Hybrid Bicycles - Waiting on my new Sirrus Expert!

Just pulled the trigger on a new '11 model. LBS gave me a good discount.
He says it will be in on Thursday.
Anyone know why the '11 MSR is $200 less than than '10 model?
I also looked at Trek FX, but Specialized won me over.
The new model uses a double crank. Should be a lot lighter and livelier than my
Trek 7500, which I am giving to my son.

The Apex group is less expensive than the group spec'd on the 2010 Expert. Otherwise, they appear near identical. Also, the Sirrus Pro is taking the most expensive spot for 2011. Enjoy your ride.

Congrats, ENJOY!!! The Mrs. and I are getting new bikes this week too BUT, we gota wait for the "SNOW" to melt to ride them RATS! :(

When I bought the Trek 7.3 FX the bike shop would not let me test ride it in the snow. lol.

Enjoy the new bike/s.

I think you've made an excellent choice, but then I would:D ... I have the '10 Sirrus Comp: identical frame/fork construction (geometry has changed a little); it's a great frame.
You are fortunate in the U.S. ... this frame is no longer available in Canada. One has to go up to the Sirrus Pro (which is in fact simply a 2011 Roubaix SL2 frame with flat bars stuck on it), but that version seems to me to move too far away from the 'Sirrus tradition' of combining speed with comfort and utility.

Thanks for the replies. I was amazed at how light the new Sirrus Pro (carbon) is. But it is beyond my budget. So, Expert it is. Should be in tomorrow. Lucky for me
I live in year-round cycling weather...no snow here, except way up on the mountains.

You're going to love it! I picked mine up a few months ago. I've made a few changes to it, but stock it rode like a dream. Enjoy! Post pics when you can.

Yep, I'm waiting for the pics too!

Mikey

J
Anyone know why the '11 MSR is $200 less than than '10 model?

For some reason certain bike makers (at least the big names) tend to pare down on the parts each year. Car makers tend to add on each year, bike makers take a little away.

My 2010 Secteur Elite Compact is also $200 less this year. It also had 105 last year and Tiagra this year. Probably Sora next year.

For some reason certain bike makers (at least the big names) tend to pare down on the parts each year. Car makers tend to add on each year, bike makers take a little away.

My 2010 Secteur Elite Compact is also $200 less this year. It also had 105 last year and Tiagra this year. Probably Sora next year.

Incorrect, at least re. these examples. The 2011 Secteur Elite Apex is this year's equivalent, // Sirrus Expert which also went from 105 last year to Apex this year. The Apex group is less expensive than 105, with which it competes, and ... according to some reports ... lighter.

Well I got home with it just at sunset. So my first ride ended with me in the dark. Just a 10 minute ride. I can see and feel where the money went. This is from coming off of a Trek 7500. So light and fast! The seat and bars are pretty comfy too, and allow variation in wrist positioning.
...I went out again for 20 minutes this morning just after sunrise. Not much time, because I have to go to work. I'll take some pics tomorrow. I'm totally stoked.
I'm still getting used to the snap-in cleats. This is new to me, so I'm being extra careful, don't want any "tipovers". I know about that from motorcycling.
It's a good time to be alive and healthy! I'm 58 and feel great!

Beautiful weather in SoCal this weekend, hope you find some time to get out there on it this weekend.

I'm taking my Sirrus out again this afternoon to take advantage of 70-degree weather in mid-January. I was supposed to rest yesterday, but the weather was too good to pass up so I went on a nice leisurely ride to watch the sunset.

Well I got home with it just at sunset. So my first ride ended with me in the dark. Just a 10 minute ride. I can see and feel where the money went. This is from coming off of a Trek 7500. So light and fast! The seat and bars are pretty comfy too, and allow variation in wrist positioning.
...I went out again for 20 minutes this morning just after sunrise. Not much time, because I have to go to work. I'll take some pics tomorrow. I'm totally stoked.
I'm still getting used to the snap-in cleats. This is new to me, so I'm being extra careful, don't want any "tipovers". I know about that from motorcycling.
It's a good time to be alive and healthy! I'm 58 and feel great!

Yes -- pics please, especially for those (like me) stuck up here in the north/east (SW Ontario) blanketed in snow!!

