Is Trek Crossrip 2 A Good Commuter Bike? [Trek Crossrip 2 Review]

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Trek Crossrip 2

• Price: $1359
• Frame: Aluminum alloy
• Tires: 700x32c
• Gear: 2×10

What we like about it: Upgraded carbon fork, more efficient shock absorption, and the ability to switch between road and commute. The 2×10 drivetrain accelerates freely through congested traffic.

What we don’t like about it: The main torso isn’t a complete carbon fiber upgrade for the brisker needs. Uphill resistance is still there and won’t allow you to fully accelerate.

Rating: (4.8/5)

As an upgraded version of the same series in 2018, Trek CrossRip 2 has indeed made a lot of changes, and its score has also increased. As the biggest selling point of the Cross Ripper, the speed and shock absorption are a complete upgrade!

This is inseparable from the fact that it is a new full carbon fiber front fork, which maximizes the absorption of vibration and the transformation of the power system (from a 2×9 power system to a 2×10 power system). The real result is less sweat, faster speed, and more responsive startup.

If you’re new to riding, you can take the least amount of time to boldly choose this bike, because the Trek CrossRip 2 is the best in the series and is a very solid road commuter bike.

At the same time, if you are planning a medium-to-long trip, this bike also allows you to plan your route more boldly. The tires still continue the tradition. The tall 700x32c tires can fully adapt to the riding environment in the wild. Judging from the overall performance of the ride, I think it lives up to expectations.

Next, we’ll break down the Trek CrossRip 2’s road performance, key features, components, and specs, as well as how it compares to previous versions.

Related Reading

Trek CrossRip 1 Review-Is The Trek CrossRip 1 A Good Commuter Bike?
Trek Crossrip Elite Review: Classic Without Being Outdated

Road Performance

I don’t think it’s straightforward to just feel the performance from the data. So I rode the Trek CrossRip 2 for the first time to start the riding test. First, I started with the most familiar city street. It was a morning, and I deliberately chose the most concentrated commercial district during the morning shift.

The free riding at this time with hot cocoa is the most comfortable activity for me. Although I had a very positive opinion of his 2×10 powertrain before the ride started. But when I actually got on the bike, it was easier than I thought. The tall 700x32c tires roll very fast on the ground, and the wide 73.0 seat tube angle makes my riding position nearly upright, and it is very easy to pass the crowd.

I feel like I’m very noticeable to the hurrying crowd around me. Before I knew it, I was already riding to a park in the city, and the Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc was buzzing over the fallen leaves and seemed to agree with the success of this review.

As you can imagine, I wasn’t content to spend $1,359 on a single commuter bike. According to trek’s official website, the Trek CrossRip 2 is “but that’s assuming your daily grind covers everything from bike paths to rough gravel roads”. So over the weekend, I took this new friend and started a field trip planned in advance.

Gravel Ride

This trip contains fine gravel, and due to the weather in the previous period, there may be many obstacles on the wooded trail I pass. After starting the ride, it turned out to be smoother than I expected. To my surprise, the 200 Series Alpha Aluminum w, which I regretted before, now makes me feel at ease.

If you’ve read my previous articles, you’ll know how obsessed I am with full carbon brazing, but in this uncharted field, the more wear-resistant 200 Series Alpha Aluminum w would be a better fit. In addition, the aluminum materials of the Trek brand are relatively high-end, so it will not drag the body.

The uphill part of the journey also made me feel less stressed. The Bontrager tubeless tires of the Trek CrossRip 2 are very suitable for gravel roads, and they are powerful enough to crush the ground.

The TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc brakes are also responsive on downhill roads. I rarely discuss mechanical discs highly, I prefer hydraulic disc brakes full of technology. But if you are looking for value for money, out of sincere advice, I still have to say something. In terms of emergency braking, there is not much difference between mechanical and hydraulic braking.

Outdoor Adventure

Travel is great for most people. If you’ve ever tried a bike ride, you’ll enjoy the trip while knowing that the luggage that goes with you is heavy. The Trek CrossRip 2 followed me through my three-week camp.

I assembled the brackets and lights, and thanks to the Trek CrossRip 2’s free geometry and Blendr-compatible stems, I supported this upgrade. Of course, I also found some regrets.

If there are more aramid beads on the tires, then there may be some problems for the road conditions where I push some extremes, such as large areas of slippery rocks, or weed-filled trails in the forest, so that I couldn’t be more sure of mastering the balance. If the terrain requirements for your outdoor adventure are not so high, the Trek CrossRip 2 can still meet most of your terrain needs.

