Hybrid Bicycles - Specialized Sirrus vs Trek 7.2 FX

Hi everyone. I've been biking with my so-called full suspension bike that I bought from Costco four years ago. Recently I've involved more in biking and found that my bike was too heavy and it's about to break(had to replace both brakes pads, new wiring for one of them and replace the stem). So I wanted a new bike. I went to the LBS and have tried several bikes. Since I was gonna do 90% of my commute and fitness riding on pavement, and the rest is taking grass or gravel short-cuts, I think a performance hybrid would fit perfectly(road bikes are no good for my injured lower back).

I have tried the Jamis Coda Sport, Jamis Allegro 2, Trek 7.1FX, Trek 7.2FX, and the Specialized Sirrus Elite.

I was aiming for a bike that costs around or below $500, so only the entry-level bikes from these manufacturers will fit in the range.

The Allegro 2 feels pretty good but since Allegro 2 is about $600, it is out of range, and Allegro 1 is too much of a downgrade since it's got the grip shifter and everything. the Coda is a bit too expansive too.

I've tried the Sirrus Elite only because they don't have a normal Sirrus build up that fits my size, the sirrus elite feels excellent but since it's got the carbon fiber fork and the rear support, i'm not sure if the sirrus would feel the same.

Both the Trek 7.1FX and 7.2FX is very road bike feeling. I can feel all the bumps on the road and the handling is very agile. Since the LBS offers the 7.2FX for $499, I think it's a good deal too.

So everything gets down to two options, the sirrus is $479 and the Trek 7.2 is $499.

I was wondering if you experts can give me any suggestions? Maybe in terms of the parts or maybe personal experience?

The 2008 and 2009 Jamis Allegro 2x are still available in closeout from Bicycle Bananas for $495.99 and $529.99 delivered, respectively. And I believe they have one 19.5" 2009 Jamis Coda Sport left for $495.99 delivered.

http://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2009_Jamis_Coda_Sport_p/ja09_codasport.htm

And, while those Jamis' are a very good buy, and value, don't forget Giant - They also offer a lot of bike for the money........ That Bicycle Bananas is good value, as the "older" models genetrally have better componentry.

Check even more LBS's around you. Someone else on this site landed a 2010 7.3 FX for $479 and I've seen the 2011 7.2 available for the same price in my area (Philly). Either of these bikes are a good investment for under $500. Like you mentioned above with your 7.2 fx test ride, they are very agile and give great feedback from the road.

I was in a very similar situation to you this past spring. My bike choices came down to a 2010 Trek 7.2 FX and the 2010 Specialized Sirrus. They were both at the same bike shop so that didn't make a difference. I loved both bikes and would have been happy with either one. They were both comfortable and fast. I ended up choosing the Trek. I think the two things that swung my personal decision were that I liked the Alivio RD better than the Altus (I just felt like it was a little smoother) and coming from a mountain bike I was a little more comfortable with the 35mm tires vs. the 32 mm tires.

The 2008 and 2009 Jamis Allegro 2x are still available in closeout from Bicycle Bananas for $495.99 and $529.99 delivered, respectively. And I believe they have one 19.5" 2009 Jamis Coda Sport left for $495.99 delivered.

http://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2009_Jamis_Coda_Sport_p/ja09_codasport.htm

thank you for the link

Check even more LBS's around you. Someone else on this site landed a 2010 7.3 FX for $479 and I've seen the 2011 7.2 available for the same price in my area (Philly). Either of these bikes are a good investment for under $500. Like you mentioned above with your 7.2 fx test ride, they are very agile and give great feedback from the road.

those prices will be extremely difficult to achieve, none of the LBS offers more discount on their new bikes and since i live in a rather small city, not a lot of LBSs either. I may have to go check out LBS in other cities, thanks for the advice though.

I was a little more comfortable with the 35mm tires vs. the 32 mm tires.

ditto. go for the 7.2 fx.

I was in a very similar situation to you this past spring. My bike choices came down to a 2010 Trek 7.2 FX and the 2010 Specialized Sirrus. They were both at the same bike shop so that didn't make a difference. I loved both bikes and would have been happy with either one. They were both comfortable and fast. I ended up choosing the Trek. I think the two things that swung my personal decision were that I liked the Alivio RD better than the Altus (I just felt like it was a little smoother) and coming from a mountain bike I was a little more comfortable with the 35mm tires vs. the 32 mm tires.

thanks for the advise, it's very useful

I have the Sirrus Sport, now called the Elite, and love it. Very smooth and comfortable ride. I recently changed wheels and tires which made a great difference in its performance but even completely stock it is a great bike. My friend has the Trek 7.2 and after riding mine he wishes he would have bought the Sirrus. Now bikes are all personal preference so I'm just giving you my opinion and perception of my bike, and I think its great. Good Luck!