looking for an environmentally better alternative
 

Hi I'm Lucy. I haven't been on a bike in over 20 years but I'd like to get start again for my health as well as the environment. I'm looking at a road bike. There are two bike shops within 10 miles of my house. One suggested at Specialized Sirrus and the other a Giant Tran Send DXW. I should add I'm a short woman 5'1" with a budget of $500-600. As I said I haven't ridden in many years and the terrrain here is pretty flat with a lot of winding roads but fairly smooth paved roads. I'd like to stay with a bike shop rather that internet purchase as I know I'm going to need help. I'd appreciate any help/suggestions.

Welcome to BF.
I'd have to recommend the Specialized.

thanks for responding. Why the specialist over the Giant?

IMHO it's a better bike. I see more Specialized bikes at the shop for tune-ups than Giant. Many of the Giants need more than a little tlc.

This doesn't make sense... You see more Specialized bikes at the shop than Giants, and your assumption based on that is that Giants need more TLC... I am sure you are intending a logical statement, so what part of the equation am I missing?

Back to the original poster, welcome to the forums!

For my two cents, any major manufacturer will have similar maintenance issues... Even if the above is true in a single observer's case, it could be because of a statistical blip. I think that either of the bikes suggested to you would meet your needs very well, and would echo advice I have heard on the forums many times... Buy based on which shop you liked best.

Frankly, the difference between the bikes (especially at this level) are so minimal that unless you feel a significant difference on a test ride, there is no significant difference.,, and if you feel a difference (feel too hunched over, feel too upright, legs feel too cramped...), let the shop know what doesn't feel right, because they may be able to make an adjustment for you, or discover that you really should be on a different bike.

You will probably be happy with either bike mechanically, so the question becomes which bike would you be happiest riding, or which business you would most like to support.

Ron works at a bike shop, so he's more familiar than most of us with the shortcomings and strengths of various manufacturers...

Anyway, hi Lucy! You are not much taller than I am :p . Little Darwin's advice that you find the one that fits you best and that you enjoy riding most is great advice :thumb: .

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

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