davidj525

I am looking to trade in my 2 yr old 2005 Specialized Sirrus Comp as it has done 4000 miles and parts are starting to ware out (rims, tyres, rear hub and sprocket cluster).

Does anyone have opinions on how this compares to the Sirrus Pro, Tricross Comp, Sport. I commute about 35 mile per week but my main criteria is long rides of up to 100 miles at the weekend.

What would I get for the extra money?
Will the Sirrus Pro or Tricross be better for distance and speed?
Are any other bikes for about £1000 better?

ks1g

Other than the wear & tear, do you like the bike? Are you still using original tires, cluster, chain (I hope not!)? They may be past due replacement at 4,000 miles. I'd look into new tires (and tubes and rim strips), replace the chain and cogs, have a knowledgeable mechanic check the chainrings for excessive wear (assuming worn chain and cogs) and make sure the wheels are true and the hub bearings are OK before replacing an entire bike. As well as general lube and adjustments, maybe new cables and housings. Even if you paid a shop to do everything, and replaced the front and rear wheels as well (which may be a great value, depending on the quality of the originals), it will cost less than a new bike. If the flat handlebar isn't comfortable on longer rides, consider adding clip-on "jammer" bars (like aero bars), or convert to drop bars. A different saddle might help, too.

Now if the Sirrus Comp isn't right for you, happy shopping. The Sirrus Pro looks like just a fancier Comp, so if the flat handlebar style isn't working for you, the Pro will not fix that problem. The Tricross series are cyclecross bikes, intended for recreational or competitive riding over a mix of pavement, packed trails, grass, mud, and carrying over obstacles. Many people do use 'cross bikes as commuters. If you are riding entirely on pavement and don't need wider tires for bad weather commuting, a pure road bike my be a better choice for comfortable century rides.

The other factor is your commuting. 7 miles round-trip per day, almost anything will do and you can carry your gear in a backpack. 35 miles per day and a bike that can mount a rack and panniers (or a large enough Carradice saddle bag)may be better (that would be what I would do). A road bike set up for commuting (can take wider tires, fenders, rack) but able to do long distances comfortably may be the best. Can't suggest a specific model, but see what your local shops sell. Good luck!

davidj525

Thanks for your advice,

I am still using all original parts, except break blocks and the chain (they have been replaced several times and need replaced again). The tyres do need replaced, the tread has worn off the back tyre and the rubber has separated from the canvas in places and some of it has come off completely. Front tyre is better but also needs to be replaced. It was the bike shop that pointed out the rims, bearings etc. when I took the bike in to have a wheel re-trued. It was when the shop estimated it would cost £200 - £250 to fix everything and offered me £100 traded value that I started thinking about a new bike.

I like my Sirrus Comp but I figured the wider tyres of the Tricros would make it more comfortable on long rides with the drop handlebars and better quality components (due to higher price) would make it just as fast. I also figured that the Tricros would last a bit better and give me more options of places I could ride.

Am I correct in this?