Mattyb13

New to these forums.
Hoping some members of these forums can lead me in the right direction.

I live in CO (Denver Suburbs.) I am looking for a Rugged fast fun Commuter and a hybrid seems to be about right for me (maybe?) Last year I rode the Trek 9th District. Loved it but it was a little stiff and non-diverse for my riding style and area. My commute consists of a 5-6 mile ride over bike paths/roads, and maybe a dirt path if I chose. I then take a train into the city and commute to my office. The District was fast and light but lacked any gearing and was VERY stiff even on the seams on the bike path. I want something that is a little bit more rugged and versatile yet still fast and fun. I have shopped about every brand and model of Hybrid. The Specialized Cross Trail seems to be what I am looking for, I think. I am fairly set on the Comp-Disc or the Pro-Disc. Does anyone have any advice or feedback on this bike? Also, I am stuck on sizing. I am 5'9" and weigh 175. Would I be a medium or a large frame?! Thanks for any feedback or help!

Mattyb13

Anyone have any feedback on this bike? Is the Pro worth the upgrade from the Comp? Thanks!

dynaryder

First,it would be helpful to supply links so folks don't have to Google. For sizing,you really want to at least sit on one at the shop. It's hard to fit people over the Internet unless you know how bikes fit you. What size is your other bike? How well does it fit?

As for the various models;IMHO,I'd recommend going down to the Elite. The Pro and Comp have 'nicer' bits,but you're really not going to notice much of a difference unless you're in a competition. And quite frankly,I wouldn't compete on either as they're not real 29ers;unless things have changed since my old '06 Crosstrail,these don't have the clearance for 2"+ 29er knobbies. They're also both 10spd;10spd chains and drivetrains wear out quicker than 9spd(Elite's) and are more expensive to replace. The Elite has the same frame,a fork with lockout,and Shimano hydro discs,so for commuter/casual duty it'll do everything the other two will do,for much less.

Mattyb13

You are totally right, I should make it easier for people to help me. SO, here are the 2 bikes I am considering.
#1:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...sstrailprodisc
#2
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...strailcompdisc

The one thing I am curious about is the Pro Disc says it features this:
Specialized Elite-Set, 3D forged alloy, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt 31.8mm clamp
What does that mean? Is it an adjustable stem that allows for a more or less upright riding position? I like that idea but just dont know what that means.

Last year I rode a 54cm Trek District. Fit me well. Not sure how that relates to bike sizing (S, M, L, XL) I think I am a med/lar. I am going to try the bikes on for size this weekend. I have heard these bikes are pretty "small" so maybe I would be a large. Not sure.

Thanks for any feedback on all of this.

dynaryder

Apparently the stem is adjustable by swapping shims. Check with the dealer to see if it comes with multiple shims or if you have to buy them.

Check Trek's site for the geometry charts for the District,then compare them to Spec's Crosstrail geo charts. Compare numbers(effective toptube and standover are the two most important) and you'll get a good idea of what size you need.

Mattyb13

That was a great idea to compare the sizes on the website. It looks like Specialized and Trek dont size their bikes exactly the same. The 54cm Trek seems to be right between the Med. and the Lar. Cross Trail. I am going to go test ride the Cross Trail and see. I am liking the Pro Disc more and more but the Comp is $800.00 cheaper. Thats a pretty big jump for components on a hybrid. I do like the idea of the remote lock out feature on the Pro as well as the adjustable stem. I am really looking for the fastest and most aggressive of the 2 bikes. Looking forward to test riding them.

Wanderer

The comp also has a lock out fork. If it's not remote, it is still very easily accessed.

Bunnicula

$800 IS a big price jump. Before you plunk down that much for a hybrid research your alternatives, and try them all. While I'm a big fan of Specialized (my road bike is a Specialized), I don't see that you need the 50mm-travel SR Suntour fork (or the disc brakes) if you want a faster lighter bike. They add weight. You can ride dirt paths just fine on most hybrids without these options. I'd prefer a carbon fork, which is lighter and vibration dampening. Just my $.02.

