2021 Crossroads 2.0 Step-Through

I grew up bicycling, then BMX, then Mountain Biking, After taking a break for years from cycling I wanted a comfortable bike that I could ride in the city and on some light trails. An important consideration was that I wanted to be comfortable and in a more upright riding position. This bike rides and feels like a it was engineered to perfection for my requirements. I purchased the Crossroads 2.0. / Marine Blue / Large. The color looks nicer in person and is more Blue then on the website. I am a bit of a perfectionist and did a bunch of online research and in person test rides narrowing it down to the Crossroads 2.0 & the Trek Verge 2. On paper the Spec's and pricing are similar. However, when you actually get on the bikes and ride them there is no comparison. The Crossroads is a purpose built machine, take a close look at the frame, the head tube, the fork stem and bars all designed to place the rider in the perfect riding position for the right amount of comfort, control and handling. The bike just brings a smile to your face when you start pedaling and the bike feels fast for what it is. In comparison, Trek Verge looks like they took regular bike frame and put a tall fork on it and an extra tall adjustable stem. This achieves the goal of getting the bars up high and the rider into a very upright riding position. However, the price for this jerry rigged engineering is poor handling an a cramped rider compartment which make it difficult to get out of the saddle and pedal which I enjoy doing especially on a climb. I was looking looking for that perfect bike that combined larger faster 700c wheels, confident handling of a Mountain Bike and an upright comfortable riding position. I am 100% confident in my decision in purchasing this bike and very Happy to be Back in the Saddle Again!