trainchaser

At my favorite LBS, where I'm known by the owner, it's time to clear out the old stock to make room for the new stuff...I can get a killer deal on a 2016 Specialized Sirrus Comp carbon, a bike that I've, quite truthfully, always wanted. I have a 2015 Crosstrail Comp that is a great bike and does what I bought it for, tackling all the local trails. But I've ridden a few carbon framed Sirruses that friends have, along with the shop tester that I can get a deal on, and each time come away impressed how easy they are to fling around effortlessly. I am long in torso and short in leg and in a medium frame I find they are a lot more comfortable for my physique than my Crosstrail, they have more room to stretch out and the top bar is actually lower than the one on the Crosstrail - trust me, I KNOW!
On top of all this I have to add the fact that I've really wanted to get a good carbon framed bike. Interestingly the 2017 Crosstrail lineup has two carbon framed bikes at the top of the list.

So, the dilemma is this: Do I scrape enough together to buy the Sirrus and have two bikes that are similar with the Crosstrail most likely relegated to definite second fiddle, or sell it/trade it and just have the Sirrus that I've always secretly wanted but didn't seem quite as practical...

HELP!!! Bike lust is hard to deal with...

ColonelSanders

It never hurts to have two bikes, one as a back up in case something catastrophic happens to a wheel or component on your main bike, plus you can use the Crosstrail for those rides where the Sirrus wouldn't be suitable.

blakcloud

Buy the Sirrus and keep the Crosstrail. If you find you never ride the Crosstrail, sell it next spring. My guess you will be selling the Crosstrail.

Cyclist0108

My wife bought the 2015 version of the Sirrus, and there is some buyer's remorse involved. It isn't terrible, but even with upgrading bars, saddle, and peddles, it still isn't quite satisfying. I personally found it too twitchy, and she has never really gotten comfortable. Also, they are putting on a 46/32T FSA crank for the 2017 model, if you want lower gearing.

Lt Stonez

How can you go wrong? You like the bike, and a killerprice at your lbs? Sounds like a deal to me. Had my Sirrus carbon a few year now and it still puts a big smile on my face. Also got mine on a big discount and that only makes the smile bigger.

prj71

I sold my crosstrail for the same type of bike offered from Giant...Giant Fastroad CoMax.

I don't regret selling the Crosstrail at all.

prtyich

Not sure where you people live but no store in the NY metro area offers discounts on new Specialized bikes, they all sell at MSRP. I even bought a Trek 7.2 FX at the same time as my Sirrus and the best offer I got was 10% off of accessories.

DaveQ24

Various LBS's here discount older models, some quite nicely. My favorite Sp. shop does a sale every year in July, and they offer up to 30% off the oldest bikes still hanging around.

Lt Stonez

35% off here in Norway is normal in fall
But I was lucky, diddent know it was only 3 in Norway and the only one in my size I got.

trainchaser

Well, the deed is done, there's nothing left to discuss, the Crosstrail has been replaced with a 2016 Sirrus Comp carbon and I'm now a member of the Sirrus owners fraternity. I had been considering a trade if they offered me enough for the Crosstrail and when I went down this morning they said they would give me $1200 for it - DONE!! I know I wouldn't have gotten that much selling it privately so it was a very good outcome and I can't wait until I can take it out tomorrow for a very nice ride...!!
Interesting little tidbit of info, the 2017 is $200 less than the 2016, and when you compare the two there are differences in the component levels, so I'm happy that I managed to get the 2016 as it has all Shimano parts whereas the 2017 is a mix of different manufacturers, not that it's a bad thing, it just gives me a more secure feeling having all Shimano stuff...

DaveQ24

Yup, you're gonna LOVE it. I still love my Crosstrail as well, both are great bikes with slightly different characters. I looked a few weeks ago at the specs on the 17, I feel like they "dumbed them down" a little, even though they dropped the price. Most manufacturers diminish the product and charge more - a "half gallon" of ice cream is $5 for 42 ounces.

Good decision and you're going to be very happy with it.

badger1

Great bike, trainchaser, and a great deal all round. Should be perfect for the riding you are doing in/around Victoria.

P.S. Been back 'home' twice this year ... two weeks in both February and June. Can't tell you how much I miss it (how much I envy you, tbh). Retirement can't come too soon!