Zark

Hello, I'm new here and was hoping those in the know could help me with a decision. I'm trying to choose between a Specialized Sirrus Sport and the Elite model. Is the extra $230 for an Elite model worth it in your opinion? This will be my only bike and I'm probably going to be riding it about 10-15 miles a week on city streets mostly. The only difference I notice between the two is that the Elite has better shifters and an extra gear. Will that make a difference long term?

Is Specialized a good brand? I've been out of biking for awhile and I'm fairly clueless. Thanks.

nymtber

10-15 miles per week? I would personally just go with the base Sirrus. That is what I have, and once the weather stays more...constantly warm and dry...I ride 30+ miles per week on that bike. I dont feel a need for a better bike, and I have a full LX mountain bike which does shift smoother, but I dont find myself shifting as often on the road, either.

If you find the urgent need to spend money, The Elite is worth it. I can tell you from experience that the LX rear derailleur will shift wonderfully. The Extra $230 gets you 9spd instead of 8spd as well. Another point to consider is if you ever want to install fenders (they actually look pretty nice on the Sirrus, mine has them), the sport and elite have "mini v-brakes" which will need to be changed out to full size v-brakes so fenders dont interfere with the brakes. The base model has full size v-brakes and I have plenty of clearance with fenders on. Just thought I would throw that in there. Fenders are wonderful...Rocks dont hit the frame or fly up and hit me

Specialized is an awesome brand. I have a Sirrus currently, and had an Allez road bike. Have not had complaints with either, the Allez had a 24 spoke radially laced front wheel, and once I properly tensioned/trued it, it did not go untrue, even under my 230lbs pushing the bike.

OK, If its giong to be your only bike, getting the 9spd might not be a bad idea. 9 spd is still the mainstay of mountain biking, and components are plentiful. 8 spd is still out there, but harder to find real quality stuff anymore. So, maybe the Elite is a better buy. Besides, once you start riding the Sirrus, you will want to ride it more and more....

Zark

Well, once the weather gets a little better I'll probably ride a little more. I'm just getting into biking again so I have to get used to traffic conditions in NYC for cyclists--an intimidating adjustment for me. I actually ended up purchasing the Sirrus Sport but when I expressed my indecision at the bike shop, the mechanic told me that I can take the Sport home and if I want to upgrade later -- they take returns/exchanges within 30 days. That seems like an amazingly good policy for a bike shop around here. I feel a little shady using a bike though and then just exchanging it for another -- so I feel like I have to make a decision soon.

Thanks for your reply! I thought I'd probably ending up just keeping the Sport, but what you said about good parts being available for an 8 speed concerns me--I didn't know they were less common.

nymtber

Dont dwell on the components. I kinda meant that more if you wanted to spend more, its worth it. But, so are a few accessories, such as:

-bike helmet
-bike shorts (oh so worth it)
-sports/athletic "wicking" shirts...I prefer Champion from Target, actual bike shirts are too pricy, I pay $10-12 at Target and they are comfy and cool in the summer heat
-tube repair kit, Levers, patches, glue
-bike multi-tool.
-under seat bike bag. Wal-mart has a big bell bag for $8. Cheap and holds a LOT of stuff. Bike shops have similar, for $20 or so.
-bike pump. The sirrus needs about 110psi in its tires, You need a good floor pump for home, and something for the road. I have an Air Stick SL in my under seat bag. It takes a lot for it to fill a tire, but its very small and light.

And, since you live in NYC and I am sure there is broken glass and the sort here and there, you might, instead of upgrading bikes, upgrade TIRES. Specialized Armadillo or Schwable Marathon Plus seem to be the tops for puncture resistance. Still carry tube patches, levers and a pump, but with better tires you increase your chances of not having a flat. Armadillos will set you back $100 for the set, but might be worth the peace of mind!

Wanderer

Given the circumstances - I think you may be happier with the Sport. Even though 8 speeds, you get a wider range cassette on the back, which can be very advantageous.

The Alivio derailleur, while not the best, is also not the worst, and works well if kept clean and lubricated. It will also last a long time, as it's not "junk!" If and when, you must replace because of wear or damage, it won't cost you any more to upgrade to different componentry.

Like Charlie said, it's easier to put fenders on the one you have. They are worth their weight in gold, in protecting you, and your componentry, from wear due to grit and gunk.

