New Sirrus Comp carbon, first observations
09-07-16, 09:24 AM
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
Are you looking at the 2017 lineup? The Pro is a carbon bike, there are two Sport models, one carbon and the other aluminum, the Elite is now only aluminum. The current lineup is Sport, Comp, Expert and Pro. If you are looking at the carbon framed bikes, the only differences are in components, the frames are identical.
09-07-16, 02:21 PM
#28
Junior Member
Very true. One of the realities about buying a new bike nowadays is there are so many categories to choose from and then further permutations within those categories, thus making a qualified decision can be quite difficult. This can easily lead to making bad choices.
Consider the first time buyer or somebody returning to cycling after a lengthy hiatus, they enter a bike shop and are faced with walls lined up with pretty new bikes and, unless they've done a bit of investigative online homework, don't really know where to start. Another issue with many LBS today is the "test drive" is often a quick spin around the parking lot which tells you nothing about how well the bike will work for you over a lengthy period of time.
One must find a store where the staff are willing to take the time to find out what your interests are, what type of rider you are and where you want to ride. After that has been determined then you can start working your way through the myriad selection process of what bike will work best for you - or the one you actually have your heart set on...in my case the Sirrus had always "spoken" to me from the start, I simply should have listened more carefully...
Consider the first time buyer or somebody returning to cycling after a lengthy hiatus, they enter a bike shop and are faced with walls lined up with pretty new bikes and, unless they've done a bit of investigative online homework, don't really know where to start. Another issue with many LBS today is the "test drive" is often a quick spin around the parking lot which tells you nothing about how well the bike will work for you over a lengthy period of time.
One must find a store where the staff are willing to take the time to find out what your interests are, what type of rider you are and where you want to ride. After that has been determined then you can start working your way through the myriad selection process of what bike will work best for you - or the one you actually have your heart set on...in my case the Sirrus had always "spoken" to me from the start, I simply should have listened more carefully...
I don't know in the US, but to find a shop here with that kind of staff is rare in my experience. You probably would need to go for a professional bike fitting service where they ask you all sort of questions and do extensive measurements, but it ain't cheap. I think if I was to buy the bike again, I'd probably go for a fitting service first, and then choose the bikes components.
...I simply should have listened more carefully...
09-07-16, 03:38 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Consider the first time buyer or somebody returning to cycling after a lengthy hiatus, they enter a bike shop and are faced with walls lined up with pretty new bikes and, unless they've done a bit of investigative online homework, don't really know where to start. ...
One must find a store where the staff are willing to take the time to find out what your interests are, what type of rider you are and where you want to ride...
So it's like you say, do research yourself and have a good understanding before you go and visit. Find the bike you want and take it for a good test ride. I went down on my motorcycle and asked if I can leave my helmet and jacket behind the counter. That seemed to satisfy them I would be back lol.
09-07-16, 04:23 PM
#30
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
New Sirrus owner here. I totally agree with your post. It's what I've experienced as well. I think a bike's "test drive" should be at least 20 miles long.
I don't know in the US, but to find a shop here with that kind of staff is rare in my experience. You probably would need to go for a professional bike fitting service where they ask you all sort of questions and do extensive measurements, but it ain't cheap. I think if I was to buy the bike again, I'd probably go for a fitting service first, and then choose the bikes components.
not sure I understand what you mean.... are you having buyer's remorse?
I don't know in the US, but to find a shop here with that kind of staff is rare in my experience. You probably would need to go for a professional bike fitting service where they ask you all sort of questions and do extensive measurements, but it ain't cheap. I think if I was to buy the bike again, I'd probably go for a fitting service first, and then choose the bikes components.
not sure I understand what you mean.... are you having buyer's remorse?
As for not being able to find a shop that has staff that will take that kind of time, the LBS that I bought my Sirrus from does exactly that. All the staff are avid cyclists, many having worked there for years and they know their stuff! If they find you are serious about cycling and not just shopping around, they'll take all the time required to get you on the right bike, and then insisting it fits you before you ever get out the door. So there are some good bike shops around, which is why I suggest it's more important to find a good shop that offers this kind of service than looking around for the cheapest price...
09-07-16, 05:36 PM
#31
Junior Member
These are my first observations after owning the Sirrus with the Shimano 105 for a couple of weeks. The Sirrus is my first quality bike. Until May this year I haven't even heard of words like "front/rear derailleurs".
I tried a couple of bikes for a few weeks before settling on the Sirrus Expert (the LBS has a return policy). The first bike had a Shimano Acera/Deore, 9-speed. I enjoyed the ride a lot, but I'd feel legs fatigue after 15 miles or so. The second bike had the Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed. Definitely an improvement over the Deore, not huge, but an improvement nevertheless.
