jeffjeff

There's a bike on Craigslist that I'm interested in buying. It's a 46cm Specialized Sirrus. The owner says it's a 1990 or 1991 model, with a chromoly frame. It has integrated brakes and shifters (which I really like), and he's firm on $280 for it. He noted that the rear shifter needs an adjustment.

I've attached the pictures from the ad. Should I buy this bike for $280?



Thanks for any feedback!

FastJake

"Rear shifter needs adjustment" = could be a broken STI shifter. They don't last forever and eventually die. Just needs an adjustment? Why didn't the seller do it himself?

If the shifters are functional I'd go for it at $280. Good price on an STI bike, usually they are $350+ around here.

Sirrus Rider

Where is it? That's my SIZE! I'd grab it for that amount as anything under 52cm is uncommon. Secondly, who knows how many Sirri have wound up neutered and under black paint victims of the Fixie/Single speed fad..

jeffjeff

It's in California. I'm gonna take a look at it on Thursday afternoon

wrk101

Get prepared to drop serious $$ into that shifter. 7 speed STI are obsolete, although Shimano just announced they will be reintroducing one (thats good news). Shimano STI shifters die, they can be rebuilt at a cost, who is going to do the work?

If everything worked well, its a deal.

If those shifters are original, then the bike is newer than 1990/1991. Those years, the Sirrus had DT shifters.

If it is a deal, then no way its going to still be around Thursday, if it is for sale publicly (Craigs List).

Super small size brings a premium, so if you need a bike that small, I would be looking at it NOW.

DOA Shimano integrated shifters come up all of the time. Do a search of the mechanics forum to learn more. Sometimes, a simple flushing out and they are back in business, other times, a complete rebuild or replacement is the answer.

Sirrus Rider

Heck I'd use it for a starting point to upgrade to 8 or 9 Speed by bargain hunting for the needed parts.. Sure, to a bean counter it wouldn't make much sense compared to a brand new bike, but I'd be building it for myself and my own satisfaction and sense of value.

brian3069

Looks like the '91 Sirrus Triple I picked up a few weeks ago. Originally these were equipped with Suntour, the shifters were added later.

jeffjeff

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone! I just test rode the bike today and it's perfect.

The problem with the shifter is minor, just a spring issue that I'll go get fixed.