Two days ago everything I new about bikes was what I saw at the big box stores, therefore, nothing!

After about 4-6 hours researching entry to mid level options I have decided that the best type of bike for what I want to do and my budget (under $500 dlls) is the Hybrid models. So far I have narrowed it to two options: the Specialized Sirrus V-brake (base model) recommended by my LBS and the Diamondback Trace dual sport based on online reviews.

I understand the difference from one brand to the other. Comparing both bikes, I can see value in both and I see a slight edge of the Trace dual sport because of its capability to ride on light trails with its added suspension; but because it is a brand I can find in Walmart, it makes me hesitant to spend $400+ on it.

Will I be able to ride the Sirrus on light gravel trails? Does any body has experience with the Trace dual sport model?

Your advice will be greatly appreciated!

Andres.

Since you're considering the Diamondback Trace, you should also consider the Giant Roam 3, which comes in at $490.

Yes you can ride a Sirrus on gravel trails. You can technically ride a road bike with 23mm width tires, it will just be bumpy. Without checking, I think the Sirrus comes with 700x35 and they will be fine on gravel.

The Giant Roam is nice, and so is the Specialized Crosstrail. Since you're already at the Specialized dealer, checkout a Crosstrail -- it (like the Giant Roam) are in the "dual sport" category, and Specialized makes a Crosstrail version with mechanical disc brakes for 500 bucks (up from the $430 Sirrus with rim brakes). The Sirrus comes with 32mm tires, and you'll want to keep them aired up high when on gravel/off road, especially if you're a heavier rider. More tire volume lets you run with lower pressures and still keep a similar rolling resistance and impact protection level as narrower tires. A 35mm tire would be better for gravel, and a 38mm tire (on the Crosstrail) would be even better.

Be sure to ride both types of bikes, though. I recently bought a Giant Roam, and it and the Escape rode COMPLETELY differently. Be sure that you're comfortable on the bike that you buy, no matter the brand.

What you get will depend on where you ride. If you're on pavement most of the time, I'd get the Sirrus. If you're doing a lot of trail riding, I'd get the Trace. Sirrus is a very pouplar all-around bike, and would be fine for some light off-road riding, just don't expect to do any death-defying stunts on it. Shocks like what the Trace has generally don't do very well on pavement; they tend to soak up your energy rather than transfer it to forward motion. I understand that lock-outs aren't 100%.

If you can, try to ride both bikes, and see which one loves you back. Good luck, and ride it like you stole it!

Thank you very much for all your help and advice. I now have more good homework to do based on the recommended models. Hopefully I can decide on a bike this week and post the results...

I have a sirrus base with vbrakes that I use for commuting, city riding, and bike/gravel paths. I love it. I owned a crosstrail disc for 2 years prior and it was an just an ok bike imo. I know many love it and I can see why they do. Just not for me. It was much heavier than the sirrus due to the shock (which didn't do much imo). I ride much faster on the sirrus, even on bumpier roads and gravel which surprised me. The crosstrail does have room for wider tires. That said, I know my sirrus can handle very similar terrain as the crosstrail and is quicker and lighter. Test ride both of you can.