The Shimano 105 is much better. It's on another level. It makes riding much more enjoyable. For example, I could do a 20-mile ride, then go home and feel nothing; whereas with the Deore I would feel a bit like I'd been to the gym. This may sound a bit strange, but it's like the 105 works with you - you put some effort and it helps you. It's fantastic!
I'd definitely choose a bike with at least a Shimano 105, especially if the bike is in the $1500 range - the $100 or so difference is a no brainer, imo.
I tried a couple of bikes for a few weeks before settling on the Sirrus Expert (the LBS has a return policy). The first bike had a Shimano Acera/Deore, 9-speed. I enjoyed the ride a lot, but I'd feel legs fatigue after 15 miles or so. The second bike had the Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed. Definitely an improvement over the Deore, not huge, but an improvement nevertheless.
The Shimano 105 is much better. It's on another level. It makes riding much more enjoyable. For example, I could do a 20-mile ride, then go home and feel nothing; whereas with the Deore I would feel a bit like I'd been to the gym. This may sound a bit strange, but it's like the 105 works with you - you put some effort and it helps you. It's fantastic!
I'd definitely choose a bike with at least a Shimano 105, especially if the bike is in the $1500 range - the $100 or so difference is a no brainer, imo.
09-07-16, 07:08 PM
#32
Senior Member
These are my first observations after owning the Sirrus with the Shimano 105 for a couple of weeks. The Sirrus is my first quality bike. Until May this year I haven't even heard of words like "front/rear derailleurs".
I tried a couple of bikes for a few weeks before settling on the Sirrus Expert (the LBS has a return policy). The first bike had a Shimano Acera/Deore, 9-speed. I enjoyed the ride a lot, but I'd feel legs fatigue after 15 miles or so. The second bike had the Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed. Definitely an improvement over the Deore, not huge, but an improvement nevertheless.
The Shimano 105 is much better. It's on another level. It makes riding much more enjoyable. For example, I could do a 20-mile ride, then go home and feel nothing; whereas with the Deore I would feel a bit like I'd been to the gym. This may sound a bit strange, but it's like the 105 works with you - you put some effort and it helps you. It's fantastic!
I'd definitely choose a bike with at least a Shimano 105, especially if the bike is in the $1500 range - the $100 or so difference is a no brainer, imo.
I tried a couple of bikes for a few weeks before settling on the Sirrus Expert (the LBS has a return policy). The first bike had a Shimano Acera/Deore, 9-speed. I enjoyed the ride a lot, but I'd feel legs fatigue after 15 miles or so. The second bike had the Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed. Definitely an improvement over the Deore, not huge, but an improvement nevertheless.
The Shimano 105 is much better. It's on another level. It makes riding much more enjoyable. For example, I could do a 20-mile ride, then go home and feel nothing; whereas with the Deore I would feel a bit like I'd been to the gym. This may sound a bit strange, but it's like the 105 works with you - you put some effort and it helps you. It's fantastic!
I'd definitely choose a bike with at least a Shimano 105, especially if the bike is in the $1500 range - the $100 or so difference is a no brainer, imo.
not that i don't like better components. I'm aiming for Deore XT level stuff all around but besides a very slight weight gain for speed, it's more about snappier and more reliable shifting, not much speed and endurance gains.
09-08-16, 03:23 AM
#33
Junior Member
how does better, quicker and more reliable shifting and ever so slightly component-level weight gain help you go significantly faster and farther?
not that i don't like better components. I'm aiming for Deore XT level stuff all around but besides a very slight weight gain for speed, it's more about snappier and more reliable shifting, not much speed and endurance gains.
not that i don't like better components. I'm aiming for Deore XT level stuff all around but besides a very slight weight gain for speed, it's more about snappier and more reliable shifting, not much speed and endurance gains.
The Deore was very reliable - no problem shifting at all. The 105 has a slightly smoother feel to it. To me, the Deore was quite fine for commuting the 15 miles and generally keeping fit. For longer distance ride, like 50miles, the 105 would be more suitable.
I think the Deore is a fine set. The 105 is just better.
Last edited by TMassimo; 09-08-16 at 05:51 AM.
09-08-16, 07:29 AM
#34
Junior Member
I ride for fitness and leisure, I don't race. I weigh 65Kg so slight weight gain doesn't concern me. It's more about enjoyment and going farther with minimal effort, and the 105 wins in that respects, to me. I think the magic is in the cassette and crankset design and technology used. I'm not sure.