Ride 'em, and see what you like the best. I couldn't get comfortable on the Trek frames when I was hybrid shopping, but Specialized and Cannondale's geometry suited me much better. In the end go with the bike that makes you happiest to ride it.

badger1

If by "of the 2 bikes" you mean the Crosstrail Comp/Pro, then as between them neither is going to be "faster" or the "most aggressive". They are the same: same fork, same frame, same geometry/riding position, same wheelset/tires. You are paying for some component up-spec on the Pro, that's all. Are the components in question better/nicer? Absolutely. Will they make you "faster"? No. The Pro does have Spec's shim-adjustable stem, but you could do a switch-out to that on purchase of the Comp. I suspect even the remote lock-out could be added later cheaply -- it's just a remote version of the l/o lever on the fork leg.
That said, if you like the bike(s), and the geometry suits, buy the best you can easily afford -- I would. But then I'm nuts!; I'd probably go for this, if I wanted a Crosstrail and could afford it (I can't):

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bik...ddisc#features

Available up here (in Canada), but not in the U.S.

dynaryder

You mean the reddest fire engine? If you weigh both,plus the Elite,you'll prolly see like a 2lbs difference between the 3. They've all got the same frame,suspension forks with lockouts and wide tires,so it's not like there's one model that's going to be significantly faster than the other two.

I'd save the money and get the Elite. The others are overpriced bling IMHO. Actually,I'd rather have my old '06 than any of these(that's one of the 3 bikes I never should have sold).

Wanderer

Want to make it faster? Adda set of Schwalbe Marathon Supremes, 35 front, 40 rear, run em at 92, 93 psi,, ride is still comfy, handling is improved, and its eadier to go faster, even with a load.

badger1

Whether or not the Crosstrail Comp/up models are "overpriced bling" is, as you note, a matter of opinion.
However, it is not true that the Elite/Comp/Pro share the same frame and forks. The Elite frame uses a heavier alum. material ("A1" vs. "M4"), and has a fork w/mechanical lockout -- i.e. one that doesn't have hydraulic damping/lock out.
Those differences may not matter to any given purchaser; they certainly would to me were I considering these bikes.

dynaryder

Perhaps I wasn't clear. How's this:

They've all got the same frame,they've all got suspension forks with lockouts,and they've all got wide tires,so it's not like there's one model that's going to be significantly faster than the other two.

Different frame material,but the same frame design(same geo charts). So it's not like one model is rigid and the others suspended. Yes,the higher models will be lighter,and the shifting will be slicker,the brakes may feel a little better,and they may handle the rough stuff a little better,but they're all going to handle pretty much the same on the street. There's not going to be a night-and-day difference. The OP was looking for the "fastest and most aggressive" of the models. The fastest would really depend on who was riding it,not the equipment.

Mattyb13

I appreciate all of the feedback. Being new to the cycling/commuting world I am probably not asking the proper questions or the questions that I should be asking. I guess what I was really curious about was if the Pro was legitimately worth $800.00 more than the Comp. I went and test rode the Comp. Liked it. I am aware that the Pro is 100% the same geometry/frame/tires. I am curious about a couple of things. The Forks and the Stem. The Forks seem are an upgrade and the stem has a "4 position adjustable" model on it. Plus I think the Pro is going to be lighter. $800 lighter... who knows. I like this bike. I will probably get one of them. Just need to figure out which one I want. I thought some members of these forums might have some experience owning/riding these 2 models.

dynaryder

Pretty much the difference between the two is a remote lockout,adjustable stem,and a step better groupo. Hard to tell if the brakes are any better or not,you'd have to ask over in the MTB forum. As far as lighter,I can't see there being even a 1 pound difference between the two. The frames are the same,the forks are the same(except for the lockout,BTW the remote lever and cable will add a touch of weight),the wheels are the same,the tires are the same. That just leaves the groupos,which aren't that far apart from each other in weight. I doubt you'd notice the dif in picking either bike up;you'd have to actually weigh them to see anything. And with only a step of so in difference between the groups,I doubt you'll notice anything in the shifting or reliability. So it basically comes down to the remote lockout and adjustable stem. Swapping stems isn't a big deal;many shops will do it for you as part of their fitting the bike to you. So you have to decide,is an adjustable stem,remote lockout,and touch nicer bits worth $800?

Mattyb13

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Pretty sure I am going to pick up one of these things. Just need to determine the model. Crazy the additional models of CrossTrail that are avail in Canada. Given Budgets I will probably get the Comp. Just wish it was black. HAHA! I did test ride the Comp and it was fun. Felt nimble, comfortable and aggressive. Liked it! Excited to get one.

hdrk1111

I am 6ft and my Crosstrails is a large . The sticker on it says 5 ' 9" to 6 ' . I suspect you maybe between a med and large . Ride them both see what fits. I love mine and am currently ridding about 60-70 miles per week . Good luck and good choice you wont regret it.

Mattyb13

HDRK1111 Thats actually great info and thank you. I have been torn between med. or Lar. I am 99% going to get the medium. I am so excited to get this bike! Really really excited. Which model of Cross Trail do you ride? Thanks again!

Mattyb13

Man I would really like to get one of these bikes.