Road Cycling - flat bar ? - specialized vs cannondale

i am considering buying a flat bar bike. i have narrowed it down to the specialized sirrus pro or the cannondale road warrior 800. i am hoping to ride 2-3 times per week as an alternative means of fitness...too much running is hurting my back. the last bike i bought was 8 years ago and i am not too familiar with either of these brands.

if anyone has some advice regarding these two bikes (or another model) i would truly appreciate it.

Both are excellent choices and are equally spced. Test ride both and decide based on fit, LBS service, and price.

I was also looking at those bikes for the same reasons you were. You may also want to take a look at the LeMond Wayzata. I am trying to decide between it and the Bianchi Strada or Alfana.

Warren

I was also looking at those bikes for the same reasons you were. You may also want to take a look at the LeMond Wayzata. I am trying to decide between it and the Bianchi Strada or Alfana.


I was looking at the Cannondale Road Warrior 800 and the Bianchi Strada. I liked
both the look and feel of the steel Bianchi better, and also the lower gear ratios, but
the Strada has been a bit more flaky and fragile than I expected. With help from
the gurus here on this forum, I am finally getting better at the various adjustments
and repairs the Bianchi seems to require, but that's something to bear in mind.

i am considering buying a flat bar bike. i have narrowed it down to the specialized sirrus pro or the cannondale road warrior 800.

What did you choose in the end, and how have you found it? I'm am very interested in your experience, as am considering similar models at present.

A few points to watch for with this style of bike.
Tyre clearance: a general purpose, all-weather road bike should really have clearance for 32mm + fenders. You can always ride on 25mm, but the extra clearance gives you options for wnter riding, touring and commuting. Does the 'dale really have sufficient clearance to fit fenders. Does it take front fenders
Toe clip overlap: is there any interference between the toe clip and the wheel when you rotate the steering? Some bikes of this style do have overlap, which can cause problems for low-speed riding.
Im not sure that race gearing belongs on these bikes. A 52t big ring is probably too big unless you are immensly strong and ride big hills , fast.

Thanks for the advice, I will bear it in mind. To give you an idea of where I'm coming from, my previous bike (which was stolen) was a Trek 7100. I was OK for commuting, but it wasn't so good for recreational road use, expecially over longer distances. I was hoping to go for something a bit better, which would be snappier and suitable for longer distance road riding.

I finally settled on a Sirrus Sport today (2004 model, it was on sale). It felt great on a test ride, light and quick, and more comfortable than I expected. I didn't have any big hills on which to test it (London doesn't really have much in the way of hills), but had no trouble on the inclines, even with my current poor state of fitness (It's a 52/42/30 + 12-25). I'm looking forward to a longer ride tomorrow, weather permitting (it's gales and thunderstorms here at the moment).

don't forget the Marin ALP series.

I like the looks of the Marin bikes

Greetings:
I am also in the same situation. Besides the Bianchi Alfana, I have been considering the Marin Highway One , and the Fuji Royale. Both the Marin and the Bianchi have Carbon seatstays. All the weights are close, the Fuji costs less and easier the purchase in my area. I plan to ride 30 to 50 miles about three times a week. Is there an advantage, for my use in Carbon Seatstays. Does anyone have any opinions on these bikes.
Thanks

Greetings:
I am also in the same situation. Besides the Bianchi Alfana, I have been considering the Marin Highway One , and the Fuji Royale. Both the Marin and the Bianchi have Carbon seatstays. All the weights are close, the Fuji costs less and easier the purchase in my area. I plan to ride 30 to 50 miles about three times a week. Is there an advantage, for my use in Carbon Seatstays. Does anyone have any opinions on these bikes.
Thanks

Are you planning on commuting with this bike? If so, then the Marin is probably the best one, as it looks like it will fit fenders (v-brakes).

The Fuji is pretty different than the Biachi and Marin. The Fuji has a more hybrid frame, while the Bianchi and Marin are more like road bikes with flat bars. If you are looking at the road bike type, you might also consider the Jamis Coda Elite. Similar to these, but has steel frame and disc brakes. Instead of the Fuji, you might consider the Giant Cypress SL. Virtually identical setup to the Fuji, but probably $200 less.

Thing is, all of these bikes are excellent. I'd buy the one that rode the best. Ride them over bumps, cracks and generally over 10 minutes. One will rise to the top...

Thanks bsyptak
The bike will not be used for commuting; also rain is not a problem since I live in the Phx AZ area. What is of concern is weight and riding comfort (I am over 50 yrs, and have a neck injury). Weight and gearing is an issued because I am planning to ride some hilly areas.
Also, are carbon seatstays that important;, and as you mentioned the Fuji frame is a hybrid frame, are hybrid frames more comfortable and maneuverable.
The Fuji and Marion are more assessable in my area.
Thanks

I see the Marin ALP line was mentioned so I will kick in here. In my family I have both the Marin Mill Valley (ALP line) and the Specialized Sirrus Sport. Both bikes are the same size and I will say I much prefer the Marin...for one thing it is MUCH lighter and it is also speced with 9 spd Tiagra rather than 8 spd Sora. The Specialized is nice but the Marin is much better.

Thanks bsyptak
The bike will not be used for commuting; also rain is not a problem since I live in the Phx AZ area. What is of concern is weight and riding comfort (I am over 50 yrs, and have a neck injury). Weight and gearing is an issued because I am planning to ride some hilly areas.
Also, are carbon seatstays that important;, and as you mentioned the Fuji frame is a hybrid frame, are hybrid frames more comfortable and maneuverable.
The Fuji and Marion are more assessable in my area.
Thanks

Weight is inversely proportional to price! To get into road bike range (~ 20 lbs), it'll likely run you over $1000.

Hybrid bikes generally provide a more upright posture which might be good for your neck injury, but pretty much all bikes can be adjusted to a user's desired comfort. A road bike can be set up like a hybrid and vice versa.

Carbon seat stays will add comfort to the bike, but there are a number of other things you can do (all of which are much cheaper when you buy the bike (shops should swap parts and charge you any extra the new part is) vs after):

-suspension seatpost ($15-50). Neither have
-adjustable stem will allow you to adjust the handlebar height ($20-30). Bianchi has
-larger tires (if they fit. 28s are a good tradeoff of speed vs comfort). Marin has