I'm not surprised at/by your initial reaction ... was mine as well (2010 Sirrus Comp) last year. I'll just say this: the more you ride it, the more you'll find that initial response is confirmed. I'm now 59 (60 next September), and have pretty serious problems with osteoarthritis (hands, shoulders, and especially spine). The Sirrus was the result of 9 or so years of experimentation trying to find the right "road" bike for me (until last summer I'd stayed with a very light 'roadified' hardtail mtb) -- and believe me, fwiw I've tried everything (fortunately I have a very good LBS, which puts up with me:D).

I have had no (nada, none) problems riding the Sirrus (stock tires and gearing to this point) ... over 6000kms over the last year on paved/sometimes bad/dirt roads. I'm planning some upgrades this spring (tires definitely, and toying with the idea of switching to a SRAM Apex group), but these are discretionary, and not required for my needs -- I know I'm keeping the bike, so why not buy it some presents!

Yes -- pics please, especially for those (like me) stuck up here in the north/east (SW Ontario) blanketed in snow!!!

Sounds like you are just across the lake from me. Did you get some studded snows yet?

Mine just arrived... gonna mount them today, and go for a ride in the fresh snow that fell overnight! :eek:

Okay back on track... waiting for those pics of that Sirrus!!! Did you check out that carbon Sirrus yet?

Mikey

Sounds like you are just across the lake from me. Did you get some studded snows yet?

Mine just arrived... gonna mount them today, and go for a ride in the fresh snow that fell overnight! :eek:

Okay back on track... waiting for those pics of that Sirrus!!! Did you check out that carbon Sirrus yet?

Mikey

Not going to happen (snow/ice riding) for this old(er) b___er, I'm afraid! I start as early in the year as I can (Feb/March, whenever the snow/ice is definitely cleared off), and go as late as I can (here [London, Ontario]) ususally end of November or early December (sometimes to/past Christmas). Otherwise, trainer for me!

Carbon Sirrus Pro is lovely, but it's not for me; I like the slightly more 'relaxed' geometry of the one I have, and its ability to take wider tires, and I've found (so far) that the frame (carbon fork/seatstays) is more than smooth/comfortable/light enough. I see the attraction, though!

Ah, London. I thought you might be in Windsor.

I've been balking at snowriding for a few years now, ever since I hit some ice and hurt my back. But I'll give it a try with these snows!

I've had wider tires on my Sirrus and it really improves the ride, especially on gravel.

But I've always had this fascination with carbon, and I guess I'll just have to get it out of my system, so that I can compare the various materials objectively!

Mikey

P.S. My Sirrus has the carbon fork/seat stays too, and it's a wonderfully light bike!!!

Not meaning to hijack :innocent:, but since there appears to be a few people familiar with the Sirrus line, what are y'alls opinions on the Sirrus Sport (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52890&scid=1002&scname=Transport/Fitness)? Or for that matter, the Sirrus in general?

And I'm waiting for the OP to post some pics :)

Love the Sirrus Expert... I'm in no hurry to even consider anything else right now. I've been on Cannondales and Treks, and a few Meridas and I wont EVER go back.

Here's what it looks like:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/Steeltoe/SirrusExpert007.jpg?t=1295311037

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/Steeltoe/SirrusExpert006.jpg?t=1295311037

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/Steeltoe/SirrusExpert010.jpg?t=1295311037

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/Steeltoe/SirrusExpert012.jpg?t=1295311037

My LBS has one in a small frame. I am an XL frame sort of guy, so trying his out won't happen. Looks like a great bike!

@Buddy,
Great bike!
Only one comment: after/at your first tune-up, lose the dork disk:D
(The spoke reflectors are a bit iffy too, but we'll let that pass for the moment!)

I'm pondering whether to lose the dork disk or not. At least I don't have a dweeb stand.
It weighs in at 23.4 lbs, large size frame. How much would I lose by chuckin the disk?

I'm pondering whether to lose the dork disk or not. At least I don't have a dweeb stand.
It weighs in at 23.4 lbs, large size frame. How much would I lose by chuckin the disk?

Nothing worth mentioning -- it's an image thing -- some of us are just slaves to the mindless god of fashion! Although ... I will mention I don't like 'em in part because they always seem to be dirt traps, but that's just me.

Seriously again, niiiice bike.
If you do at some point want to dump weight, your '11 Expert like my '10 Comp is carrying two obvious boat anchors: that carbon-wrapped seatpost and (especially) the stock wheels. The crankset on mine is also pretty heavy, but your Apex drivetrain, not so much.

Further ride reports? How are you getting on with it?

curious about ride reports also!

