Official Specialized Crosstrail owners thread
#976
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#977
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Spoke update
I ended up going into an REI store and the head tech measured and provided me some 292 spokes. He said this is the most common size. When I chatted online w Nashbar tech he advised to always replace the spoke nipple too. Basically any part that involves a screw in. REI also backed this up. $2 per spoke, will give it a go tomorrow and update if anyone is curious.
#978
Age before beauty
My 2018 Crosstrail has undergone more changes and improvements.
For the past 1100 miles it's been a rear hub drive eBike and I've been super happy with it. But I've always wanted to try a mid-drive kit on it so, I've taken it all the way back to a non-electric CT.
I decided before adding the mid-drive kit I needed to get all the ebike stuff off of it and turn it back into a fully functioning "acoustic" bike. So, it was off with ebike wheel/drive hub, electronics and everything. I reinstalled the original rear wheel with 9-sp cassette and the microshift thumbshifter. My thinking was if I can get it back to stock drive train I can then safely install the mid-drive gear on what I know is a properly working bike.
After a couple of days work I rode the bike just now in it's fully non-electric form - wow, an ebike is much more fun.
I did not reinstall the front derailleur that the bike came with - so it's not exactly "stock." And I still have the Rockshox Paragon Gold front shock, the seat post shock and as part of this process I changed the tires to 2" wide Schwalbe Marathon 700Cx50C Wire Endurance Green Guard tires - which fit just fine by the way.
I still need to work on the rear deraileur indexing. When I built the bike into an eBike the new wheel with the hub drive didn't work well as a 9-sp so I converted the freewheel and thumb shifter to 8-speed and that worked just fine. So, part of the process today has been to reinstall the MicroShift thumb shifter and reindex everything from scratch.
There's not a lot to see here - but here's the bike back in it's non-electrified form.
For the past 1100 miles it's been a rear hub drive eBike and I've been super happy with it. But I've always wanted to try a mid-drive kit on it so, I've taken it all the way back to a non-electric CT.
I decided before adding the mid-drive kit I needed to get all the ebike stuff off of it and turn it back into a fully functioning "acoustic" bike. So, it was off with ebike wheel/drive hub, electronics and everything. I reinstalled the original rear wheel with 9-sp cassette and the microshift thumbshifter. My thinking was if I can get it back to stock drive train I can then safely install the mid-drive gear on what I know is a properly working bike.
After a couple of days work I rode the bike just now in it's fully non-electric form - wow, an ebike is much more fun.
I did not reinstall the front derailleur that the bike came with - so it's not exactly "stock." And I still have the Rockshox Paragon Gold front shock, the seat post shock and as part of this process I changed the tires to 2" wide Schwalbe Marathon 700Cx50C Wire Endurance Green Guard tires - which fit just fine by the way.
I still need to work on the rear deraileur indexing. When I built the bike into an eBike the new wheel with the hub drive didn't work well as a 9-sp so I converted the freewheel and thumb shifter to 8-speed and that worked just fine. So, part of the process today has been to reinstall the MicroShift thumb shifter and reindex everything from scratch.
There's not a lot to see here - but here's the bike back in it's non-electrified form.
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#979
Road Runner
Wow -- you've done a lot of work. My CT is from the original model year (2013) and it's still mostly OEM as far as major components go. I take it that you have a single-chainring setup now? I guess if you have any hills that would definitely make it tough to ride acoustically if you don't have a smaller ring in front to shift down to. Of course, not so much of a problem as an e-bike! Keep us posted on how it goes -- i gave some thought to doing that type of conversion a few years ago but ended up just buying a Vado.
#980
Age before beauty
After ensuring that the bike was "back to original" and shifting and riding well I started today on the installation of the Bafang BBSHD mid-drive system. It's going well and quickly. I expect it to be completed tomorrow except for the endless rearranging wires and the use of 2,587 zip-ties which is as time consuming as building the bike. I'll post photos tomorrow.
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#981
Age before beauty
After putting 100 miles since a tire change on my 2018 Crosstrail Sport Disc I can wholeheartedly encourage others to put some larger tires on their CTs. I took off the OEM 700cX38c back in August and bent on some 2" wide Schwalbe Marathon 700Cx50C Wire Endurance Green Guard tires. These tires have transformed the ride and steering of the bike. They fit fine on the OEM 700cx28c rims and they don't rub or interfere with any part of the frame. They tame small bumps and smooth out larger road divots. Plus, they grip so much better that I can take turns much faster and more confidently than before.
Now, the only drawback I can see is a bit of increased weight but it's not a massive increase at all.
This makes two "must have" changes to the original Crosstrail - change the fork to the Rockshox Paragon Gold and the tires to Schwalbe Marathon 700Cx50C Wire Endurance Green Guard tires. You won't be sorry.
