Carrera Crossfire 2 review
The Carrera Crossfire 2 is a good option for those commuting on roads and bridleways
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The Carrera Crossfire 2 is a good value hybrid bike that is equally at home when on or off road. Most of the components offer good performance for the price, and the pannier and mudguard mounts mean you can turn this into the perfect year-round commuter. However, there are certainly better looking bikes out there, and the lack of lockout on the fork means it can be a little sluggish on the road.
-
+
Comfortable ride
-
+
Good components
-
+
Decent value
-
+
Good for on and off road riding
-
+
Mudguard and pannier mounts
-
+
Available in men's and women's versions
-
-
Not much of a looker
-
-
Suspension fork dulls the ride on-road
-
-
Disc brakes can be very squeaky
Why you can trust Cycling Weekly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If you're after a solid all-round hybrid bike for commuting to and from work both on and off tarmac, then the Carrera Crossfire 2 is a great option.
As you'd expect from a 400-odd quid hybrid bike, the frame and fork are both aluminium, with a very relaxed geometry to allow you to ride in a comfortable upright position, reducing pressure on your lower back and neck. This means that the Carrera Crossfire 2 is far from the fastest hybrid bike around, but should be a good choice if you have any history of back trouble, and if you're organised enough to leave the house on time each morning, not needing to rush to make it into work.
Although the frame is practical, it isn't the most aesthetically pleasing bike out there. Of course for the price you can't expect sleek carbon curves, but you may well want something a bit more flashy than the grey and green paintjob, with no other colour options available. All of the gear cables are also run externally, which not only spoils the look of the bike, but also leaves them exposed to the elements.
>>> Buyer's guide to hybrid bikes
As a hybrid bike that is designed to be ridden on and off road, the Carrera Crossfire 2 comes with a Suntour NVX fork to provide front suspension. This gives 75mm of travel for a much more comfortable ride when taking on any roots and rivets that litter your local bridleway, while there is also a pre-load adjuster, which means that you can adjust the stiffness of the fork for a harder ride when riding on smooth tarmac.
However, it would be good to have the option to completely lockout the suspension, letting you turn the Carrera Crossfire 2 into a non-suspension bike when your ride isn't going to include any off-road sections.
>>> 15 top tips for commuting to work by bike
The other components on the Carrera Crossfire 2 are exactly what you'd expect to find on a sub-£500 hybrid bike. The gearing is all from Shimano, with Altus shifters and rear derailleur, and a Tourney front derailleur. Perhaps you could have asked for an Altus front derailleur too, but to be honest the Tourney does a good enough job.
The mechanical Tektro disc brakes offer a decent level of stopping power in both dry and wet conditions although it's maybe best not to test the Carrera Crossfire 2's off-road credentials with a section of steep and technical single track. However for normal riding and commuting they do a good enough job, even if they tend to squeal when riding on wet and muddy roads and bridleways. But at least that means that pedestrians will always know when you're coming.
>>> Five tips for safe commuting (video)
The Kenda K935 tyres on the Carrera Crossfire do a good job of complementing the Tektro brakes, offering decent grip off-road until things start to get really slick and muddy. On road they are a little on the sluggish side, but do at least offer good puncture protection, so you shouldn't end up late for work with dirty, greasy hands after having to mess around with tyre levers and a mini pump.
The Carrera Crossfire 2 comes with all the mounts you'll need to turn it into the ultimate year-round commuter bike. That means mudguard mounts to keep you dry when riding on wet roads, and pannier rack mounts so you can carry everything around without the need to wear a rucksack. Unfortunately, these aren't supplied with the bike, so you'll have to buy them seperately, but at least the option is still there if you want it.
Visit the Halford website (opens in new tab) for more details.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Analysis: How Mathieu van der Poel won Milan-San Remo
After another exhilarating finish to Milan-San Remo, it’s time to look back at the day and the key tactical moments that defined it
By CyclingMole aka David Hunter • Published
-
Saved by a doping test: The pro rider treated for cancer after abnormal blood result
When his team doctor called about an abnormal test result, Torstein Træen could not believe what was happening – but it would turn out to be a potentially life-saving red flag
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
'No regrets' for Tadej Pogačar after falling short of Milan-San Remo podium
UAE Team Emirates rider says the best man won on the Via Roma
By Tom Davidson • Published