Hi Folks,

I'm new here and hope to stick around for a while...

I'll be getting my first 'real' bike (non toy bike?) within the next week. I got set up with a nice LBS who offers lifetime repairs/tuneups. I'm real happy with their service.

They have the new 06' Specialized bikes in and i'm looking at the Sirrus and the Sirrus Sport for my 12 mile round trip commute. It's pretty hilly and I think I find that the flat handle bars give me a little more control than the traditional roadbike bars. The seat was uncomfortable on both, but apparently that is common. I will more than likely be adding barends within a few weeks.

Besides the sport...sporting... the clipless pedals I couldn't tell much of a difference between the two besides $110 while riding them, though I didn't ride either for more than 10 minutes. Will I be missing out on something if I spend the $550 for the Sirrus instead of the $660 for the Sirrus sport? I noticed some carbon fiber in various places, but what of that makes a difference? I'm very new to this so if you see me going down the wrong path with either of these bikes feel free to say so!

Thanks!
Philip