Help choosing a specialized crosstrail

[Matt-g]

I've realised that I've the equivalent of £200 worth of tesco vouchers I can redeem at evans Cycles.
This means that my quest for a bike can continue beyond my original idea of a Carrera Subway.(which looks like a fine bike for the money(I've already got 2 other Carreras)

The hybrid I'm fancying in Evans has 3 trim levels within my comfort zone

1. Rim braked version at £400
2. cable disc operated brake version at £450
3. Hydraulic disc operated brake version at £550
(I understand there are other upgrades included within these brackets, which I'm factoring in...but the brakes are my primary matter of interest)

I'm not convinced of the merits of disc brakes (considering the additional costs-plus I have no prior experience of them) due to the potential for complications with maintenance and repairs.....can anyone else convince me otherwise.

I'm inclined to go for the base model and save the difference(I can afford it but not necessarily,justify it to myself) unless anyone can persuade me it's a good idea?
I'd also like to know how anyone else with this make and model has got on!

Thanks in advance

 

[vickster]

Are you going to ride solely on rough stuff but also on roads (I realise some of these are rough too). You have a roadbike in your avatar so is this bike pretty much only for off roads?

If so, a lockout fork is IMO essential if you don't want to bounce along slowly on road using loads of energy

On that basis you'll want the expensive one. I have hydraulic brakes on my flat bar, never had any issues nor needed any maintenance. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/crosstrail-sport-disc-2014-hybrid-bike-ec052367

Why are the brakes the primary interest? Gearing, weight of the bike, quality of the components are also importance

If you use the search function you'll find various posts discussing the Crosstrail

I had one a few years ago, barely rode it, sold it pretty quickly as I wanted a bike suitable for roads. It was comfortable on rough roads but slow and hard work compared to a rigid fork hybrid. I bought it as a bike to get confidence back after an accident, soon moved on

 

[Matt-g]

Thanks for this.

My reasons for wanting to look at a hybrid are that I only tend to use Tarmac as a means to an end to get me onto cycle tracks, towpaths etc. my road bike, unsurprisingly, struggles due to its skinny tyres in this environment.
Because the crosstrail has fatter tyres I was hoping that would help out.

I also have an old shoulder injury on one arm and a recent minor op on the other . I was hoping that the suspension would appreciate some of the discomfort on both of these. Ditto with the flat bar, as drops push the weight onto the areas in question.

 

[Matt-g]

Out of interest, what flat bar bike do you own?

 

[vickster]

Whyte Cambridge. Fab bike

 

[vickster]

I think even on trails and towpaths, assuming you are able to go more than 10 mph, you'd be better with a lock out. The fat tyres will give you the comfort too

Whyte also make hybrids like the crosstrail, but Evans don't sell them. I am not much of a specialized bike fan so I'd be looking at every other brand

 

[damocool]

Hi

I bought the Crosstrail Sports Disc (£550) and I love it. It looks awesome and worth the expense.

I'm not as experienced as most on here being new myself but I've had some great rides and amazed at the speeds I've picked up and off course the brakes to slow back down again!!

The components are generally low range, the frame being off better quality makes up for it.

For me it's the first time on disc brakes, at first a little nervous but over it now and happy with the feel and performance of them.

I think the sport disc has more gears which have all been used and for me I prefer to have a choice.

Good luck with your decision.