Here's a photo showing the tire and the fit with the frame.
Now, the only drawback I can see is a bit of increased weight but it's not a massive increase at all.
This makes two "must have" changes to the original Crosstrail - change the fork to the Rockshox Paragon Gold and the tires to Schwalbe Marathon 700Cx50C Wire Endurance Green Guard tires. You won't be sorry.
Here's a photo showing the tire and the fit with the frame.
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#982
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40mm is about as small as I'll go for tires anymore. I have one older Peugeot frame that will fit an actual 32-33mm tire (the stays are pretty tight at about 35mm), but I've upped every other bike I have to the maximum possible, which is usually at least 40mm. My "daily rider", a Redline MTB I've converted to a hybrid, has Continentals that are marked 54mm but inflate to about 50mm dead on (Continental Ride Tours).
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#983
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I've recently purchased a 2013 Pro Disk Crosstrail. All black with some red touches. Very impressed so far- this was the top end model in its time and has had little use- original tyres are still in place. First change is replacement with a new set of Trigger sports.
My riding is primarily bike paths - mainly asphalt but some gravel sections so this bike with the suspension, fast rolling tyres and very light frame is a great allrounder.
The stem is 75mm and checking my other bikes- they are all 100mm. I have felt a fraction cramped even with saddle moved as far back as it can go. There is no stated angle on the stem but I think its 6 or 10 % - Can anyone confirm ? Looking for a replacement to try.
The mix of hex and torx bolts has surprised me. Do people changeover to all hex or torx to reduce tools needed to work the bike?
I would like to add some more colour to the bike. The big frame specialized lettering is black on a black frame so near invisible. Have people added stickers over the top of original lettering?
Plenty of summer left in South Aus to get out on this bike so once setup it will be a sweet ride.
My riding is primarily bike paths - mainly asphalt but some gravel sections so this bike with the suspension, fast rolling tyres and very light frame is a great allrounder.
The stem is 75mm and checking my other bikes- they are all 100mm. I have felt a fraction cramped even with saddle moved as far back as it can go. There is no stated angle on the stem but I think its 6 or 10 % - Can anyone confirm ? Looking for a replacement to try.
The mix of hex and torx bolts has surprised me. Do people changeover to all hex or torx to reduce tools needed to work the bike?
I would like to add some more colour to the bike. The big frame specialized lettering is black on a black frame so near invisible. Have people added stickers over the top of original lettering?
Plenty of summer left in South Aus to get out on this bike so once setup it will be a sweet ride.
#985
Junior Member
This is my Specialized Crosstrail elite, carbon frame. I bought it mew just over three years ago after at the age of 52 suffering a severe heart attack. The idea was to build up my fitness and stay on the planet longer.
I have done over 3000 miles on it and during this time I have changed/upgraded just about all the components on the bike. The biggest upgrades being the forks and the wheels.
I love riding this bike and the weather is improving here in the UK :0)
I have done over 3000 miles on it and during this time I have changed/upgraded just about all the components on the bike. The biggest upgrades being the forks and the wheels.
I love riding this bike and the weather is improving here in the UK :0)
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#986
Road Runner
Nice bike! Never seen forks like that. Are they rigid? And what seat is that?
#987
Junior Member
Yes they are rigid. They are carbon and don't change the geometry of the ride. £500+ though. The seat is from another specialized bike. My neighbour gave it to me as he thought it uncomfortable, I think it's great and can easily ride for hours sat on it.
#988
Member
I know I read this somewhere in this thread but can't find it. What's the largest tire width that will fit the stock rims? 700c x 50?? I'm running the original tires that were on my 2018 CT and the rear is getting a bit slick. I've eBiked mine so I'd like something larger than the stock 700c x 38 tires.
I think I saw that 2" (50mm) was about the widest that would still fit.
I think I saw that 2" (50mm) was about the widest that would still fit.
#989
Member
This is my Specialized Crosstrail elite, carbon frame. I bought it mew just over three years ago after at the age of 52 suffering a severe heart attack. The idea was to build up my fitness and stay on the planet longer.
I have done over 3000 miles on it and during this time I have changed/upgraded just about all the components on the bike. The biggest upgrades being the forks and the wheels.
I love riding this bike and the weather is improving here in the UK :0)
I have done over 3000 miles on it and during this time I have changed/upgraded just about all the components on the bike. The biggest upgrades being the forks and the wheels.
I love riding this bike and the weather is improving here in the UK :0)
#990
Road Runner
Interesting that today I got one of those "X years ago today" photos from Google of the 5-day trip I took across Missouri on the Katy Trail on my brand new 2013 Crosstrail -- the high-end model in the first year they came out. It looks so clean and shiny!
