Specialized CrossTrail

Price Paid:  $580.00 at Formby Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
All!

Bike Setup:
Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB

Summary:
The version I have is the Comp. Not sure why but it won't let me enter 2009 version. I looked at a few bikes before buying this and was perusing a Sirrus until they wheeled this in to have a test ride. It looks stunning to the point where scallies have complimented me on it! I've had it a year and have done almost exactly 2,000 miles on it, most of which were commuter miles but I've often taken it on forest and sustrans trails and it even handled the rocky downhill part of the Trans Pennine Trail into Longdendale. I've changed nothing apart from putting Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB tyres on it when the original XC Boroughs got a bit thin and kept puncturing after 9 months. I've not even had to re-tune the gears yet. I would say the mechanical disc brakes aren't as strong as they could be and a click has started to emerge from one of the pedals but lets face it, it's not hugely expensive and mine's done alot of miles with the only maintenance being on the brakes. This is a very quick bike and I'm very rarely overtaken and only then by slinky racers when I'm not paying attention! A fantastic bike and well worth the money.

Strengths:
Fast, strong, nimble, beautifully coloured and shaped.

Weaknesses:
Brakes.

Similar Products Used:
Dawes Hybrid

Price Paid:  $859.00 at Eddy's

Favorite Ride:
Hard pack trails

Bike Setup:
Ergon 1 ergonomic grips

Summary:
09" Crosstrail Comp bike by Specialized....I highly recommend this bike for someone looking for a great handling and surpisingly fast bike for recreation or slightly rough paths etc...tested many models that are more upright, but found this bike to be complete in all aspects of comfort, handling, and the option to take it off the hard pack paths if needed. But not for serious mountain biking. Disc brakes, front shock suspension, and quick shifting are big pluses for this bike. Only thing not stock, is that I put on Ergon 1 grips, which are highly recommended for any hybrid, commuter, or cross bike. I have a road and mountain bike, which I did take very serious, but the older I get near 50. This bike has become my favorite.

Strengths:
Control ability, disc brakes, fast, quick shifting, front suspension

Weaknesses:
No quick release for seat post,

Similar Products Used:
Trek FCR 2: great bike, but doesn't offer the handling or the versatility of the Crosstrail Comp

Price Paid:  $440.00 at b connection

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
lakefront

Bike Setup:
stock setup, check it out on the specialized website.

Summary:
I have had the bike for about a month now, so I have had a chance to break it in. Everything on it right now is stock, no mods as of yet. This bike is really what I have been looking for. I like to ride for commute and for early morning exercise. The 700 wheels give a nice, surprisingly fast ride, while the somewhat wide tires and front shocks help with traction on the rough New Orleans roads. The roads would be murder on a more delicate road bike. The mtb style frame is good and stiff, though it is a little heavy if you are looking for a lighter bike. The stock seat is great, I love specialized seats, they are comfortable and do not sacrifice function. I would not bring it off road too much with the stock tires as they are slick in the center which may cause you to lose traction. Also, the shimano rapid fire shifters are great. Overall, this is a great bike for my needs because it is good for both fitness and commuting. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a versatile, quality bike at a very reasonable price.

Strengths:
Versatility, speed, comfort, quality.

Weaknesses:
A little heavy and the seat is not quick release.