Commuting - New Bike: Specialized vs. Trek

In a month's time I'll be purchasing a new bike, relegating my Trek 800 Sport to 'beater/buddy bike' status. At this point there are four bikes in contention, two Treks and two Specialized models. I'd be interested in reading any first-hand experiences with these.

*Specialized Sirrus Sport Disc - http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5996&JServSessionIdroot=h68e25hb7e.j27010 -- I've test-rode this model, and it's de-lovely.

*Trek 7500 FX - http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/7500fx.jsp -- Haven't rode one yet, but will be doing so next week (LBS has to transfer one my size from another location). All the reviews I've read on this bike say it's terrific.

*Specialized Sequoia - http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6001&JServSessionIdroot=a7bwfnhkgm.j27008 -- Rode this one, and damned if it isn't as comfy as the Sirrus! I was hoping it would finally talk me out of wanting a road bike, but nooooooo.

*Trek 1000C - http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1000c.jsp -- Haven't rode one yet but will do so when I go in to test the 7500 FX. I want to try this one simply because it's similar to the Sequoia and because, apparently, I like to complicate matters for myself.

The flat-bar bikes (I wouldn't call the Sirrus a 'hybrid', really) are probably the best choice for the riding I do (commuting and neighborhood rolls) because of the more upright position and the placement of a mirror, but I don't feel I should entirely close my mind to those relaxed-geometry roadsters. Any insights will make fun and frustrating reading, I'm sure. Thanks!

No first-hand experience with the above, but wondering if you also considered the Fuji Silhouette.

I have a Sirrus Elite, and I LOVE it to bits. It's a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Two notable differences:

- the Sport has disc brakes. To be honest, I don't feel this is necessary on anything but serious mtbs. Since they also add extra weight unnecessarily, it might be worth considering whether you really need them.
- The Elite has a carbon fork. I think that's why for me the ride is so nice. It's a big plus factor for the Elite, IMHO.

It might be worth giving the Elite a try as well.

Good luck with your choice!

No first-hand experience with the above, but wondering if you also considered the Fuji Silhouette.

Aw dammit! :cry:


Thanks a lot! :p

I have a Sirrus Elite, and I LOVE it to bits. It's a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Two notable differences:

- the Sport has disc brakes. To be honest, I don't feel this is necessary on anything but serious mtbs. Since they also add extra weight unnecessarily, it might be worth considering whether you really need them.
- The Elite has a carbon fork. I think that's why for me the ride is so nice. It's a big plus factor for the Elite, IMHO.

It might be worth giving the Elite a try as well.

Good luck with your choice!

Thanks much! I thought the disc brakes might be useful in the wet, but I also realize it's a pretty transparent feature. Food for thought.

Thanks much! I thought the disc brakes might be useful in the wet, but I also realize it's a pretty transparent feature. Food for thought.

Actually, they are very useful in the wet. And I see you are in Portland which is a fairly rainy area. I ride a Novara Big Buzz which is very similar to the Trek and Specialized bikes you're looking at. I am very happy to have disc brakes ( mine are Avids ) in rainy and hilly Seattle.

Update: the Trek 7500FX won out. Had it dressed in full commuting kit and picked it up last night. Rode the commute today and found it to be a very nice ride. A couple minor quibbles: the grips are nothing to write home about but I'm having 'em replaced with BG grips anyway. And those damned spoke reflectors are cheap and ill-fitted rubbish. Those are gone too.

Thanks for everyone's opinion!

-Rob