This bike has been my go-to bike ever since and has accompanied me on rides like the Great Allegheny-C&O Canal route (a couple of times) plus rides on 100s of miles of rail-trails and such around my home state of Michigan.
What makes this semi-ironic is that I think I've finally found the replacement for all of the things that I currently do with it, which at 75yo has become somewhat less ambitious. My new bike is a Specialized Vado SL 5.0. That's right -- I've gone over to the Dark Side . But in my defense, I've already determined that on mostly flat terrain and when I'm feeling strong, the bike is not that much more effort to pedal with the motor off than the Crosstrail. As I've equipped it, it weighs 38lbs, which is much more manageable than the 60lb e-bike I've had the last two years. The geometry is very similar to the Crosstrail, including 700x38 tires. This particular model comes with a carbon FutureShock fork and SRAM 12-speed 11-50 cassette, and with the Redshift Shockstop seat post it rides very smoothly on rough pavement, gravel roads, etc. I'll be sorry to see the old Crosstrail go, but it sure looks like I'm heading in that direction...
This bike has been my go-to bike ever since and has accompanied me on rides like the Great Allegheny-C&O Canal route (a couple of times) plus rides on 100s of miles of rail-trails and such around my home state of Michigan.
What makes this semi-ironic is that I think I've finally found the replacement for all of the things that I currently do with it, which at 75yo has become somewhat less ambitious. My new bike is a Specialized Vado SL 5.0. That's right -- I've gone over to the Dark Side . But in my defense, I've already determined that on mostly flat terrain and when I'm feeling strong, the bike is not that much more effort to pedal with the motor off than the Crosstrail. As I've equipped it, it weighs 38lbs, which is much more manageable than the 60lb e-bike I've had the last two years. The geometry is very similar to the Crosstrail, including 700x38 tires. This particular model comes with a carbon FutureShock fork and SRAM 12-speed 11-50 cassette, and with the Redshift Shockstop seat post it rides very smoothly on rough pavement, gravel roads, etc. I'll be sorry to see the old Crosstrail go, but it sure looks like I'm heading in that direction...
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#991
Junior Member
I'm sorry mate I have never weighed it. It is a world away from when new. If I find out I will let you know.
#992
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hagarthefish - nice - great looking bike !
#993
Age before beauty
I've posted a number of times in this thread about my 2018 Crosstrail Sport Disc. First, it was just my hybrid bike. Then I put a Dillenger hubdrive rear wheel on the bike to electrify it. That was great and I put 1200 miles on it. Then, for no reason other than curiosity, I replaced the rear hub drive system with a Bafang mid-drive system from JohnnyNerdOut. That too was great and I put another 800 miles on that system. Along the way I upgraded the rear derailleur, cassette and clickshirt to Shimano Deore gear and replaced the stock Suntour "brain" fork for a Rockshox fork. Each addition made the bike a better and better eBike. To me... it was perfect.
Then at the beginning of the year I put the bike in its rack attached to the back of my SUV just like a million times prior and connected the SUV to my motorhome, again like a million times before, and we set out for a short 60 mile trip between San Antonio and Kerrville, TX. The first small leg of a 2000 mile trip we take every year to Tucson, AZ.
When we pulled into our camping site in Kerrville my wife got out to walk the dog and shouted, "The bike is gone!" And, just like that it was gone. Lost. Somewhere along that 60-mile trip. The rack was totally undamaged in any way. In fact, it would appear that someone stole the bike, except that we never stopped between home and the campground. (BTW, the rack is rated for use on a flat-tow car behind an RV and for the weight of the ebike.)
I raced back home, retracing our route in both directions and nothing. It just vanished into thin air.
Normally, as in always, I lock the bike to the rack. And, I remember getting the cable to lock it and someone at home asked me to do something and I never finished locking the bike.
So, this is my last post in the Crosstrail thread and believe me, it took me 4-days to get over the "lost" bike. I bought a new Specialized Rockhopper 29 Expert (2022 models on sale $400 off) and began purchasing all the many parts needed to put another mid-drive ebike kit on that. The new bike is nice and all, probably better in all ways, But I still miss my Crosstrail.
Then at the beginning of the year I put the bike in its rack attached to the back of my SUV just like a million times prior and connected the SUV to my motorhome, again like a million times before, and we set out for a short 60 mile trip between San Antonio and Kerrville, TX. The first small leg of a 2000 mile trip we take every year to Tucson, AZ.
When we pulled into our camping site in Kerrville my wife got out to walk the dog and shouted, "The bike is gone!" And, just like that it was gone. Lost. Somewhere along that 60-mile trip. The rack was totally undamaged in any way. In fact, it would appear that someone stole the bike, except that we never stopped between home and the campground. (BTW, the rack is rated for use on a flat-tow car behind an RV and for the weight of the ebike.)
I raced back home, retracing our route in both directions and nothing. It just vanished into thin air.
