User blog comment:Jimeee/Skryim DLC Details Leaked in 1.5.26 Update Files - The Snow Prince!?/@comment-4947435-20120427225356/@comment-4486005-20120428012532

Crossbows realisticly take 2-5 longer to reload than a bow, which is why you cant make realistic animation at the same attack speed as a bow. They will definitely be used for something else.