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07-04-04, 09:58 PM
I picked up a 2002 Sirrus Pro yesterday. It looks and feels like a road bike but has flat bars. The complete specs are available at the Specialized web site:
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5696&JServSessionIdroot=e8ino1hm5h.j27003
A number of people have asked about the Sirrus, so I thought I'd share my admittedly limited experience.
My initial impressions are as follows:
1) Positioning - It is hard to categorize this model. It has really skinny tires (700 x 23) and a light, compact and very stiff frame with road geometry ("Hand made in Taiwan", la-de-dah). The components are of reasonably high quality and the bike weighs less than 20 pounds. Its lofty $1300 MSRP puts it out of the typical hybrid or recreational price range, yet the typical roadie would likely be turned off by the flat bar. The positioning is further confused by the wide disparity in prices between the lowest Sirrus for that year ($540) and this one. I think Specialized kind of goofed on this one - imagine if 2002 Toyota Corollas ranged in price from $15,000 to $35,000. There was no Sirrus Pro in 2003, which may indicate the model didn't sell well. The 2004 has fatter tires (700 x 28) and an MSRP of $1200, which is still no bargain but a small step towards normal hybrid territory. I don't see even the current Pro appealing to the average recreational rider.
2) Ride - I was thrilled with my first ride. The bike is so light and responsive, and the Ultegra rear derailleur so crisp, that I fell in love with it. My first real ride over the potholes of Central NJ has given me a better perspective. The ride is stiff even with the suspension seatpost and carbon fork. Of course, part of the stiffness is probably just me stressing out over the clipless pedals (my test ride was with regular pedals). However, this bike does not ride anything like a normal hybrid and comfort seekers can do better elsewhere.
3) Rider Position - More upright than a road bike, but nowhere near as upright as a recreational bike such as a Trek 3500, much less a comfort bike. The flat bar does indeed prove to be fatiguing because of the lack of alternative hand positions. I will see if bar end extensions can help not only to offer relief for my hands but also to let me stretch out a little on the straights. I tested a really nice Specialized Allez for perspective. I loved the feel of the Allez and the stretched out posture, but wasn't sure if it was ideal for riding in traffic or conversations with fellow riders. The Sirrus does permit better peripheral vision because of its more upright rider position.
4) Usage - The Sirrus Pro is a great fitness bike for reasonably athletic people (or old roadies who can no longer assume the position, as has been uncharitably suggested elsewhere). It is light, fast and responsive and has good components for occasional sprints. It can also be fitted with racks. However, my version with its skinny tires may not be the ideal touring bike. It is also not ideal for really long rides because of its somewhat upright riding position and utterly unsuitable for off-road use.
5) My Conclusion - It was the best equipped bike by far that I could find for $700, and a good all-round choice for my style of biking. If I find myself getting really serious about road cycling, I will buy another more traditional road bike. Until then, I will work on my fitness level and riding skill with a great deal of pride in this bike.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5696&JServSessionIdroot=e8ino1hm5h.j27003
A number of people have asked about the Sirrus, so I thought I'd share my admittedly limited experience.
My initial impressions are as follows:
1) Positioning - It is hard to categorize this model. It has really skinny tires (700 x 23) and a light, compact and very stiff frame with road geometry ("Hand made in Taiwan", la-de-dah). The components are of reasonably high quality and the bike weighs less than 20 pounds. Its lofty $1300 MSRP puts it out of the typical hybrid or recreational price range, yet the typical roadie would likely be turned off by the flat bar. The positioning is further confused by the wide disparity in prices between the lowest Sirrus for that year ($540) and this one. I think Specialized kind of goofed on this one - imagine if 2002 Toyota Corollas ranged in price from $15,000 to $35,000. There was no Sirrus Pro in 2003, which may indicate the model didn't sell well. The 2004 has fatter tires (700 x 28) and an MSRP of $1200, which is still no bargain but a small step towards normal hybrid territory. I don't see even the current Pro appealing to the average recreational rider.
2) Ride - I was thrilled with my first ride. The bike is so light and responsive, and the Ultegra rear derailleur so crisp, that I fell in love with it. My first real ride over the potholes of Central NJ has given me a better perspective. The ride is stiff even with the suspension seatpost and carbon fork. Of course, part of the stiffness is probably just me stressing out over the clipless pedals (my test ride was with regular pedals). However, this bike does not ride anything like a normal hybrid and comfort seekers can do better elsewhere.
3) Rider Position - More upright than a road bike, but nowhere near as upright as a recreational bike such as a Trek 3500, much less a comfort bike. The flat bar does indeed prove to be fatiguing because of the lack of alternative hand positions. I will see if bar end extensions can help not only to offer relief for my hands but also to let me stretch out a little on the straights. I tested a really nice Specialized Allez for perspective. I loved the feel of the Allez and the stretched out posture, but wasn't sure if it was ideal for riding in traffic or conversations with fellow riders. The Sirrus does permit better peripheral vision because of its more upright rider position.
4) Usage - The Sirrus Pro is a great fitness bike for reasonably athletic people (or old roadies who can no longer assume the position, as has been uncharitably suggested elsewhere). It is light, fast and responsive and has good components for occasional sprints. It can also be fitted with racks. However, my version with its skinny tires may not be the ideal touring bike. It is also not ideal for really long rides because of its somewhat upright riding position and utterly unsuitable for off-road use.
5) My Conclusion - It was the best equipped bike by far that I could find for $700, and a good all-round choice for my style of biking. If I find myself getting really serious about road cycling, I will buy another more traditional road bike. Until then, I will work on my fitness level and riding skill with a great deal of pride in this bike.