Normally, as in always, I lock the bike to the rack. And, I remember getting the cable to lock it and someone at home asked me to do something and I never finished locking the bike.
So, this is my last post in the Crosstrail thread and believe me, it took me 4-days to get over the "lost" bike. I bought a new Specialized Rockhopper 29 Expert (2022 models on sale $400 off) and began purchasing all the many parts needed to put another mid-drive ebike kit on that. The new bike is nice and all, probably better in all ways, But I still miss my Crosstrail.
Last edited by creativepart; 02-14-23 at 12:00 PM.
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#994
Age before beauty
Unlike you, I don't ever "turn the motor off." My legs are shot - 30-years of distance running has taken its toll along with excess weight added in my 60's. I put 4,000 miles on my non-electric road bike during my 60's but now just can't manage more than 6 or 7 miles without the motor. With the motor I can go 30-miles. What hills? What wind? It's all downhill now... so to speak.
#995
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Seems interest in this bike has really tapered off, but as a newish owner of a Crosstrail, I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread! I bought mine used several weeks ago and loved it from the test ride. I've done what appears to be a few of the common mods - Salsa CroMoto Grande front fork, wider tires, Axiom adjustable Journey rack; seat, grips, handlebars - and absolutely love riding this bike! Use of my Vado has declined significantly, and I'm 100% ok with that.
This thread has helped a great deal in selecting the bike, tuning and maintaining it - so again, thank you all for sharing your knowledge of the Crosstrail!
This thread has helped a great deal in selecting the bike, tuning and maintaining it - so again, thank you all for sharing your knowledge of the Crosstrail!
#996
Road Runner
I've owned my Crosstrail since a couple months after they were first released, and I also have a Vado SL. As nice as the SL is, when I rode my Crosstrail for one of the first times this year, I noticed two significant things about it:
1) Even though the SL is very light for an e-bike, the Crosstrail felt super-light and nimble by comparison.
2) The Crosstrail rode totally silently. No slight whine from the motor, and no noisy freewheel when coasting. The latter issue actually has me thinking of building some custom wheels for the SL with a quieter rear hub!
Anyway, I was always planning on eventually replacing the Crosstrail with the SL since they're similar in most other ways, but the more I ride my "old trusty" the more reluctant I am to do so. Besides, there are a lot of memories packed away in the 1000s of miles I've put on the Crosstrail over the years!
1) Even though the SL is very light for an e-bike, the Crosstrail felt super-light and nimble by comparison.
2) The Crosstrail rode totally silently. No slight whine from the motor, and no noisy freewheel when coasting. The latter issue actually has me thinking of building some custom wheels for the SL with a quieter rear hub!
Anyway, I was always planning on eventually replacing the Crosstrail with the SL since they're similar in most other ways, but the more I ride my "old trusty" the more reluctant I am to do so. Besides, there are a lot of memories packed away in the 1000s of miles I've put on the Crosstrail over the years!
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#997
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Stoopid newbie question for an old bike, I've searched and I'm not finding answers: I want to convert my (build date Feb 2018) CT to a 1X. I've been riding it exclusively on the middle front chainring (38T), so now I'd like to go to a single front chainring and upgrade the rear probably to AdventX. I am confused about how to fit a new front ring? Is the 3X front a direct mount? (Sorry, not fully schooled on all terminology) If so, is there consideration for spacing/offset?
And if not, what all do I need to fit a single up front?
This has the 68mm BB, square taper. Guess I'll also need new cranks... Obviously I'll need a new chain as well.
Thanks for any guidance.
(And before anyone advises to just leave the front alone, I would, but this is kind of my play/learn/project bike so I want to noodle with it.)
And if not, what all do I need to fit a single up front?
This has the 68mm BB, square taper. Guess I'll also need new cranks... Obviously I'll need a new chain as well.
Thanks for any guidance.
(And before anyone advises to just leave the front alone, I would, but this is kind of my play/learn/project bike so I want to noodle with it.)
#998
Road Runner
Stoopid newbie question for an old bike, I've searched and I'm not finding answers: I want to convert my (build date Feb 2018) CT to a 1X. I've been riding it exclusively on the middle front chainring (38T), so now I'd like to go to a single front chainring and upgrade the rear probably to AdventX.
#999
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I don't have any technical advice for you but are you saying that in 2018 they were making Crosstrails with triple chainrings? It's that I thought those had gone away by then. My CT is an original 2013 and in Comp Disc version it came with a 2x10 SRAM drivetrain, which at the time I saw as an advance over the triple-chainring 105 groupset on my Specialized Sequoia road bike .
Wanna trade?
#1000
Road Runner
Yes sir! This is my bike, Tourney front 3X and Altus rear: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/cr...=237264-157825
Wanna trade?
Wanna trade?
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