kwjohns

I'm wanting to purchase a bike for fitness and I'm set on the Sirrus model. However, I'm not sure if I should get the base model or the Sirrus Sport. I'm a newb when it comes to bikes (haven't even been on one in 9 years).

With current stock from the LBS around me, I can get the Sirrus in grey for $410 or the Sirrus Sport in black for $500. I was really wanting it in black but I'd hate for my reasoning to come to me spending $90 more primarily over color (even though I know I'm getting better components but I don't know jack about how they're better or if I'd even tell the difference being a newb). So, as a new rider, would I be better going with the base model or the sport?

Comparison

Raleigh GP 08

Looks like components are fairly similar, with some upgrades on the Sport model. Guessing that the Sport will feel a little lighter as well. Why don't you test ride both, and decide if there is a difference in the ride quality that would warrant the extra money.

Fizzoli

I was in the exact same position as you a month and a half ago. New rider with no experience. Came down to Sirrus or Sirrus Sport. Both in black but the base model was a gloss black and I liked the matte black of the sport model. Honestly that was probably the biggest deciding factor but it didn't hurt that it had some upgrades as well. If you like the color of the sport better than go for it. It's 90$ and you'll be getting in upgrade in the fork and other things as well.

Exit3

The more you like the look, the more you"ll ride it. How many times would you want to look at your cheaper bike and say "I should have bought the black one" ? If it was a few hundred then maybe, but for $90? Get the one that moves you....which also happens to be a small step up!

kwjohns

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I didn't realize the sport was matte while the base was glossy. I definitely prefer matte on most things. Can't wait to see it in person.

opal

I chose the Vita (women's specific counterpart of the Sirrus) Sport over the base because...well I can't remember why. The LBS guy wasn't pushy at all but I'm sure the "better components" explanation got to me even though I knew it was partly sales talk. At a $60 difference, I went with the upgrade.

goagain

For just $90, I'd say get the one you really like best, once you ride them. That's not much difference price-wise over the years you'll ride it.

RollCNY

Others may want to weigh in, but the Sport has an aluminum fork and the non-sport has a steel fork. I have always been told that an aluminum fork on an aluminum bike can be a "buzzy" experience, and that a steel fork, though heavier, is a much better ride. I only ride aluminum bikes, but they all have carbon forks, so I can't speak personally.

The 8 spd on the Sport is a plus over the 7 on the base.

And I own a 2010 Sirrus Sport, which in that year's lineup was 8 spd and carbon fork. They are great bikes, and you will enjoy either.

kwjohns

I ended up getting there and their Sirrus Sport was boxed up and they said they could have it built by the next day for me. When I told them I was from out of town and hoping to leave with it today, they put their mechanic on it and he had it put together in about 40 minutes. Nine years is a long time off of a bike. I'm going to have to get back some of that courage, especially being higher off the ground. Here she is!

goagain

Sweet!

Vaportrail56

Great looking bike, I was looking at one of those myself. How do you like it so far?

kwjohns

Loving it. Took it on my first long ride today. 18.3 miles. May have to get some of those bike shorts, though.

Fizzoli

Dude, sweet bike. I just bought the exact same one about 2 months ago (same color too). I noticed yours seems to have different pedals though. Mine are solid black plastic pedals. Did you happen to buy aftermarket pedals?

Besides you having the same bike as me, you also seem to have good taste in sports teams. Go Heatles...We got this on lock next year. You happen to live in South Florida?

kwjohns

I had them switch them out when I bought the bike with some metal pedals for durability's sake. I definitely think we got it next year. I am actually in Oklahoma. Grew up a Shaq fan and have rooted for the Heat since 2004 and decided to stick with them when Shaq got traded to Phoenix.

AtlanticOcean

Hiyoooooooo! Another Floridian here.

GeoBigJon

Congrats on the new ride, looks good.

Hscorpio

Nice ride kwjohns. I picked up my Sirrus sport about two months ago, and love it. Mine is in the Blue/silver color though. I have put around 350-400 miles. 20-40 miles at a time. my long has been a 53 mile group ride. I was in the same boat as you. It had been about 10 years or more since I had been on a bike. I think this bike was a great place to start. Plus it sounds like I got mine for steal at $400. It comfortably will cover anything I will want to tackle. Plus it will still be a good commuter/fitness when I get a road bike.

AtlanticOcean - I really dig the way you have yours set up. Need to do the same thing to mine.

Fizzoli

Where in Florida just out of curiosity? South Florida?