BTW, getting the disk off was super easy on mine, didn't even need to remove the cassette. just twist against the plastic disk locks and cut off with anything reasonably sharp. I concur with weight management as well. I have the same year and model and have swapped out a ton of parts. I'm not really a weight weenie, I just love the look of carbon fiber. So I swapped the stem, bars, bar-endz, risers, stem cap, seatpost, cranks, pedals, and have a new saddle on the way. I would love to swap the wheels, but now just isn't the time. When my saddle comes in (if you don't mind) I'll post some pics so you can get some ideas.

So far, I've only had time for 2 brief rides, and one medium (16 miles and flat) bike path ride. I plan on riding this saturday on a long uphill (Sepulveda Pass, locals know this) ride, which is maybe 4 miles all uphill, the last part being the steepest. From the summit, I can either head (fly!) back down into the valley where I live, or continue on to the beach. I'm also waiting on my helmet which should arrive tomorrow...got it online. I've decided my head has value!!
My initial impressions are: wow! light and fast. Gets up to speed easily and maintains it much easier than my previous bike (Trek 7500). The flat bars are easy to get used to, and I find myself settling in on the bar end grips when I'm steady in one gear. Otherwise, I'm gripping the flat bar.
I've thrown the chain twice, but I think it may be my fault...shifting from the large front gear to the small one while the rear is at the second biggest gear. I just pulled over and reversed the chain back on. Or is something wrong?? I'm no expert.
At any rate, I'm loving my Sirrus.
When I was a kid, my older brother was a competitive racer, and in fact he won the MI Jr State Championship, in both road and track, when he was 15. This was in 1963. So I am used to being around great bikes. He had four in total: 2 road bikes...Frejus and Avanti, and two track bikes...Carlton and Schwinn Paramount. The tires were sew-ups, and the helmets were rather rubber-ish.
I remember attending various bicycle races, and believe me, this was WAY BEFORE cycling was massively popular like now. It was a real cult sport.
I took his Paramount out once without him knowing. It was way too big for me (I was about 10 or 11), but I was a thrillseeker of sorts. I remember you had to
slow down gradually, with no brakes, fixed gear and all. I'm a little surprised to see all the "fixie" bikes nowadays. Seems rather unsafe for non-track use.
Anyways, I'm loving my bike.

take it to the coast! Looks like the weather is going to be perfect (again) this weekend, may have to fight a headwind on the way back. Shouldn't be bad though...

@Buddy,
Great bike!
Only one comment: after/at your first tune-up, lose the dork disk:D
(The spoke reflectors are a bit iffy too, but we'll let that pass for the moment!)

Can anyone explain what the dork disk is there for anyway? I'm sure the bike manufacturers wouldn't spend any money adding something that isn't serving a function? It seems more like the more roadie inclined posters are very quick to beg for it's removal. the same goes for the reflectors. Anything that makes you more visible to those dopes in their big metal boxes is worth keeping on the bike, in my opinion. If you are riding a flatbar bike, the road snobs will look down on you with or without your disks and reflectors. Isn't that kind of the point for a ftiness bike anyway? You don't want to conform to the roadies vision of normalcy?

Can anyone explain what the dork disk is there for anyway? I'm sure the bike manufacturers wouldn't spend any money adding something that isn't serving a function? It seems more like the more roadie inclined posters are very quick to beg for it's removal. the same goes for the reflectors. Anything that makes you more visible to those dopes in their big metal boxes is worth keeping on the bike, in my opinion. If you are riding a flatbar bike, the road snobs will look down on you with or without your disks and reflectors. Isn't that kind of the point for a ftiness bike anyway? You don't want to conform to the roadies vision of normalcy?

OK, I'll bite!

I was just (well, half!) kidding in the post you quoted, but ... the dork disk is there on stock bikes primarily I would think as a 'cover your a__' device. Technically, it is to prevent a badly-adjusted rear derailleur from overshifting past the big cog and into the spokes (result: disaster for bike and possibly rider = liability).
The chances of a decent quality, well-adjusted and well-maintained modern rear der. doing that are negligible, so many (myself included) see it as an ugly, useless, dirt-trapping appendage which should be removed asap. Leave it on, take it off ... who cares!

Wheel reflectors: I don't like 'em/they're ugly in my judgement, so I remove them. I always ride with proper lights f/r when conditions require, + reflective striping on jacket/tights etc. so I don't see the point of them. Leave them on, take them off ... who cares!

