Specialized CrossTrail - Hydraulic Disc (2018)

A solid all-round city bike with potential for more

Pros

- sturdy, reliable kit
- mounts for everything
- surprisingly light

Cons

- stiff frame, mitigated by the treads
- triple crankset hefty

Review

Every bike manufacturer on the planet has at least one entry in the urban/commuter/rough road/flatbar category, and most of them are remarkably similar in terms of price point and component fit-out. The 2018 version of the CrossTrail from Specialized shares most things with its closest rivals – but in general, it does them just a little bit better.

Having test-ridden nearly every bike in this category, I can testify that most of them ride about the same. Their geometry is fairly similar, so it stands to reason that they would share ride characteristics. The CrossTrail rides as well as any of them – perhaps slightly better in some cases due to the rather nice rolling quality of the Trigger Sport Reflect 700×38mm 60TPI wire-beaded tires.

The well-balanced A1 Premium aluminum frame is responsive and durable, with the chunky head tube tapering down to the seat tube combined with lithe seat stays and quality forged dropouts. Despite the simple appearance, the frame is tough enough to take pot-holes, kerbs and rough trails in its stride, yet light enough to make last-minute gnarly shortcuts not just a possibility, but a fun and rewarding option. And it hides a few tricks too, with fully-manipulated butted tubing concealing internal cable routing and Plug + Play rack and mudguards mounts, which means that in addition to being a more-than-capable commuter and all-round fitness bike, the CrossTrail could be persuaded into becoming a light weekend touring and bikepacking machine.

Most bikes in this category and price range come with a rigid front fork, but Specialized have opted to deck the Crosstrail out with the new SR Suntour NEX with Multi-Circuit Damping for smoother travel through its 55mm range and Specialized’s Fitness Brain technology. This system promotes more climbing and pedaling efficiency by differentiating between rider input and trail bumps to ensure that pedaling forces aren’t being wasted in compression rather than climbing. It’s a system that is integrated into bikes with a much higher pay grade than this, so it’s a welcome addition to the CrossTrail. A lockout switch is still present to manually dispense with pedal feedback, making climbs and fast sections a joy to attack whilst still reaping the benefit on the bumpier stuff.

The Stout crankset with its 48/38/28-tooth chainring is virtually indestructible, and works well with the Sunrace 8-speed 11-34 tooth rear cassette to give a broad range of 24 available gears. Shift levers and front and rear derailleurs are courtesy of Shimano – Altus for the levers and rear derailleur, Tourney for the front derailleur. Shimano components always work well together, even if they’re different generations or models, so there will be no issues in this department.

Disc brakes are commonplace on commuter bikes nowadays, but most of them run the cheaper and less effective mechanical version. The CrossTrail, however, boasts Promax Solve’s hydraulic discs with 160mm rotors front and rear, providing ample stopping power and minimal maintenance.

Finally, Specialized’s own in-house handlebars with a 9-degree backsweep are a good fit for this bike – not too aggressive, and comfortable enough to take on a long trip.

The bike is not one to leap out at you and beg “buy me, buy me!” but, when lined up against the competition, it methodically comes out ahead in most of the areas that count. It’s an ideal gateway into the world of cycling for newcomers and a useful multi-purpose tool for established riders.

- Review by Marcus Speed.