Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through Review
- Price: $775
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Nimbus II Armadillo Reflect
- Gear: 2 x 7
What we like about it: The robust A1 advanced aluminum frame, combined with steel forks and luggage rack/mudguards, still delivers excellent handling, giving riders greater confidence.
What we don’t like about it: The mechanical disc brakes don’t provide sufficient stopping power.
Rating: (4.6/5)
The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through is the perfect companion for every commuter with transportation needs. Whether on the road or off-road, this bike is guaranteed to provide riders with the best cycling experience. The sturdy A1 advanced aluminum frame boasts a perfect geometry, making it suitable for riders of all styles. It’s a bike that’s truly worth owning.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bicycle reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
Commute Riding
In the morning, I hopped on my Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through. As I pedaled, the fitness bike accelerated smoothly and effortlessly. I could feel the close connection between the wheels and the city roads. The lightweight design and efficient drivetrain allowed me to navigate through the city’s congested roads with ease. I weaved through traffic, feeling the refreshing breeze against my face.
On my commute, I encountered several traffic signals and congested road sections. The maneuverability allowed me to adapt to the situation without feeling impatient while waiting. I felt that every time I glided between vehicles, it was a pursuit of freedom and convenience. The comfortable Bridge Comp saddle of the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through made my ride much more enjoyable, and the journey didn’t seem too long.
Soon, I arrived at the office, and I applied the Tektro HD-R510 hydraulic disc brakes to bring the bike to a halt. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel tired at all. The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through was remarkably comfortable. I greeted each day with enthusiasm and confidence in my work.
Is That All?
Gradually, as the sun set, I embarked on my ride back home from the office. As I approached a slightly undulating street, I appreciated the SRAM NX gearing system, which allowed me to adjust resistance and speed effortlessly. I embraced the challenges and enjoyment of every uphill and downhill stretch. Every climb tested my perseverance and determination, and I pushed myself to give it my all. The rigidity of the Crossroads 2.0 Step Through’s frame and excellent handling enabled me to navigate corners and obstacles with confidence. I felt an unspoken connection between the bike and me as we conquered every neighborhood.
The nimble steering and efficient drivetrain system allowed me to glide smoothly through the city’s night. I enjoyed the cool breeze against my face, making me feel at one with the city. The lights lining the sides of the road illuminated my path as I continuously made progress toward home.
Specifications
The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through is an outstanding hybrid bike. Its Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame offers exceptional performance, providing great responsiveness and maneuverability, giving riders more confidence. Additionally, its Crossroads Alloy Disc Brake Fork is quite impressive, making rides more comfortable.
Furthermore, this bike features a 2×7-speed shifter, a combination of the microSHIFT RD-M26S rear derailleur and MicroSHIFT FD-T202 front derailleur, which offers good shifting performance. Its mechanical disc brakes, while not incredibly powerful, are convenient for maintenance and repairs. It’s worth mentioning that the Nimbus II Armadillo Reflect tires on this bike offer excellent puncture protection, fast rolling speed, and strong grip. These tires are suitable for a wide range of riders and provide added visibility in low-light conditions to enhance safety.
Video
Other Versions
After conducting numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an exceptionally well-rounded hybrid bike.
However, many riders have their own specific performance and component requirements, so we explored similar bikes.
2023 Specialized Crossroads 3.0 Step Through
The Specialized Crossroads 3.0 Step Through features a carbon fork, while the Crossroads 2.0 has an aluminum fork. Carbon forks are lighter, more durable, and offer better shock absorption, although they are more susceptible to break on impact with sharp objects. Aluminum forks are heavier but more affordable. The Crossroads 3.0 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes that provide stronger braking performance compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the Crossroads 2.0, although they lack the same ease of maintenance and repair.
Furthermore, the Crossroads 3.0 comes with a 1×9 drivetrain, which offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting compared to the 2×7 drivetrain on the Crossroads 2.0. The single front derailleur design effectively prevents chain drops. Additionally, the Crossroads 2.0 is faster than the Crossroads 3.0, and its 45mm wide tires are wider than the 38mm tires of the Crossroads 3.0. Wider tires can handle a greater variety of road surfaces.
What do we like about it?
- The sturdy A1 advanced aluminum frame, combined with steel forks and luggage rack/mudguards, still delivers excellent handling, giving riders greater confidence.
- The perfect geometry allows riders of all styles to adapt comfortably to this bike.
- The frame and components incorporate reflective elements, enhancing the bike’s visibility in low-light conditions.
- Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel and contact points conform to ergonomic design principles and undergo scientific testing, ensuring a comfortable ride.
What don’t we like about it?
- The mechanical disc brakes do not offer sufficiently strong stopping power.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 47 lbs.
- Can this bike accommodate a rear rack and mudguards?