Secondly, the saddle of Trek CrossRip 2 has not been upgraded, and the brand is still Bontrager Evoke 1. After so many days of riding, the comfort of the saddle is acceptable for me, and its softness is moderate. Of course, if you like absolutely soft saddles, you may need to change the saddle.

Thanks to the Trek CrossRip 2’s free frame and the greatness of the Trek brand, you can have endless combinations, swap out your favorite components, and build brand-new models.

But, like I said before, I think Trek CrossRip 2 can be called the best of the series. If you don’t want to spend time choosing a road commuter bike, the Trek CrossRip 2 is definitely a great choice.

Meanwhile, the Trek CrossRip 2 doesn’t have much choice in color. If you’re a fashionista who likes bright colors, then this might put you off a bit, the Trek CrossRip 2 is more of a low-key gentleman.

Main Feature

Frame

The body of Trek CrossRip 2 is made of the aluminum alloy due to the limitation of cost. If you’re looking to buy a bike, you’ve definitely heard of full carbon fiber, and indeed many bikes use this material to be lighter and faster. But at $1,359 for the Trek CrossRip 2, full carbon brazing is really unaffordable. In other words, don’t think alloy cars are bound to be bulky.

In my actual ride, I didn’t put too much effort with the Trek CrossRip 2 on a not-so-steep ascent, and it didn’t drag the Trek CrossRip 2’s 700x32c wheels for traction.

I have a little regret about the CrossRip after riding the previous generation 2017 Trek CrossRip 1 through bumps on gravel roads due to my keen awareness of bike vibrations. Although it is already the best in every way.

So, in the face of the Trek CrossRip 2’s all-carbon brazed front fork, I already knew enough about Trek’s CrossRip series, but I still want to try to ride the 2018 Trek CrossRip 2 again.

Remember my last experience? My Trek CrossRip 2 and I took part in a gravel road training session that wasn’t very short at 30km. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel arm pain and palm discomfort, which fully verified the shock absorption effect of the full carbon brazed front fork.

Geometry

Fast doesn’t mean out of control. If you’ve noticed the Trek CrossRip 2’s braking system, and the TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc, you know it’s responsive enough not to put you in a dangerous situation.

My experience after the rain can be called an adventure, driving at high speed on a street corner, coupled with the slippery ground that reduces the friction between the wheels and the ground. I almost ran into a car, but luckily the Trek CrossRip 2’s brakes reacted fast enough not to bother me much.

This experience deeply impressed me and made me even more confident in my evaluation of the Trek CrossRip 2: a solid and reliable city commuter.

Components and Specifications

Shimano Tiagra 2×10 Drivetrain

The Trek CrossRip 2 has been called the best bike in the CrossRip line. Trek CrossRip 2 has made some improvements in the power system. You know, a bicycle is a mature industrial product, and a slight change can make your riding experience and overall performance completely different. For the upgrade of the power system, it is not intuitive enough just from the data.

To be fair, I conducted the test outdoors, in the rural hills surrounding the city. There are undulating hills here, which are very challenging for the transmission, and I concluded that the Trek CrossRip 2’s Shimano Tiagra 2×10 drivetrain made it easier for me on the climbs. It’s like I’m playing a very enjoyable game, and I don’t feel dragged down at all.

Of course, the 20 kinds of speed regulation that have been updated in recent years can only be regarded as quite satisfactory.

After all, the current transmission system has crossed into the era of 22 or 24 or even more. If you don’t have high requirements for fast driving, I think 20 kinds of novelty can satisfy you for a long time.

TRP Spyre C 2.0 Mechanical Disc Brake

Those who know me know that I’m always picky, so I can’t immediately approve of mechanical brakes. Because I prefer beauty and technology, but at the same time I am a rational person.

In my opinion, the effect of the hydraulic disc and the mechanical disc is not much different in general, so if you don’t want the wallet to have too much burden, and at the same time you can trust my professional evaluation, I think the TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical Disc brakes are what you need.

I have driven the Trek CrossRip 2 in both sunny and post-rain weather. I think I still have something to say about braking because I’m a speed hunter. If you see cyclists speeding by on the street, it’s probably just me showing off. I enjoyed riding the Trek CrossRip 2 through crowds, and because of the agility of the brakes, I didn’t have to worry about making a bad close encounter with the crowd.