On your final point: fair enough, but using myself as an example, that's not how I think. As far as I'm concerned, my Sirrus is a road bike, it's my road bike, and I am a "road cyclist". I don't care whether "roadies" look down on me or not, but I must say that's not been my experience at all ... quite the opposite. And not wanting to be identified with "roadies" is most certainly not why I ride a flat-bar road bike; I do so simply and only because I prefer flat-bars w/bar ends to drop bars, for a whole number of reasons. Others prefer drops, for a whole number of reasons.

BTW, getting the disk off was super easy on mine, didn't even need to remove the cassette. just twist against the plastic disk locks and cut off with anything reasonably sharp. I concur with weight management as well. I have the same year and model and have swapped out a ton of parts. I'm not really a weight weenie, I just love the look of carbon fiber. So I swapped the stem, bars, bar-endz, risers, stem cap, seatpost, cranks, pedals, and have a new saddle on the way. I would love to swap the wheels, but now just isn't the time. When my saddle comes in (if you don't mind) I'll post some pics so you can get some ideas.

Good stuff! We'll have to keep this Sirrus-Lover's thread going (thanks @Buddy)!
On the upgrade question, I bought mine last spring. The only changes I made initially were saddle (the '10s came with some horrible Specialized 'comfort' thingy) to Avatar, and pedals (XT spd) ... oh, and I changed the brake levers to Avid SD7s 'cos I had them sitting around in a box.
But, I love the frame/bike, so like you I'm going to go nuts! This year, probably brakes (TRP CX9s), seatpost (a proper carbon one), and drivetrain (I'm seriously considering buying the Apex group to replace the Tiagra/105 mix on mine). Oh, I'm also definitely replacing the headset with an upgrade one that uses proper, sealed full cartridge bearings.
Wheels (though heavy), are fine so I'll leave those for next year, until I can afford to invest in some really nice hand-built ones (Mavic Open Pro on DT hubs or similiar).

OK, I'll bite!

I was just (well, half!) kidding in the post you quoted, but ... the dork disk is there on stock bikes primarily I would think as a 'cover your a__' device. Technically, it is to prevent a badly-adjusted rear derailleur from overshifting past the big cog and into the spokes (result: disaster for bike and possibly rider = liability).
The chances of a decent quality, well-adjusted and well-maintained modern rear der. doing that are negligible, so many (myself included) see it as an ugly, useless, dirt-trapping appendage which should be removed asap. Leave it on, take it off ... who cares!

Wheel reflectors: I don't like 'em/they're ugly in my judgement, so I remove them. I always ride with proper lights f/r when conditions require, + reflective striping on jacket/tights etc. so I don't see the point of them. Leave them on, take them off ... who cares!

On your final point: fair enough, but using myself as an example, that's not how I think. As far as I'm concerned, my Sirrus is a road bike, it's my road bike, and I am a "road cyclist". I don't care whether "roadies" look down on me or not, but I must say that's not been my experience at all ... quite the opposite. And not wanting to be identified with "roadies" is most certainly not why I ride a flat-bar road bike; I do so simply and only because I prefer flat-bars w/bar ends to drop bars, for a whole number of reasons. Others prefer drops, for a whole number of reasons.


Very nicely put. I didn't mean to come across as being confrontational towards roadies, but if you spend any time on some of the road threads here you end up getting beat up on if you try to discuss the advantages of flatbars, etc. I was just pointing out that one shouldn't just pull everything off because it's the cool thing to do. Do what you like and like what you do!

Very nicely put. I didn't mean to come across as being confrontational towards roadies, but if you spend any time on some of the road threads here you end up getting beat up on if you try to discuss the advantages of flatbars, etc. I was just pointing out that one shouldn't just pull everything off because it's the cool thing to do. Do what you like and like what you do!

Hey ... no offense taken at all mate :) You asked, I offered an answer (one perspective). I agree with you in fact in most respects, and you are absolutely right re. certain prejudices about, e.g., type of handlebar etc. I too get tired of people who generalize their particular preferences in cycling into some kind of 'this is right, that is just wrong/stupid etc' rule, when in fact that is all they are -- personal preferences.

i recently bought a sirrus although it is not the expert i still love it and am slowly upgrading it as i see things that are needed.one thing on my sirrus i am thinking about changing is the brakes are there some better pads you guys would recommend. my bike is a 2010 sirrus not sure what name brand the brakes are as it is not listed.

would you recommend just replacing the pads or the whole brake set?
any info is greatly appreciated and i must say those bikes look great.
here is a pic of mine.thanks again 05kas05

