Originally Posted by
Clamms
This may be simplistic and not 100% accurate, but my understanding of Specialized’s hybrid line is that they make two – the CrossTrail which is for people who plan to ride mostly on dirt and trails, and the Sirrus which is for people who will ride mostly on paved roads. Either one can handle both types of surfaces, but you need to take a good hard look at how and where you plan to do your riding in order to know which one will be best for you. I have a Sirrus Sport Disc (2016) that I ride 95% on paved surfaces and it’s awesome. And when I do go offroad, or on light trails, or over curbs through potholes and bumps, etc., it handles that stuff just fine too.
The CrossTrail is a mountain bike oriented hybrid bike. The Sirrus is a road bike oriented hybrid bike. Both are still hybrid bikes which should be able to handle dirt trails. OP hasn't specifically stated what kind of dirt trails he is going to ride on and for how long. So at this point, either bike will work for him. But if he rides 90% paved roads, he will have more fun with a Sirrus just like you.
Originally Posted by
prj71
No. Sirrus is just a road bike with flat bars. The tires are too narrow for any serious length of riding on dirt trails. While it can be done, it's not comfortable.
I don't think the 30mm are too narrow for "light" dirt trails. I mean the Domanes can be ridden on light dirt trails and they have 28mm tires. I agree with you on the comfort statement. Depending on how long OP will ride on the dirt trails, it will not be as comfortable on Sirrus as it will be on the CrossTrail.
Originally Posted by
JasonG1976
Guys,
Thanks. I have read all that you have written , and just to drive myself nuts, I went to look at the specs for the Sport Sirrus and Cross Trail.
And, I have no idea what the difference in the components mean....and if any one of the components are of a higher quality than any of the ones in the other bike.
Who knows about this stuff?
Confused, but moving forward.
Jason
What kind of dirt trails are you going to ride in? And how much of your ride will be spent on dirt trails?
Here is the Shimano MTB groupset hierarchy:
https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeest...heir-hierarchy
Here is the Shimano road bike groupset hierarchy:
https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeest...heir-hierarchy
You mention a $1000 budget. If so, I would look at the Specialized CrossTrail Elite or Sirrus Elite. If you are going to ride mostly paved roads, you will have more fun in the Sirrus. If you are undecided, the CrossTrail with the suspension lockout should be a good choice.