Touring - Question re: 2011 Specialized Sirrus Expert

Newbie question:

It appears to me that this new model does not have front fork braze-ons to support a front rack & panniers. There are eyelets for fenders on the front, but I don't think that's the same thing. Would there be a way to get a front rack on this bike without doing something crazy like replacing the fork, drilling, etc.? I believe some racks are designed with fasteners, but these front forks appear to have a funky design.

My LBS is suggesting this bike for me based upon my needs, and really the lack of front rack option is the only thing holding me back at this point. I love everything else about how this bike will suit me.

Thoughts?

http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/media/specialized_sirrus_expert_2011.jpg

Oh, here's a link to the bike (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52893&scid=1001&scname=Road).

If the bike's right for you then don't let the absence of mid fork eyelets hold you back. Two options for front racks that mount to the brake boss are the Old Man Mountain Ultimate Lowrider (http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/FrontRacks.html) and the Tubus Smarti (http://tubus.com/en/lowrider/smarti). Good luck!

Wow! Thank you for that pexio!!! Looks like this is what I'll be doing in the next couple of weeks.

pull a trailer

I may be doing that too at some point, but I'm so glad pexio directed me to the other option as well. Thanks both!

Why not step down to the Elite Disc model? It has eyelets and a triple up front, it seems to make more sense for touring than the expert... it has a fork with braze-ons and you could upgrade the drivetrain since it's 600$ less than the expert model. I've got an '06 sirrus sport I've set up for commuting and touring, it had all the braze-ons I wanted: front/rear racks, fenders, 3 water bottle holders.

Why not step down to the Elite Disc model? It has eyelets and a triple up front, it seems to make more sense for touring than the expert... it has a fork with braze-ons and you could upgrade the drivetrain since it's 600$ less than the expert model. I've got an '06 sirrus sport I've set up for commuting and touring, it had all the braze-ons I wanted: front/rear racks, fenders, 3 water bottle holders.

That gives me something to really think about! I'll have to test ride that one next I suppose. Like I said, I'm no expert about components. Is there really a huge difference between the Expert & the Elite offerings? Maybe I'll know when I test them...

Thank you for giving me something to ponder.

I'm going to settle on the Expert. The frame is lighter, and I do spend time every year in the mountains doing passes and stuff like that. The difference in gearing (between the triple & double) is pretty negligible, plus the components on the Expert are of higher caliber. I think I can attach a front rack if need be, plus pull a trailer if I'm really getting some distance going. Mostly though I think my touring will be day tours, and maybe 5 days max at some point. I think the bike will be a good fit, and after test riding it it just felt right. Maybe because I'm switching from Roubaix, so it's kind of best of both worlds. It's that whole thing of trying to get all you want in 1 bike, and I think I'm pretty darn close with this one (for me and my desires)!

Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts! I feel like I've done a good job of researching and pondering all the options.