Hello everyone, I am looking for my first bike that I will use for exercise both trail riding (paved) as well as commuting to work. I have decided on a hybrid and am looking for help knowing what gives me the most bang for the buck, in regards to better components and such. The choice is between the Trek fx 7.4 non disc and the specialized sirrus elite.

The sales staff says there bike is better then then other but don't really say why. The two diffrent shops have similar service after the sale perks. Here are the specifics to the two bikes to make things easier. I thank you for any advice you can give.


Specialized Sirrus Elite:

FRAMESpecialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated butted tubing w/ smooth welds, internal cable routing, tapered/integrated headset, fender/rack eyelets
FORKSpecialized FACT carbon w/ Zertz, alloy steerer/crown
HEADSET1-1/8" sealed Cr-Mo bearings integrated w/ headset, 15mm alloy cone spacer
STEMSpecialized 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
HANDLEBARSSpecialized flat, 6061 double butted alloy, 10-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 31.8mm
TAPESpecialized Body Geometry Targa, lock-on, closed end
FRONT BRAKEAlloy V-brake, linear pull
REAR BRAKEAlloy V-brake, linear pull
BRAKE LEVERSDie-cast alloy
FRONT DERAILLEURShimano Acera, top swing, dual-pull
REAR DERAILLEURShimano Alivio, 9-speed, top mount
SHIFT LEVERSShimano Acera Rapidfire Plus, 2x9, w/ optical display
CASSETTE Shimano, 9-speed, 11-32
CHAINKMC X9, 9-speed, reusable Missing Link
CRANKSETShimano Acera, 9-speed, 48/36/26, w/ chainguard
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano
PEDALSSirrus, 1.5mm Varus angle, nylon body, symmetric alloy cage, low profile bearing system, toe clip capable
RIMS700c, alloy double-wall, CNC sidewalls, 32h
FRONT HUBDouble-sealed, QR, 32h
REAR HUBDouble-sealed, QR, 32h
SPOKESStainless, 14g, w/ brass nipple
FRONT TIRESpecialized Espoir Sport Reflect, 60TPI, wire bead, Double BlackBelt protection, 700x30c
REAR TIRESpecialized Espoir Sport Reflect, 60TPI, wire bead, Double BlackBelt protection, 700x30c
INNER TUBESStandard, presta valve
SADDLEBody Geometry Targa Sport, steel rails, 155mm
SEATPOSTAlloy, 2-bolt, micro-adjust, 12.5mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
SEAT BINDERAlloy, 31.8mm


Trek 7.4 FX

Frame Trek FX Alpha Gold Series aluminum
Fork Bontrager Nebula, carbon
Rims/Wheels Bontrager TLR
Hubs Front: Formula; Rear: Shimano RM30
Tires Bontrager Race AW1 Hardcase, 700 x 32c
Crankset Shimano Acera
Chainrings 48/36/26
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Cogs Shimano, 9-speed: 11-32
Shifters Shimano Acera
Handlebars Bontrager Satellite Plus IsoZone
Tape/Grips Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Elite
Stem Bontrager Blendr Elite
Brake Levers Shimano Acera
Brakes Tektro linear-pull
Pedals Nylon platform
Saddle Bontrager H1
Seatpost Bontrager Nebula

Let's get this out of the way, I suppose:

Which fits better? That's the one to get.

Edit: NM, get the yellow one regardless of fit. It's perty.

They are about the same. From there I go with the dealer who offers the better service.

They are extremely comparable. Buy the one that speaks to you.

The bikes are about the same.

Road Test them both for 15-30 minutes. Pick the one that fits best, and that you are most comfortable with.

Pick the one that you like the color best.

If worse comes to worst, flip a coin, if you find yourself rooting for one bike to win, pick that bike. Otherwise, let the coin decide.

GH