy with the Crosstrail or 8.3 DS. I've been very pleased. I never got to look at the Cannondale Quick CX, but it looks nice too, just seems a bit pricier for the features to me.

I know many will tell you to skip the suspension. I don't disagree that it makes the bike a bit heavier, but I for one love the suspension on my bike. I take it off road a fair amount though and have really liked the versatility of it.

ColinL

I offroad my hybrid a ton and wouldn't want to give up my front suspension. But that's why I asked the OP where he intended to ride. I think he could possibly do without... it's something to consider and test-ride to see what he thinks.

load97

Having lockouts is pretty nice to have on a bike. Now that the wife and I have been using bikes with lockouts I don't think I would go back. It seems to keep the bikes versatile enough for us.

bjjoondo 

Just to add another option: Jamis Allegro X Comp

mi77915

psy*****,

I am in the same boat as you. The environment that you describe is very similar to mine. I have been doing a lot of research (reading and visiting my local bike shops). I have taken all the bikes on your list for a ride and will ride the Trek 8.3 DS as soon as they can find me one. I have also taken the Giant Roam 1 out for a spin. However, the Giant seems to be a bit on the heavy side for me. Once I have tried the Trek, I will make my decision. Keep in mind that everyone will have a slightly different "feel" for each bike. The best advise anyone can give on this issue it to take each bike out for a ride and decide which one "feels" the best for you. As far as the components are concerned, get the best set for the bike that "feels" the best. It makes no sense to buy an expensive bike with the best components if the bike doesn't "feel" right for you.

Tom

Bunnicula

I agree with Tom. I also don't see a real need for disc brakes, just adds weight and cost. But that's jmho. I'm going lighter, lighter, lighter with my bikes. Next purchase is a carbon roadbike.

I am a fan of both Cannondale and Specialized, though. Have you tried a Cannondale Quick 4? It's pretty versatile.

Bike Gremlin

This is how I would choose a bike for me. If it helps you, great, if not, also great, your money.

Frame should be of good quality and right fit for your size, everything else can more easily be changed.

Good bearings, wheels are also important. Rear spokes should be strong and durable.

Hydraulic brakes of decent quality are a good thing. If they are some budget, I'd rather go V-brake. Good quality V-brake.

Suspension: good quality with lockout, or none at all. Also avoid budget.

Derailleurs: Acera up to Deore. Cheaper is too poor, more expensive is an overkill (IMO).

Gears: 8 or less sprockets at the rear. Makes possible to fit thicker chain and better in dirty conditions. Cassette if possible.



Of those bikes you suggested, I'd go for Cannondale, even though it doesn't have hydraulc brakes. Or find a similar model with decent hydraulic brakes (or, if you don't do fast downhills with lots of braking, go for a cheaper V-brake model).

mi77915

I just picked up a 2012 CX3 yesterday!!! The owner of my local bike shop told me that this was the first shipment of the 2012 model of the CX series that he was able to get. It's a great bike!!