Commuting - Fuji Silhouette vs. Specialized Sirrus — Help

I’m getting back into riding after a long absence and think a hybrid would be the best choice. I’ve been trying to narrow down the choices — I’ve already searched through all the forums to read comments about the bikes I’ve been considering — and think it’s coming down to the Fuji Silhouette and the Specialized Sirrus (possibly the basic version, or the Elite although it’s more than I wanted to spend).

I’ve read numerous comments about the Specialized but haven’t seen much about the Fuji. Any opinions about that particular bike? Likes/dislikes? Quality of components? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve ridden both bikes (briefly) but still am having a hard time making a decision.

Thanks.

I tend to think of both those bikes more like flatbar road-comfort/sport bikes than hybrids. There's a subtle difference in geometry between the two types of bikes. I've also ridden both bikes. Of the two, I would pick the Silhouette over the basic Sirrus but I would pick the Sirrus Elite over the Silhouette due to the carbon fork on the Sirrus Elite. The Fuji Absolute actually is closer in spec to the basic Sirrus. Fuji doesn't really have a match for the Sirrus Elite. The Fuji Royale competes closer to the Sirrus Elite in frame and fork but it's a lot more expensive and includes an Ultegra group which overall puts it at the level of the Sirrus Pro.

I’m getting back into riding after a long absence and think a hybrid would be the best choice. I’ve been trying to narrow down the choices — I’ve already searched through all the forums to read comments about the bikes I’ve been considering — and think it’s coming down to the Fuji Silhouette and the Specialized Sirrus (possibly the basic version, or the Elite although it’s more than I wanted to spend).

I’ve read numerous comments about the Specialized but haven’t seen much about the Fuji. Any opinions about that particular bike? Likes/dislikes? Quality of components? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve ridden both bikes (briefly) but still am having a hard time making a decision.

Thanks.


I have a Fuji Absolute and I really like it. It has the same frame as the Silhouette but with 8 sp.componets. One reason I bought it is it has 135mm drop outs so I can tow my BOB trailer. Specialized makes great bikes but they are overated and over priced imo. I have about 200 mi. on mine with no probs. the only thing added was bar ends and a comp. I would go with what fits best and for me it was the Fuji.
Ride safe
Pat

I have a Fuji Absolute and I really like it.
Pat

I also recently got an Absolute, which is one price-step below the silhouette. It had the best "fit" of the models I tried, for a good price. Similar bikes I considered were the Novara Buzz (grip shifters, 1 chainring, disk brakes, stylish) and Felt SR91 - both much more expensive. I started out leaning toward the Buzz, but in the end I got the Absolute, not so much because of price, but because it felt the most natural. My past bikes were all bmx and mountain bikes, so the long geometry is what I'm used to.

bkr

I tend to think of both those bikes more like flatbar road-comfort/sport bikes than hybrids. There's a subtle difference in geometry between the two types of bikes. I've also ridden both bikes. Of the two, I would pick the Silhouette over the basic Sirrus but I would pick the Sirrus Elite over the Silhouette due to the carbon fork on the Sirrus Elite. The Fuji Absolute actually is closer in spec to the basic Sirrus. Fuji doesn't really have a match for the Sirrus Elite. The Fuji Royale competes closer to the Sirrus Elite in frame and fork but it's a lot more expensive and includes an Ultegra group which overall puts it at the level of the Sirrus Pro.


Thanks for the comments. Obviously one of the decisions involved — besides comfort/quality — is price.

The Fuji Silhouette runs about $600 here, while the Sirrus Elite is going for $749. The basic Sirrus is, if I remember correctly, around $450. In my brief test, they all ride well and were comfortable; my original message was aimed at trying to help me make the best buying decision, since people on this list seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge.

Plan to head back to the LBS today and give them both another ride.

Plan to head back to the LBS today and give them both another ride.

I rode mine on three consecutive days before buying it. The more the better. :D

bkr

I just bought a Sirrus Elite, went for my first real ride today - sweeet!

Although I have never ridden the Fuji, there seem to be a few points to consider:

Sirrus Elite has the carbon fork. Because the aluminium frame gives a stiffer ride than steel, the carbon fork counters it quite nicely, so I still get a comfortable ride. I think something like this is an important thing to consider in Alu bikes, because for long rides they can start to feel a bit jarring.

The Fuji does not have any braze-ons (those nobby bits between the seatpost and the rear brakes). If you ever want to slap a pannier rack on the back, the Fuji won't allow this. Just a minor point, but I thought I'd mention it.

I don't know how you feel about straight handlebars, but personally I can't stand them when they're TOO straight. I liked the Sirrus because the handlebars had a bit of a curve to them. Plus the headset is tiltable to different positions.

Aside from that, I've just looked at the Fuji bikes, and they also look pretty nice. I'm sure once you give them both a good workout you'll know which one feels best for you. Good luck!

The Fuji does not have any braze-ons (those nobby bits between the seatpost and the rear brakes). If you ever want to slap a pannier rack on the back, the Fuji won't allow this. Just a minor point, but I thought I'd mention it.

Mine has tapped holes in the frame tubes between the seat post and the rear brakes - are you talking about something different?

bkr

Mine has tapped holes in the frame tubes between the seat post and the rear brakes - are you talking about something different?bkr

I stand corrected. I guess they're just difficult to see from the pic on the website. :o

One of the downsides of the Sirrus, according to a LBS, is the suspension seat. A plus is the carbon fork. The Fuji, again according to the LBS, could pretty much hold its own as a road bike (although that’s not a big plus as far as a buying decision). Components seem about the same (Shimano Tiagra and Deore on the Sirrus, Tiagra and Sora on the Fuji). Specialized seems to have a bigger dealer network, again which might not be that big of a factor.

The Fuji shop offered to swap out the seat for a Trek (more comfortable) and the pedals, putting in a set that are clipless and non-clipless.

Hoping to make a decision this week but am leaning toward the Silhouette. Anyone have any additional comments, recommendations.

Thanks.

One of the downsides of the Sirrus, according to a LBS, is the suspension seat. A plus is the carbon fork.

I've never been a big fan of suspension seatposts either. Many shops will allow you to do some component substitution if they're fairly trivial. A seatpost is not hard to swap out. Ask the shop how much credit they will give you for the supension post towards the Specialized Pave carbon fibre seatpost. Now that's the post they should have spec'ed in the first place.

One of the downsides of the Sirrus, according to a LBS, is the suspension seat. A plus is the carbon fork.

A component or two can always be changed at the time of sale or later. The last thing I'd worry about is a seat.

bkr