I once rode on a slippery berm after rain, and it was a bad experience for a lot of people who don’t like trouble, and I did have some trouble.

Although the Trek CrossRip 2 has a tall 700 size, the 32c size is not as wide as those of snow-focused racers (such as the 42c or so).

So the high speed on this slippery road made my car lean so hard that I had to stop. Surprisingly, the Trek CrossRip 2 put me down safely despite the poor road conditions.

Bontrager H5 Tires

For many cyclists, there is a consensus that vacuum tires are easier to maintain than tires with inner tubes. If you can understand the principle, you will also know that tubeless tires also have self-healing functions for some minor wounds. On this basis, the Trek CrossRip 2’s price of $1,359 is also relatively affordable.

At the same time, the 700x32c tubeless tires of the Trek CrossRip 2 are not very slippery, which means that it can be stable in any corner of the city. I can take it and walk on the edge of the river without putting myself in danger. Thanks to its very accommodating body, I could put the fenders on and run wild in the rain without embarrassing myself.

I have seen quite a few cyclists who are just getting started who do not know how to choose and choose a cheaper bike with inner tires. You may not see the difference when you ride a day, a week, or a month, but compared to those riders who have been riding for six months or even years, the difference between a tire with a tube and a tubeless tire is completely revealed.

From the looks of it, tires with inner bladders tend to have a lot of cuts and even have to stop during the ride because of the risk of being scratched by some sharp gravel.

As a cyclist, I choose a bike with tubeless tires every time I ride for more than a few days or if I need to ride in the wild for a long time. So if you’re like me and don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance, I think the Trek CrossRip 2’s Bontrager H5 tires can save that trouble.

Version Comparison of Trek CrossRip 2

The 2018 Trek CrossRip 2 and Trek CrossRip 3 build on the 2017 Trek CrossRip 1 with some upgrades.

I carefully compared the data and found that although the 2018 Trek CrossRip 2 has a consistent wheel size of 700x32c, in terms of the 700x28c tires of the Trek CrossRip 3, the thinner tires are a big benefit for the speed increase. Slim tires also mean less grip and increased instability on downhill terrain.

At the same time, the Trek CrossRip 2 and Trek CrossRip 3 have been upgraded to a certain extent in the power system. The powertrain of the Trek CrossRip 2 is 2×10, while the powertrain of the Trek CrossRip 3 is 2×11.

Compared to the 2017 Trek CrossRip 1, which is also a dual powertrain combination, this improvement is not very noticeable relative to the speed of urban commuting riding.

On the 2018 Trek CrossRip 3, we also saw it swap out the brakes for a more modern Shimano R785 hydraulic disc. Correspondingly, the prices of the Trek CrossRip 2 and Trek CrossRip 3 have both increased, with the Trek CrossRip 2 priced at $1,359 and the trek CrossRip 3 at $1,889.

In terms of overall performance and riding experience, I don’t think it can convince some consumers.

learn more: Trek CrossRip 1 Review-Is The Trek CrossRip 1 A Good Commuter Bike?

What Do We Like About It？

• The all-carbon brazed front fork is combined with a high-quality aluminum body, which absorbs shock absorption without increasing the burden on riding.

• Powertrain is upgraded by 2×10, and speed is more flexible.

• A sturdy commuter bike for city and outdoor travel.

• The simple design of built-in cable routing makes the maintenance cost of the bicycle low.

• Stable descending ability, easy to control direction and speed.

• Removable fenders and mounts, along with a Blendr-compatible stem, allow commuters to ride with ease without the burden of loading.

What We Don’t Like About It？

• The aluminum body is still slightly heavier than the sleek full carbon fiber body.

• Mechanical brakes add relative weight to the body and are a bit behind the trend of hydraulic discs.

• The color selection is monotonous, and users who prefer playful colors may mind the monotony of gray.

Specs

Frameset

Frame	200 Series Alpha Aluminum w/rack & fender mounts, internal cable routing, inboard disc brake mount
Fork	Carbon all-road disc, alloy steerer, lowrider mounts

Wheels

Front hub	Bontrager alloy sealed bearing
Rear hub	Bontrager sealed bearing, alloy axle
Rims	Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc, 32h
Tires	Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate, 700x32c

Drivetrain

Shifters	Shimano Tiagra, 10 speed
Front derailleur	Shimano Tiagra
Rear derailleur	Shimano Tiagra
Crank	Shimano Tiagra, 50/34 (compact)
Bottom bracket	Shimano, external cartridge bearing
Cassette	Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10 speed
Chain	KMC X10
Pedals	Wellgo nylon body w/alloy cage

Components

Saddle	Bontrager Evoke 1
Seatpost	Bontrager, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset
Handlebar	Bontrager RL IsoZone VR-CF, 31.8mm
Grips	Bontrager gel cork tape
Stem	Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, w/computer & light mounts
Headset	1-1/8” threadless, sealed cartridge bearings
Brakeset	TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc, Tektro alloy levers

Weight

Weight	56cm – 10.94 kg / 24.11 lbs
Weight limit	This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg).