Enjoy your new bike, you got a good one, from a big name manufacturer of bikes.

Take care of it, and it will last a very long time.

Zark

I think I'm gonna hang onto my Sport, its a great bike and I've already gotten attached to it by placing my lights on it! Since its my first bike in awhile, its probably best to keep costs low until I get a better idea of what might be important to me in the future. Also, the cost of the accessories are starting to add up! What fenders would you both suggest? I see there are a number of clip on fenders and "Freddy Fenders". I don't see any matching blue fenders on the Specialized website, seems an after market product.

Wanderer

I have the Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid Fenders, in black to match my bike... They work great; and, at $30 for the pair, they were "almost" painless....

They would be a perfect size for your Sirrus.

The Sirrus doesn't have quite as much room for mounting, but, an easy change, is to upgrade your front derailleur to get much more room. (I think that is what Charlie did....) Pick up a new derailleur from e-bay or Amazon. Or, take that price to Performance for a price match. Either, he, or Mr Schoop, should chime in with the right model to get.

cyber_hawke

Maybe I dont understand this thread. My LBS sells the Sirrus Sport for around $600 and the Elite for $1500....that is a big difference in price. I have been looking at the COMP, which is the elite frame but lower quality components but in the $1100 bracket. Where can I find an Elite for $850 **********

nymtber

Elite MSRP is $910. If your shop is selling it at 1100, run like hell and find a new shop! The expert is $1500, maybe that is what you saw? Comp is no longer available...not for 2010 bikes.

If you want fenders, get the Planet Bike Hardcore ROAD fenders. They cover the 28c tires fine, and don't take up a lot of extra room. You may have to switch do a top clamp derailleur as I did, I used a Tiagra FD-4503 front derailleur. Fit perfect and works fine. Here is the link of what I did with fenders on my 2009 Sirrus https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...with-Tiagra-FD! It was an easy project, if you know how to install and tune front derailleurs I have a LOT of info in that link, including bolt size used. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me on here if you ever decide to go with fenders. It was an educational project

Here is an Ebay link to the derailleur I bought well the model, I bought from someone different I think... https://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Tiagra-F...item45f1d1cf5b

And who in the heck is "charlie"?

cyber_hawke

nymtber...thanks you were right is the expert at $1500. Will check with LBS on the comp, they had a 2010 sales book with the comp listed, but I cant find it on the web site. Will check back with them to see if they can even get one.

Wanderer

I thought you always signed your stuff with "Charlie."

Won't be the first time I made a mistake.....................

My Hybrid fenders, measured 43, inside.(I think) If you have that much clearance between your seat and chainstays, they would give better coverage of your tires, and would also still fit, if you ever decide to go with wider tires.

nymtber

Nope, not charlie haha. Ryan works.

And, you bring up a good point on the fenders, but if a person is going to stick with 28c or smaller, the road fenders fit, and do not distract from the looks one bit. I think wider fenders would fit OK... I will always have 28c personally. I only ride my Sirrus on the road though, as I have a nice mountain bike for anytime I may venture off the pavement

Monkey Face

Check these out. I've go them with 25c tires on a Pinarello - not sure how wide you're going on the Sirrus, but you don't need wider than a good puncture resistant 25c tire in town.

https://www.crudusa.com/product/27

fandresu

Hey Zark,

Old thread, but i'm looking into a Sirrius as well. Almost identical situation. 2 questions for you...

1. What shop did you get the bike from? Would you recommend going there...i'm guessing you would with that nice return policy.

2. 2 years later, are you happy with your purchase?

I'm wanting to get a Sirrius soon, and in between the Sport and Elite as well. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

a1penguin

Looking at the Sport vs Elite (2012 models, with $200 price difference, $600 vs $800):
Elite has internal cable routing
Elite has carbon fork, Sport has steel
Elite has 28mm tires, Sport has 32mm
Elite has better rear derailleur
Elite has E5 vs A1 aluminum (no clue what that means)

The $200 price difference is a lot for a bike in the $600 price range. Except for the better derailleur, I'm not sure you are getting a lot of value for the additional cost. Carbon vs steel fork is probably not that substantial. Tire width? The rims are the same size and you can swap out tires. Ride them both and see how they compare.