phatmonkey

Here is my dillemma. I have decided to go with one of these bikes. Let me know which one you think is the better buy...

Store #1 - Trek 7.3
- Price: $479 w/ puncture resistant tires
- Free mantenence for 1 year

Store #2 - Specialized Sirrus
- Price: $550 w/out punture resistant tires
- Free mantentence and tuneups for life
- Puncture tires would be an extra $70

Is the free mantenence and tuneups worth the extra money? Are the sirrus components better than the trek? Both stores have answered all my questions, given me test rides, fitted me.

What is your opinion. Thanks. (By the way, this is going to be my commuter/weekend bike).

bdinger

Depends on what they mean by "maintenance and tune-ups". I know a shop around here finally changed their advertising from "free tune-ups for life" to "free cable adjustments for life" to accurately reflect what they offered.

Also I like my 7.3FX, but I've never ridden a sirrius. I'd imagine it comes down to which one YOU like better.

xcapekey

Hi there...I'll give you my 2 cents...

My girlfriend has a Sirrus and rides 4 days a week on it (12 miles round trip) and we have also done some touring with the bike....For the most part, the bike is great. She purchased a 2003 model (blue). The specs of the new one look good.

Hers had a Ritchey crank that literally broke in half about two weeks ago (2500 miles), so that sucked. You can see pics on my blog (https://russroca.blogspot.com). I don't think that's the fault of Specialized though, probably just a bad batch of Ritchey cranks.

The one thing I will say that you should look out for are the Alex wheels. She broke four spokes in a month. I ended up building her a new wheel. It seems like the spokes they use in some Alex wheels just suck, they don't bend they just snap. I frequent a bike shop that does rentals (Raleigh Cadents and Super Corsas) and they always come back with broken spokes. It was so bad that they replaced almost all the rear wheels on their bikes.

Hopefully, this is different with the current Alex wheels.

Overall, the Sirrus is a great bike for the money. I think you can pass on the puncture proof tires as long as you don't ride over nails. Definitely bring it back in if you have any problems with the rear wheel.

Russ
russroca.blogspot.com
www.russroca.com

pedalMonger

Does the Sirrus have a more comfortable saddle? I have a Trek FX, I hate the saddle, going to get a new one. I tried moving it, and I still have sore ass bones. It didn't bother me when I test rode it thats something that one will become aware of after long rides, if its a problem. You mentioned you are heavy set didn't you? If so the stock saddle might start irritating you also. If both saddles are about the same, by getting the Trek you'd have more money for replacing the saddle if it starts to bother you after putting some miles on it. Then there are fenders and rack, etc

I think a year's worth of tune ups might be good enough. If you are commuting regularly on it, you might eventually want to learn how to tweak it yourself.

I am going to pick this book up, I've seen it recommended in this forum.

https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mount.../dp/1884737471

So thats my 2 cents on top of xcapey's 2 cents, now you almost have a nickel!

Ultimately its like bdinger says Exciting getting a new bike, isn't it? ('specially one thats quality, rather then a walmart special)

EDIT: Actually this would be the more appropriate book I think (rather then a mountain bike maintenance book):

https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-...288959-8407320

dynaryder

I've had two Sirruses,and liked them alot,but I'm not digging the fact that they're running alloy forks now. But at least it's curved,the Trek's alloy fork is straight blade which will prolly give a harsh ride.

Meh. The Trek has a wider gear range. Get the Trek,then use the money you saved to put a proper cromo fork on it.

BTW,both bikes have punture resistant tires. I've gotten a flat in a Bontrager Hardcase before. I've never flatted any of my Specialized with Flak Jacket. I've used new and old All Condition Sports,Infinity,and Nimbus all with zero flats.

Ginny

Sirrus

pedalMonger

Well duh

M_S

Whichever one feels better. take each out for the longest test ride the shop will allow. Seriously. The differences in deals/components won't matter much if the bike doesn't feel good to ride. I believe the Sirrius has slightly more compact geometry, so that may be a factor.

Ginny

ROFLMAO!
You asked!

avmanansala

My vote is for a C'dale Road Warrior, but since that's not a choice, I'd go with a Specialized Sirrus.

(Edited to add, I looked at the RW, Sirrus and the Trek 7.X series and ultimately, it came down to the RW and the Sirrus, the RW won out, for me.)

mtnwalker

WAIT! I read in the road forums that Specialized sucks! Carry on.

thelazywon

I bought a Trek 7.3FX, replaced the tires w/ 28s, bars with drops, and shifters with brifters. I ride it to work when I want a comfy, easy ride. When I want to go fast, I ride the Allez. I would recommend the bike, but I agree that the fork isn't the greatest. Also, I wouldn't pay more than 450 for it. But then again, it's only a frew bucks more.

Nicodemus

"puncture resistant" is relative.

The Sirrus has road gearing.

I also prefer a non-straight fork.

I have a Sirrus Elite (2004), I love it.

Funnily enough, I recommend the Sirrus. I'm sure the Trek is also a good bike - there is not a huge amount of difference between the two. Whichever seems to give you the best ride.

Free tune-ups for life? for really that cannot be real.

Get a Sirrus.