Specialized daily 2 bicycle3/28/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() 'Surefooted' sums up the Specialized CrossTrail Sport's talents, but at this price the spec is a bit underwhelming Add in the small matter of component snobbery (or even just recognition), and I'm not sure buyers should be impressed. And the Tektro hydraulic discs are plainly inferior to Shimano or SRAM offerings. The MicroSHIFT front mech doesn't let the side down too much in performance terms, but it's not like Specialized has discovered an overlooked gem. While the most important basic ingredients – the frame and fork's ride qualities – are as impressive as anything on the market at this price, the overall spec isn't good enough. But this is the second Specialized hybrid I've tested in the last six months and both warrant exactly the same criticism. ![]() The first bike I ever lusted after as a schoolboy was a white Specialized Rockhopper, and over the years I've been only too pleased to praise Specialized's road models, especially the Roubaix. That's £125 less than the Specialized CrossTrail Sport. This features two Shimano Alivio/Acera derailleurs, a Shimano Acera triple chainset, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, and an SR Suntour NEX fork with lockout (but without Fitness Brain technology), yet costs £625. Okay, some of those are different kinds of bike brands compared to world renowned Specialized, but if you'd like a particularly close comparison between similar models from very similar global bike makers, there's the Trek Dual Sport 3. > Buyer's Guide: Why your next bike should be a hybrid Look at similarly priced bikes from GT, Cannondale, Pinnacle, Cube (the list goes on.) and you'll see they all come with superior Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and at least some superior Shimano Deore drivetrain components (or even – in the case of the £749 Cube Nature SL – two XT derailleurs). ValueĪctually, it's not just the Saracen that has a notably better spec. The CrossTrail is to my eyes a nicer looking bike and I'd rate its ride quality as better suited to road and commuting duties, while the Saracen is a little more fun, especially off-road, and has a notably better spec. In fact, the CrossTrail Sport's all-round ability reminded me of the Saracen Urban Cross 3. This does away with a lockout and instead uses an inertia valve to keep the fork rigid when the going is smooth, and reactive when you negotiate less welcoming surfaces. Sleeping policemen are left to snooze peacefully as the CrossTrail glides over them, thanks in no small part to the 55mm SR Suntour NEX fork with Specialized's proprietary 'Fitness Brain' technology. Surefootedness is the order of the day, with direction changes inspiring confidence and road bumps and lumps dealt with impressively. ![]() The initial sensation that strikes you is how incredibly stable and assured it feels. So, to say the Specialized CrossTrail Sport felt very familiar from the off gives you some clue about have safe and secure this bike is. It doesn't normally take long to work out the characteristics of a new bike, and the more benign the machine, the less time it takes to come to a conclusion. Cons: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are sub par, overall poor value for money.Pros: Super-stable, dependable and comfortable ride, 'Fitness Brain' suspension fork works well, Trigger Sport Reflex tyres roll very well.But if you are even just slightly interested in comparing bike specs and overall packages, you might come to feel hard done by. It's safe, reliable, well balanced and can be rather satisfying to ride. If ridden in isolation with no regard for the wider bike market, the 2019 Specialized CrossTrail Sport is a fine bike that does everything it sets out to do very dependably. ![]()
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