The Deore was very reliable - no problem shifting at all. The 105 has a slightly smoother feel to it. To me, the Deore was quite fine for commuting the 15 miles and generally keeping fit. For longer distance ride, like 50miles, the 105 would be more suitable.
I think the Deore is a fine set. The 105 is just better.
The Deore was very reliable - no problem shifting at all. The 105 has a slightly smoother feel to it. To me, the Deore was quite fine for commuting the 15 miles and generally keeping fit. For longer distance ride, like 50miles, the 105 would be more suitable.
I think the Deore is a fine set. The 105 is just better.
09-08-16, 08:59 AM
#35
Junior Member
09-08-16, 09:36 AM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
And because of this I recon a new purchaser should be open minded about making any mods they deem necessary to convert the bike into exactly what they want. I see it here all the time, people swapping seats, tires, gear trains. I'm swapping out my handlebars, have replaced the pedals.
09-08-16, 09:57 AM
#37
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times
in
218 Posts
After that, if your LBS is cool with you bringing in the parts for them to swap over, there is the labour charge.
If your LBS isn't happy about you bringing in the parts, I would encourage you to do what I did and that is seek out an independent bike mechanic who works from his own home and take it to him to do the work.
09-08-16, 10:09 AM
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
And because of this I recon a new purchaser should be open minded about making any mods they deem necessary to convert the bike into exactly what they want. I see it here all the time, people swapping seats, tires, gear trains. I'm swapping out my handlebars, have replaced the pedals.
Last edited by trainchaser; 09-08-16 at 10:13 AM.
09-08-16, 04:38 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Brisbane Aust
Posts: 1,643
Bikes: Giant ToughRoad Giant talon
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 705 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Same here. Actually I'm of the opinion that unless your a total bike head with specialist requirements, you've bought the wrong bike if you want to upgrade the drive train.
09-09-16, 06:49 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 831
Bikes: Enough plus 1
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 364 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Some things in life are about the experience more than the money.
Personally, it would be hoot and an absolute waste of time, but a learning experience, to upgrade something cheap with, say, Campy Super Record or Dura Ace Di2. Then have your fun with it, tear it down, and upgrade a GOOD bike with it.
But that's just me, I'm weird, what can I say.
09-28-16, 10:32 AM
#41
Member
Fenders and Rain
Completed my first Katy Trail ride last week. It was a real fun time. 275 miles in 5 days. Third day out and 52 miles in the rain. Fenders were a life saver. I have taken the rack off but left the fenders.
10-04-16, 09:21 AM
#42
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree with you. Fortunately on my new Sirrus the drivetrain components on my Sirrus Comp carbon are just fine, Shimano recently did a complete upgrade to the entire Tiagra lineup and it has very good reviews. The handlebars fit me perfectly as they have just the right amount of upsweep and backsweep for my hands and they are three and a half inches narrower than the ones on the Crosstrail - big difference there! I did change the pedals and the seat, pedals are PD-780 XT trekking pedals from Shimano and the seat is a Specialized Avatar Comp, seats are a very personal thing so what works for me won't necessarily work for the next guy...and due to that they actually may be the trickiest piece of equipment on any bike.
trainchaser - Do you know Tiagra 4600/4700 on yours?
TIA.
10-04-16, 10:33 AM
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
"I'm also looking to buy a "2016 Sirrus Comp carbon" and my LBS can order it with decent discount. Question is shimano updated Tiagra components to 4700 from 4600 in 2015 June. So If I buy 2016 Sirrus comp carbon, will it have Tiagra 4600 or 4700 ?
trainchaser - Do you know Tiagra 4600/4700 on yours?
TIA."
Hi, My Sirrus is a 2016 and it came with the new 4700 series Tiagra equipment. It's immediately recognizable as it has a pale blue satin metal finish on the components.
cheers!
trainchaser - Do you know Tiagra 4600/4700 on yours?
TIA."
Hi, My Sirrus is a 2016 and it came with the new 4700 series Tiagra equipment. It's immediately recognizable as it has a pale blue satin metal finish on the components.
cheers!
10-06-16, 09:22 PM
#44
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"I'm also looking to buy a "2016 Sirrus Comp carbon" and my LBS can order it with decent discount. Question is shimano updated Tiagra components to 4700 from 4600 in 2015 June. So If I buy 2016 Sirrus comp carbon, will it have Tiagra 4600 or 4700 ?
trainchaser - Do you know Tiagra 4600/4700 on yours?
TIA."