Yes, it can accommodate a rear rack and mudguards.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the most effective way to find your correct size is to test-ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, formed tubes, fender/rack mountsBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColors: Satin Redwood / Chrome; Satin Marine Blue / Chrome |
| Fork | Crossroads Alloy Disc Brake Fork |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, square-taper, 68mm |
| Stem | 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Alloy, 15-degree backsweep, 80mm rise, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel |
| Seatpost | Spring suspension, alloy, 27.2mm, 2-bolt clamp |
| Pedals | Specialized City, platform |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT RD-M26S, 7-speed |
| Front Derailleur | MicroSHIFT FD-T202, Band-clamp |
| Crank | Forged aluminum arms, 3-piece, 46/30T, 46/30T |
| Shifters | microSHIFT TS39 Trigger shift, 7-speed |
| Cassette | SunRace, 7-Speed, 11-34t |
| Chain | KMC Z7, 7-speed w/ Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brake, 160mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: 2.0 wheelset, Rear: 2.0 wheelset |
| Tires | Front: Nimbus II Armadillo Reflect, 60 TPI, 700x45mm, Rear: Nimbus II Armadillo Reflect, 60 TPI, 700x45mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Cannondale Treadwell EQ DLX | Click View | Maxxis DTR-1, 650bx47c | 1 x 9 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Trek FX 1 Stagger | Click View | Bontrager H2 Comp 700x35mm | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus, Tourney |
| Diamondback Metric 24 | Click View | 24×1.75″ | 1 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Fairdale Weekend Nomand MX | Click View | Maxxis Pace, 27.5 “x2.1” | 1 x 11 | Steel | SRAM Apex |
Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through vs. Cannondale Treadwell EQ DLX
The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through features 700c wheels, while the Cannondale Treadwell EQ DLX has 650b wheels. 700c wheels are known for their larger circumference, providing high rotational performance, whereas 650b wheels, being smaller, offer better maneuverability, resulting in higher efficiency when making turns. They can also accommodate wider tires, lowering the vehicle’s height and center of gravity, although they might not excel in straight-line performance.
In addition, the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through uses mechanical disc brakes, while the Cannondale Treadwell EQ DLX comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes deliver superior braking performance but come with added weight and are less convenient for maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, mechanical disc brakes, while not as outstanding in braking performance, are easier to fix when issues arise and require less maintenance in regular use.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Treadwell 2 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Treadwell 2 Review]
Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through vs. Trek FX 1 Stagger
The Trek FX 1 Stagger features a steel fork, while the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through comes with an aluminum fork. Steel forks are heavier, and offer high rigidity, durability, and corrosion resistance. Aluminum forks are lightweight and deliver excellent performance. Additionally, the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through has a suspension seatpost, whereas the Trek FX 1 Stagger features a rigid seatpost. A suspension seatpost provides better shock absorption, while a rigid seatpost allows riders to generate more power.
It’s worth noting that the Trek FX 1 Stagger is equipped with rim brakes, while the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through uses mechanical disc brakes. Rim brakes are lightweight but can accumulate a lot of heat during prolonged downhill braking, potentially causing damage to the brakes. On the other hand, mechanical disc brakes, although slightly heavier, offer better braking performance. Additionally, the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through features a 2×7 drivetrain, while the Trek FX 1 Stagger is equipped with a 3×7 drivetrain.
Learn More: Is The Trek FX1 2023 Worth Buying? [Trek FX1 Review]
Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through vs. Diamondback Metric 24
The Diamondback Metric 24 features smaller 24″ wheels, offering high agility. In contrast, the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through has 700c wheels, which provide strong all-terrain capabilities. Additionally, the Diamondback Metric 24 is equipped with a 1×7 drivetrain, while the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through comes with a 2×7 drivetrain. The 1×7 drivetrain’s single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops, ensuring stability during commuting and reducing the chances of issues while riding.
The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through boasts a higher speed of up to 36 mph, while the Diamondback Metric 24 has a slower speed of only 20 mph. However, the Diamondback Metric 24 offers Soft Kraton Rubber grips and Resin Platform pedals, while the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through provides Specialized City pedals. Riders opting for the Diamondback Metric 24 for their commute won’t need to spend time searching for suitable grips.
Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through vs. Fairdale Weekender Nomad MX
The Fairdale Weekender Nomad MX features a steel frame and fork, which offer high rigidity, excellent weight-bearing capacity, and good shock absorption. However, a drawback is that it’s prone to rust and comes with a heavier weight. In contrast, the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through has an aluminum frame, which is lightweight, flexible, and offers good resistance to oxidation. However, it lacks the same level of hardness, with a typical metal fatigue period occurring after about five years, so proper maintenance is essential.
Notably, the Fairdale Weekender Nomad MX is equipped with an SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain, while the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through features a 2×7 drivetrain. The 1×11 drivetrain offers a broader range of gearing, and smoother shifting, and its single front chainring design effectively prevents chain drops. It also comes with 650b wheels, providing high agility. The Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through, on the other hand, uses 700c wheels, ensuring strong all-terrain performance.
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized Crossroads 2.0 Step Through. It’s an excellent hybrid bike that delivers a comfortable commuting experience. Overall, we have rated it with a high score of 4.6. If you’re seeking more bicycle-related information, please explore our other reviews.
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