New to Cycling and new to the forum.
After sifting through all the choices out there I have decided on a Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disk.
I'm going with a blue/black 2012 because I really don't like the color choices on the 2013's

I will mainly be riding in pavement but like the idea of being able to ride on light trails.

I'm sure I'll have lots of questions coming up.

Thought I'd say hi...

Welcome. If money is not a problem I would get the 2013 model, it looks a much updated and improved bike to me.

Thanks for the reply..
my understanding is the Sport Disk was already a very ccapable bike in 2012.
What am I missing by not getting a 13?

I'm not totally up to date with crosstrails. Is this what your looking at, it looks like an all new frame and lighter with updated components. https://bicyclesportshop.wordpress.co...ed-crosstrail/

That review was on the Comp version Crosstrail.
I am looking at the Sport Disk version. Having a hard time finding out differences between the 2012 Sport Disk and the 2013 Sport Disk.

Turns out there is a lot of differences between the 12's and 13's
Talked to the guys at my LBS and they convinced me to drop the idea of a 12 and concentrate on a 13. They said for the small price increase it was definitely worth the money to get a 13 model.
The new version is a big upgrade to the bike in a lot of areas. Better tires, better frame, better and smoother shifting, lock in grips and so on..

After all was said and done, I wound up ordering a 2013 Crosstrail Elite in black with neon blue.

I should have it next weekend.

Should be pretty nice - I was going back and forth between the crosstrail and the Trek DS 8.4. I thought they both felt good, but I ended up with the Trek for various reasons.

Get it fit and dialed in, and then you'll get to waste (I mean, spend) even more money buying toys and stuff for it. I've had a blast getting a new bike!

Yes, I realize the bike is just the beginning of the cash outflow.
Been there done that with other hobbies/obsessions.
This will be no different.