Kool Stop Salmon (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR310D00-Kool-Stop+Salmon+Linear+Pull+Brake+Pads.aspx) pads are pretty good from what I hear.

i recently bought a sirrus although it is not the expert i still love it and am slowly upgrading it as i see things that are needed.one thing on my sirrus i am thinking about changing is the brakes are there some better pads you guys would recommend. my bike is a 2010 sirrus not sure what name brand the brakes are as it is not listed.

would you recommend just replacing the pads or the whole brake set?
any info is greatly appreciated and i must say those bikes look great.
here is a pic of mine.thanks again 05kas05

Nice bike (same colour scheme exactly as my '10 Comp version:D)
Brakes? Probably Tektro ... they're the main supplier of mini-vbrakes.
Pads? As No1mad said, Koolstops are really good and pretty widely available ... can't go wrong with them. If the calipers are working fine, I wouldn't upgrade them, though it's pretty inexpensive to do so ... you'd actually 'feel' more improvement by replacing the cables with, e.g., a Shimano XT set (outers and inners).
The one other thing you might consider is this: if yours have 'one piece' pads (i.e. not cartridge holders), you can buy new cartridge-style assemblies to replace the stock one-piece pads. Two advantages: when the pads are worn, they just slip out of the cartridge holders/new ones slip in; and (some say) braking is a little more effective.

Incorrect, at least re. these examples. The 2011 Secteur Elite Apex is this year's equivalent, // Sirrus Expert which also went from 105 last year to Apex this year. The Apex group is less expensive than 105, with which it competes, and ... according to some reports ... lighter.

APEX = Cheaper and closer to Tiagra no matter what SRAM says.

APEX = Cheaper and closer to Tiagra no matter what SRAM says.

Fair enough ... I suppose that's true, at least insofar as the Apex crank arms are solid (Tiagra) as opposed to Hollowtech (105). Otherwise, most reports I've come across suggest that Apex's natural competitor is, for the moment, 105 (both 10 speed) -- at least until Tiagra goes 10speed, and that a bit of weight apart Apex functions pretty much like Rival etc.
Sorry ... I'm only interested in all this because I'm thinking of buying the Apex group (w/the flatbar 'double tap' shifters) for my Sirrus (stock R440/Tiagra triple/105 mix):thumb: I like the idea of a 48/34 double front w/wide-range cassette (hey, I'm old and weak ... what can I say!)

Did you happen to get the original weight? I can't seem to find any weight info on the Sirrus line.

Did you happen to get the original weight? I can't seem to find any weight info on the Sirrus line.

2010 Comp (same E5/carbon frame as Expert), stock, Medium, with XT pedals, 21.1 lbs. on my LBS's Park scale.
According to my obsessive LBS mechanic, would be easy to get this down to 18 - 19 lbs. all up, given time and a bit of money (seatpost, crankset, wheels will do it):D Tempting!

Did you happen to get the original weight? I can't seem to find any weight info on the Sirrus line.

My 2006 Sirrus LTD (56cm frame) in its stock bare configuration weighed 17.5 pounds.. After I added on all the accessories (bar ends, bottle cages, saddle bag with patch kit and multitool, stem bag for cell phone, cyclocomputer, Serfas seat), the weight ballooned to 20lbs. :cry:

Thread Bump (unofficial Sirrus thread)!

Just thought I'd pass along a Badger Madness update!
Taken the plunge: LBS now has a complete Apex/Rival mix drivetrain in for me ... going on the bike (2010 Sirrus Comp) this coming week:

Double-Tap 10sp shifters for flatbar
Apex crank (50/34)/GXP b/b
Apex fd/rd
(Rival/1070 series) cassette (12-32) and chain

I was actually a bit lucky to move on this when I did; apparently a lot of this stuff is moving into short supply already, and a price increase is expected.

The above, with an upgrade (to full cartridge bearings) headset, will complete Silly Sirrus Phase I:D Report/pics in due course (for anyone who cares).

Hey guys I'm new to the forum and digging it so far! I just picked up a 04 Sirrus that had been sitting in my Buddy's storage for 6 yrs. it's like new...he said he waxed it more than he road it!? I rode it a few times which was more than him. I paid $300 (W/3 easy installments of $100)for it,I hope that's a decent deal!? I'm hoping for your opinions and recommendations to some upgrades I can make. I wanna make it more modern, I'll be using it for mainly fitness and will be riding on mostly paved bike trails and roads around the Seattle area. Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Here's a link to its components and what not. http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Specialized&Model=Sirrus&Type=bike