Specialized Crosstrails are amazing bicycles. But there may still be room for improvement. The suspension fork, as good as it may be, might not be to everyone’s liking.
So wondering about Specialized Crosstrail fork upgrade? Here’s what you need to know.
Specialized Crosstrail fork can either be upgraded to a rigid fork or to a suspension fork. First, decide which fork you want. Then you have to remove the old fork from the bike along with the handlebar and other parts. Then install the fork and all the other parts that were removed.
Want to know more about which fork you should get and how to upgrade? We have a detailed guide on just that. Just follow us!
Upgrade to Rigid Fork Or Suspension Fork?
The first thing you need to decide is which kind of fork you want. Specialized Crosstrail hybrid bike review is really positive. Do you want to upgrade to a better suspension fork? Or do you want to swap to a rigid fork?
Let’s look into the advantages of both rigid forks and suspension forks. Hopefully, that will help you decide.
Should You Get a Rigid Fork?
Rigid forks come with a solid or rigid frame. But it has no suspension for any of the wheels.
Rigid forks consist of two solid metal supports. These metal supports lock the wheel in a singular position with no travel.
Now, what are the advantages of having a rigid fork?
Robust Build
Rigid forks are built to last. They have a robust build and can be used for a long period of time.
Source: www.tredz.co.uk
Rigid forks are strong enough to withstand high pressure without any damage.
Zero Maintenance
The robust build of rigid forks requires zero maintenance. This will save you time, money, and effort.
There might be cases where you will need to perform maintenance. But those are rare cases and usually required when facing severe problems.
No Extra Weight
Rigid forks are pretty lightweight. This is why adding them to your bicycle won’t add any extra weight.
The lighter bike will be easier to carry if needed. The ride will be smoother and steadier as well.
The Drawbacks of Rigid Fork
So we saw what the pros of getting a rigid fork are. Now let’s see the disadvantages of rigid forks.
Not Suitable For Tougher Terrains
The performance of bicycles with rigid forks is pretty bad. The rigid fork is not the best for going on adventures on tougher terrain.
Riding a bicycle with a rigid fork on tougher terrain will leave a bitter taste and an aching body.
Harder to Control
Bicycles with rigid forks may feel more difficult to control. You will experience it more while riding on tougher terrain.
The difficulty in controlling the bicycle may lead to unwanted accidents.
Should You Upgrade to Another Suspension Fork?
Suspension forks have suspensions built-in for one or both wheels of your bike. It is a hydraulic shock absorber. This is able to absorb different impacts on tougher terrain.
Many people go with a suspension fork while upgrading.
The benefits of using a suspension fork are-
Less Vibration
The suspension fork makes your ride as smooth as possible. You will not be experiencing much of a jiggle no matter how tough the terrain gets.
This will give you a really comfortable ride even in rough terrain.
Less Body Ache
The smooth and vibration-free ride will not be hurting your body. You’ll be going over the toughest of terrains. And you won’t be needing any painkillers afterward.
Front Tires’ Pressure Can be Set to Maximum
The front tire can have maximum pressure without any issue. The shock-absorbing nature of the suspension fork lets this be possible.
Having the tire pressure at maximum with a suspension fork won’t lead to frequent flat tires.
Great For Adventures
As we already mentioned, the suspension fork is suitable for riding on tough terrains. And these tough terrains are exactly what you go over in adventures.
Going on random adventures in mountains or anywhere is perfectly fine with suspension forks.
The Drawbacks of Suspension Fork
Using the Crosstail’s suspension fork, you have had to go through some hardships as well. Some you may have noticed, some you may have not. Let’s see what they were.
Extra Weight
You won’t feel much of a difference riding the bike. But when it is time to lift it up or carry it, you will notice the added weight.
The extra weight in some cases may affect the speed of your bike as well. Specialized crosstrail weight limit will not be affected.
Going Upwards Is Harder
The suspension fork is always absorbing energy while pedaling. You will get a feeling of the front portion of the bicycle going upwards and downwards. You’ll feel it due to your body’s movement and placement of weight in the front direction.
Climbing steep hills or just going upwards becomes difficult because of this. But if your suspension has a lockout knob, the problem can be tackled.
Expensive
The cost of upgrading to another suspension fork will be hefty. Suspension forks are not exactly budget-friendly.
Maintaining the suspension fork can also be pretty costly. This will add to the overall expense of how much is a specialized crosstrail.
The Upgrade
Now you know about the pros and cons of both rigid forks and suspension forks. Hopefully, that will help you to pick between the two.
Rigid fork is great if the Specialized Crosstrail will be your daily commuter. But if you plan on using the Crosstrail for adventures, stick to suspension forks.
On selecting the specific fork, be sure to keep in mind specialized crosstrail size, specifications, and if the fork is huge or not.
Removing the Old Fork
With the fork decided, it is now time to begin the upgrading process. But to install the new fork we must first remove the old one.
Fitting your bike to work, a PFCC Block Fork Mount will make everything a lot easier. You don’t need to worry about making the bike stand still then.
If you do not have one, get someone to help you with holding the bike. Begin by taking off the front wheel.
Then take your front axle or quick release out of the bike. Then remove the brake caliper and the cable routing off the fork. Next release the cable guide by removing the screws holding it.
Now we move up to the stem. Loosen the stem clamp bolts but don’t remove the top cap immediately. That might make the fork slide off to the ground.
After removing the clamps, slowly undo the top cap while holding the fork. While holding the fork, slide the stem off the steerer tube. Now remove the spacer, the compression ring, the washer, and everything else.
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Now slowly slide off the fork itself. And with that, the fork has been uninstalled. While the fork is off the bike, be sure to clean everything.
Installing the Fork
Now we start installing the new fork and everything else we removed. First, ensure that the crown rest is in place. Most forks come with it already in place. But if it is not there go to your local bike shop and have them press it in place.
Before inserting the fork, make sure the angled section is on the top. Then insert the fork through the frame. Then put the top bearing on the top.
The top bearing and the frame have angled sections that need to match. The angled bearing in this case will be pointing down. Put everything in place before placing the top of the headset.
You can place some spacer on the fork before putting it on the stem. Then put on the stem and a few spacers if you want. Then finally put on the headset cap in place and tighten the bolts.
Next, get your handlebar and put it in place. Make sure it is centered at the right level. Then bolt in the handlebar.
Proper installation is very important or else you might have the leaking oil of fork. And with the installation done, you have upgraded the fork of your Specialized Crosstrail.
FAQs
What Is The Specialized Crosstrail Fork?
The Specialized Crosstrail bike has SR Suntour forks on the front of every model. It even has custom Multi-Circuit Damping. It gives a supple ride and greater control. The fork of the bike has either 55mm or 60mm travel. Specialized Fitness Brain technology is infused in the top 4 models of the forks.
What Update Did The Specialized Crosstrail Fork Get in 2020?
In 2020, Specialized has slimmed down the range of bikes as an update. The carbon fiber framed models are no longer available. The other bikes have remained mostly unaltered but have received some spec changes. All bikes apart from the Crosstrail Mechanical Disc now have a Fitness Brain fork.
What Type of Bike Is a Specialized Crosstrail?
The Specialized Crosstrail is a versatile hybrid bike. Because it is designed for offering a comfortable, efficient ride on every terrain. Hybrid bikes give the best of both road bikes and mountain bikes. Hybrid bikes are ideal for casual rides and short-distance commuting.
Conclusion
And that is all on specialized crosstrail fork upgrades. Before upgrading you have to decide which kind of fork you want. A rigid fork or a suspension fork.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you for staying with us till the end!
