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Specialized sirrus for rail trails

Old 08-06-17, 11:51 PM
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Specialized sirrus for rail trails

I am looking very hard at the Specialized Sirrus hybrid. I am looking for a new ride strictly for rail trails. All trails around me are flat and paved (asphalt). Anyone have any experience on rail trails with this bike? I am looking at the lower end aluminum model with disc brakes.
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Old 08-07-17, 12:53 AM
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I had to look up "rail trails" and if yours are "flat and paved" then the Sirrus will excel, it's very well designed to accommodate these.

Most of my Sirrus riding is either on the road or "quite even" paved paths. Broken surfaces, tree roots and other interruptions don't bother the Sirrus too much either.
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Old 08-07-17, 05:48 AM
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The Sirrus looks like a fine bike. But, since virtually any bike will be satisfactory for paved rail trails, I might try to consider if your desire for riding other places might grow. For example, if you elect to commute, even a little bit, would you want to have the ability to put on racks or fenders? Or, if there is a charity ride in your area, do you want a bike that will provide fun and comfort for longer distances over hilly terrain. There is a long list of considerations.

But, if you cannot see yourself doing any other type of riding except rail trails, virtually any bike on the market from one of the major manufactures that fits you well will provide a good ride on a fairly flat rail trail. Take it for a reasonable test ride before purchase and have the LBS set it up for you so the handle bars, saddle, etc are in the most comfortable riding position.

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Old 08-07-17, 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by ps249
I am looking very hard at the Specialized Sirrus hybrid. I am looking for a new ride strictly for rail trails. All trails around me are flat and paved (asphalt). Anyone have any experience on rail trails with this bike? I am looking at the lower end aluminum model with disc brakes.
Sirrus or any other equivalent hybrid will do just fine on rail trails, roads as well as packed dirt roads.


Originally Posted by debade
The Sirrus looks like a fine bike. But, since virtually any bike will be satisfactory for paved rail trails, I might try to consider if your desire for riding other places might grow. For example, if you elect to commute, even a little bit, would you want to have the ability to put on racks or fenders? Or, if there is a charity ride in your area, do you want a bike that will provide fun and comfort for longer distances over hilly terrain. There is a long list of considerations.
You can do all of the above with the Sirrus too.
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Old 08-07-17, 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Amitoj
Sirrus or any other equivalent hybrid will do just fine on rail trails, roads as well as packed dirt roads.




You can do all of the above with the Sirrus too.
I do not disagree with Amitoj has suggested. But let's use cars as an example. For easy comparison, The Sirrus perhaps is like a Chevrolet Spark. Since many of us have a great deal of driving experience, we know what we will give up in a smaller starter car. The trunk will not be as big, it will be uncomfortable for long trips, etc. The Spark will go on long trips and carry luggage but perhaps not within a persons desires. So, when one shops for a car, they know this trade-off.

My comment is suggesting this type of comparison for bikes. The Sirrus is not a bad bike as the Spark is not a bad car. But, if you challenge yourself for what the future might bring, perhaps you would want to put the $500 into an investment that will met those needs.

Take this with a grain of salt. I do not know anything about you including your age and physical abilities. It just seems to me if your regard for bicycling grows, I expect the types of experiences you will desire on your bike will also grow. In that case, you may want two bikes anyway.
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Old 08-07-17, 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by debade
I do not disagree with Amitoj has suggested. But let's use cars as an example. For easy comparison, The Sirrus perhaps is like a Chevrolet Spark. Since many of us have a great deal of driving experience, we know what we will give up in a smaller starter car. The trunk will not be as big, it will be uncomfortable for long trips, etc. The Spark will go on long trips and carry luggage but perhaps not within a persons desires. So, when one shops for a car, they know this trade-off.

My comment is suggesting this type of comparison for bikes. The Sirrus is not a bad bike as the Spark is not a bad car. But, if you challenge yourself for what the future might bring, perhaps you would want to put the $500 into an investment that will met those needs.

Take this with a grain of salt. I do not know anything about you including your age and physical abilities. It just seems to me if your regard for bicycling grows, I expect the types of experiences you will desire on your bike will also grow. In that case, you may want two bikes anyway.
You are right about wanting two or more bikes anyway! That is irrespective of what bike you start off with. Always N+1, right?

I hope you don't mind if I point a slight flaw in the analogy between cars and bikes. A car comes with its own engine whereas a bike is owned by the engine Hence, a bike's capabilities increase with time along with its owners'

A couple of years back, when I started off with the Sirrus, I couldn't ride it for more than 20-25 miles. Over a period of time, I have been able to take it regularly for 100K rides and a few 200K rides as well. On top of that, I also use it to commute 3 times a week. All it needed was fenders and bar ends. And I just needed to ride it. A lot!
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Old 08-07-17, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by ps249
I am looking very hard at the Specialized Sirrus hybrid. I am looking for a new ride strictly for rail trails. All trails around me are flat and paved (asphalt). Anyone have any experience on rail trails with this bike? I am looking at the lower end aluminum model with disc brakes.
I have a '15 Pro Carbon which I originally purchased to ride Paved Multi Use trails, last September I rode the Katy Trail, one of the longest rail trails in the country. I rode from Clinton, MO to Machens on the eastern side of the state. All told, I rode 275miles in 5 days. Average day was 50+Miles. On one day riding 52 miles in the rain. Fortunately, I added SKS Longboard fenders before the ride. It was an fairly pleasant ride excluding the day in the rain. I also added a rear rack and used paniers. I didn't have a bit of problem riding these crushed limestone trails.
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