Hi, My Sirrus is a 2016 and it came with the new 4700 series Tiagra equipment. It's immediately recognizable as it has a pale blue satin metal finish on the components.
cheers!
trainchaser - Do you know Tiagra 4600/4700 on yours?
TIA."
Hi, My Sirrus is a 2016 and it came with the new 4700 series Tiagra equipment. It's immediately recognizable as it has a pale blue satin metal finish on the components.
cheers!
Thank you.
10-07-16, 12:10 PM
#45
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 254
Bikes: my bikes: Old: 1965 Schwinn 10 speed, 72 Monshee 12 speed, 77 Norco 12 speed, 95 Trek 850, two Specialized Crosstrails, 2016 Specialized carbon Sirrus. New 2020 Trek FX1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
14 Posts
Hi,
My bike has all Shimano components except the Crankset and bottom bracket which are FSA. It is easy to tell what make the components are, if its Shimano the name is prominently displayed and its the same with MicroSHIFT.
From my recent observations at my LBS it appears that MicroSHIFT has made quite an inroad as standard equipment on newer bikes. The stock currently on display has a mix of Shimano equipped and MicroSHIFT bikes, so I figure that sometime during the 2016 production year they started changing what came as standard components. Each LBS is going to have end of the year discounts to move old stock, my bike was marked down about $400...
My bike has all Shimano components except the Crankset and bottom bracket which are FSA. It is easy to tell what make the components are, if its Shimano the name is prominently displayed and its the same with MicroSHIFT.
From my recent observations at my LBS it appears that MicroSHIFT has made quite an inroad as standard equipment on newer bikes. The stock currently on display has a mix of Shimano equipped and MicroSHIFT bikes, so I figure that sometime during the 2016 production year they started changing what came as standard components. Each LBS is going to have end of the year discounts to move old stock, my bike was marked down about $400...
10-10-16, 12:10 PM
#46
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi,
My bike has all Shimano components except the Crankset and bottom bracket which are FSA. It is easy to tell what make the components are, if its Shimano the name is prominently displayed and its the same with MicroSHIFT.
From my recent observations at my LBS it appears that MicroSHIFT has made quite an inroad as standard equipment on newer bikes. The stock currently on display has a mix of Shimano equipped and MicroSHIFT bikes, so I figure that sometime during the 2016 production year they started changing what came as standard components. Each LBS is going to have end of the year discounts to move old stock, my bike was marked down about $400...
My bike has all Shimano components except the Crankset and bottom bracket which are FSA. It is easy to tell what make the components are, if its Shimano the name is prominently displayed and its the same with MicroSHIFT.
From my recent observations at my LBS it appears that MicroSHIFT has made quite an inroad as standard equipment on newer bikes. The stock currently on display has a mix of Shimano equipped and MicroSHIFT bikes, so I figure that sometime during the 2016 production year they started changing what came as standard components. Each LBS is going to have end of the year discounts to move old stock, my bike was marked down about $400...
04-22-17, 04:35 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 142
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For the record this is not true, your LBS is incorrect. The Carbon frames top out at 32, and they come with a 30. I had a 32 Continental on a Carbon Pro yesterday. I ordered mine with Clement XPlors on it in 32. Quite honestly you might even be able to get some 33s on it.
Just wanted to clear that up in case someone ever searches for this, it's important detail with this bike that offers more someone flexibility.
04-30-17, 09:58 AM
#49
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Columbia, Maryland
Posts: 139
Bikes: 2022 Specialized Kenevo SL exp2017 Specialized Expert carbon X1 2016 Specialized Trek 8.6 DS, Previously owned 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper comp carbo Trek 4500, 2019 Canyon Urban 5.0, Diamondback, Ross Apollo 5speed, Huffy? Research Dynamics(stolen)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
does anyone have a photo with the plug and play fenders?
04-30-17, 04:31 PM
#50
Noob Rider
Here you go, not the best picture and the file size restrictions here are hostile. I can probably get some better ones for you if you like later on.
The fenders look great, max is 35 mm and you can squeeze a 32 tyre inside. But they're far from "plug and play" indeed they're a bit of a PITA to install, don't come with the required grub (set) screws and I had to get a special nut to affix the front fender to the carbon fork. 10/10 for looks about about 3/10 for "plug and play" ease.
The fenders look great, max is 35 mm and you can squeeze a 32 tyre inside. But they're far from "plug and play" indeed they're a bit of a PITA to install, don't come with the required grub (set) screws and I had to get a special nut to affix the front fender to the carbon fork. 10/10 for looks about about 3/10 for "plug and play" ease.