Specialized 2001 Crossroads A1 Sport

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Pacific Bicycle

Favorite Ride:
around the city

Bike Setup:
stock except for upgraded brake pads.

Summary:
For the price this isn't a bad bike, with one notable exception: the "springy" handlebars (intended to absorb bumps) have a particularly nasty habit of having the retaining bolt loosening, which allows the handlebars to unexpectedly pull up by several inches. The first time this happened to me was climbing a steep hill, and it nearly sent me flying backwards. I've since, of course, learned to be extremely diligent about keeping that bolt cranked down tight...only "solution" I've gotten from the bike shop was using Locktite to hold it in place. (I'm told that the newer models stopped using this type of handlebars).

Besides the handlebar issue, the bike is decent enough for commuting and errands, but the components won't stand up to heavier use...I've had numerous problems with the shifters and brakes in the two years I've had this. Someone using this bike on flatter terrain than what is found in San Francisco would probably find it more suitable than I have.

Strengths:
decent frame and overall build quality for this price range.

Weaknesses:
"suicide" handlebars (supposedly not used in newer models), and the brakes are on the weak side (though I was able to get better results with larger-foorprint pads). Without the handlebar problem I would rate this bike much higher.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper A1FS (with more "road" type tires installed), and whatever the first Schwinn "mountain bike" was called in the mid-1980's.

Price Paid:  $370.00 at OldeTowne bicycles,

Favorite Ride:
Caroline county, Virginia

Bike Setup:
Fenders, Computer, Rack over rear tire, Kick Stand, 2 water bottle cages

Summary:
I bought 2K Crossroads A1 Sport 20" frame spotted at LBS. The bike had just been discounted as the 2002 models were coming out. I was returning to cycling after 3 decades of an active career, needing a dependable bike on which I could get some solid miles for exercise and therapy for surgery to achilles tendon.

I wasn't sure of the european metric sizing of bikes, and knew my former 19" schwinn was too small, my seat post extending about 10" above the frame. I am 5'9", 31"inseam. I know have the seat at the highest allowed position. I have size 13 [long feet] so need the extra height to accomodate my ankle rotation at the bottom of the spin.

The new Crossroads come in S, M, L and XL sizes. I don't know how that equates to either inches or centimeters.

I had fenders, chrome in color added. The bike has a great look with the faded blue, chrome rims, handlebars and fenders with black tires and seat. I figure to young bike riders, my bike looks like a Buick [an old man's car]
The tires are 700x38 Nimbus. I should never worry of having a flat out on a long ride. I hit a lot of barely paved country roads for their lack of traffic. Other bikes would be bone/teeth-jarring on these rough roads, and I can take them with stride.
I take the bike out for 20-30 mile trips with no hesitation.

I have a 30 year old Cannondale bike trailer. I look forward to getting it out of the store room and taking it for a haul.

Strengths:
Dependable Tires, Rock solid feel, Handlebar grip shifting, solid feel, cushioned shock support at both seat and handlebars.

Weaknesses:
Not a road race bike, heavier, and upright riding position

Similar Products Used:
1970s Schwinn Suburban 5 speed with upright handlebars [The bike that got me through college]

Price Paid:  $385.00 at Orange Cycle

Bike Setup:
I use this for recreational street/road/trail riding.

Summary:
I looked at a few other bikes (Motobecane, Schwinn, Cannondale). Orange Cycle had a sale so I thought I would check them out. I also emailed the manager with a couple questions prior to my purchase. The manager's answers were extremely helpful and he got right back to me. Other bike shops in town (Orlando) sold this "service for life" package which added over $120 to the cost of the bike. Many of the bikes, when comparing price, had lesser overall quality.

I decided on the Specialized Crossroads A1 Sport because of its excellent ride. As soon as my wife rode it, she said it was hers! The only complaint I had was the saddle not being too comfortable. I don't have too much meat on my butt so I bought a Specialized Men's Comfort Plus saddle. What a difference I noticed immediately!! This is an extremely comfortable hybrid. Very easy to ride and shift. And the blue fade color I got looks really cool too!

I use the bicycle to primarily ride on the trails (we have a few really nice ones in Orlando) and around my neighborhood in East Orlando. I can go out and ride 10-20 miles at any given time where I live. I was so tired of the hunched over, knobby tire ride of the mountain bike that I had. Felt like I was riding in a 4X4 Jeep with my old Schwinn each time I ride. I would definitely recommend the Specialized Crossroads A1 Sport to anyone who wants to make the switch from a mountain bike to a hybrid.

P.S. Spend the extra $$ and get the A1 Sport over the regular Crossroads, due to the better components, and the handlebars have this cool flex feature which even though you hardly notice it, makes for a more comfortable ride. I definitely recommend the Comfort Plus saddle if you prefer a more comfortable ride.

Strengths:
Components, excellent ride (feels like I'm riding in a Cadillac), great looks, easy to shift, etc., etc.

Weaknesses:
Saddle

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Frontier

Price Paid:  $450.00 at www.evanscycles.com

Favorite Ride:
Reigate Priory

Bike Setup:
Factory standard

Summary:
Would recomend to anyone wanting hassle free, non technical bike riding with a reasonable amount of style and credibility

Strengths:
Extreamly comfortable, perfect for gentle exercise. Nice retro styling. Great first bike after being out of the sadle for 6 years.

Weaknesses:
not as resposive as I would of like, riding position lowers center of gravity.

Similar Products Used:
None