ippocycle

Hi all,

Recently I moved within 2 miles of work in the LA area, and I've decided I want to try commuting by bicycle. I already own a 2011 Trek 2.3 for the weekend long distance ride, but the saddle isn't comfortable in street clothes and it has Shimano SPD-SL clips on them.

I was thinking of getting a hybrid bike, but the one I want (Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc) is ~$1000. I've also debated over the Specialized Elite as well as the Sport. I'm not sure if I really need the disc brakes, but the shifter is nice on the Elite disc.

Part of me wants to buy this bike because I can not only use it for commuting but also for quick < 10 miles after work without having to put on my cycling equipment as well as Ciclavia.

Right now the only thing stopping me is it's nearly half the cost of my road bike

Do any of you also own a hybrid similar to the Sirrus for commuting? What would you do?

Wanderer

I lust after that elite disc. Yes, hybrids make great commuters, and utility bikes. Plus, that Sirrus is no slouch in the speed department, while allowing you to sit up for visibility in traffic.

giantcfr1

No don't bother. Your double the price road bike can handle it.

Fangowolf

The road bike can handle it, but with a hybrid you could
1) Wear any shoes
2) Have a better field of view if set to more upright position
3) Add a rack to carry stuff to work (you probably don't want that on your road bike)
4) Get some wide tires for gravel or dirt short cuts
5) Keep the road bike out of the rain
6) have a ride if one is in the shop / being repaired

No one can really tell you what some of those things are worth, but I have several alternates so I might not be a good advisor

Rak73

+1

ippocycle

Thank you all for your input. I am going to try to find a Specialized Elite to test ride and compare that with the disc version of it.

Rak73

I hope you like it! I have a Specialized Elite and love riding it!

Bravin Neff

Yes. Its what I did. And then found myself riding the hybrid three times as much as the road bike. And I love my road bike.

KLiNCK

+1 on getting the Sirrus!
Put fenders on that puppy and you've got the best of both worlds.
One for speed and one for need.

SPiN 360

1. For a 2 mile ride, why not just get some dept store bike? You'd have much less worries about getting it stolen while you're working.

2. If you have the money and want the extra "toy" then get the Sirrus!

ippocycle

I forgot to mention I have the luxury of parking my bike inside my work place. I'll still have a lock, just that I wont be as paranoid

oddjob2

In the Los Angeles basin, #5 above is about a 2% chance per year.

americandream

I love a performance fitness hybrid personally. They're all pretty nice to ride though. From the sounds of it I think you'd enjoy having another style bike to ride casually. Sounds like you know what you want.

I would skip the disc brakes and don't spend as much though. From my understand, disc brakes are best intended for MTB or trail riding where your bike gets filthy. For the riding you're doing it is unnecessary. Good luck

Wanderer

Don't kid yourself. Disc brakes are awesome, and they are the future.

americandream

Yea, you really convinced me there.