Compared

BIKE	PRICE	GEAR	BRAKE	TIRE	CLICK VIEW
Trek CrossRip 3	＄1889	2×11	Shimano R785 hydraulic disc	700x32c	Click View
Kona Dew Deluxe	＄1099	1×11	Tektro HDM275 Hydraulic	650x47c	Click View
Trek District 4  Equipped	＄1749	1×11	Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc	700 x 50c	Click View
Schwinn Coston CE  Step-Thru Electric Bike	＄1599	1X7	JAK 7, mechanical disc	27.5 in x 2.6 in	Click View

2018 Trek CrossRip 3 vs 2018 Trek CrossRip 2

As an upgrade from the 2018 Trek CrossRip 2, the 2018 Trek CrossRip 3 has some powertrain improvements, but it’s not that great. For urban commuters, this speed option isn’t immediately obvious. There is no corresponding improvement in tire performance, which is also a 700x32c tire.

For urban commuting and outdoor riding, tires of this size are also very regular, with both the pleasure of riding and the powerful rolling force. To sum up, my price increase for the 2018 Trek CrossRip 3, for my heart, I prefer the 2018 Trek CrossRip 2.

learn more：Trek Crossrip Elite Review: Classic Without Being Outdated

Kona Dew Deluxe vs Trek CrossRip 2

As a competitor of the Trek CrossRip 2, the Kona Dew Deluxe does not bring too many surprises in terms of the transmission system. Even in the eyes of some novice, the dual-group transmission of the Trek CrossRip 2 is superior to the Kona Dew Deluxe. single-group transmission.

Although the Kona Dew Deluxe has more possibilities in the range of speed options. Compared to the Trek CrossRip 2’s 700x32c Gundam tires, the Kona Dew Deluxe’s ​​tires are a little undersized.

For harsher conditions outdoors, such as gravel or gravel roads, the smaller tires have more grip and provide more stable cushioning, but the Kona Dew Deluxe also struggles with urban commuting acceleration.

Learn more:Is Kona Dew Worth Buying? – [Kona Dew Review]

Trek District 4 Equipped vs  Trek CrossRip 2

The Trek District 4 Equipped has unusual 700x50c tires compared to the Trek CrossRip 2. This means that when you encounter some extreme weather or even special scenes, such as snow or sand, this will increase the contact area with the ground and make your ride more stable. However, these slightly bulky tires are not the choice of the public.

In terms of racing strength, 50c is smaller than 32c. For street scenes where modern people often ride, I think it is a step slower from acceleration. Of course, if you’re a traditional rider and need more confidence for stability downhill, the 50c tires will give you that confidence, but also give you a little more resistance uphill.

The Trek District 4 Equipped’s belt drive may be a little comfort to the noise-conscious crowd. Although in my pragmatist opinion, the Trek District 4 Equipped’s expensive belt drive doesn’t do much for outdoor riding. 

Trek District 4 Equipped Review – Super Cost-Effective High-End City Bike

Schwinn Coston vs  Trek CrossRip 2

When 29 inches gradually became the mainstream, 27.5 inches as the choice of mountain bike tires have more stable grip and more confidence when going downhill. So when it comes to mountain biking, the Schwinn Coston CE Step-Thru Electric Bike is definitely better than the Trek CrossRip 2, no doubt about it.

But it has to be said that if it is an all-rounder, the Trek CrossRip 2 can both accelerate on the road and adapt to most outdoor scenes, providing more possibilities for novices. 

Another point that I value more is the shock absorption effect. The Trek CrossRip 2 uses a full carbon brazed front fork that can absorb shocks better. And the Schwinn Coston CE Step-Thru Electric Bike has stiffer steel suspension.

Correspondingly, the steel suspension of the Schwinn Coston CE Step-Thru Electric Bike will put a strain on your muscles if you are riding on gravel roads for a long time.