I’ve been looking into getting a decent entry-level bike, possibly the Sirrus X 2.0 or the Fuji Traverse 1.7. What are your thoughts and recommendations? Thank you!

On a Covid-driven impulse, I picked up a 24" Fuji 1.7 this summer. I've have just shy of 200 miles on it so far and I like it a lot. The geometry works very well for me (has a longer top tube than my Trek) and I love the front suspension...makes a noticeable difference in ride comfort. I'd consider myself a recreational bicyclist and don't need the "highest" level of components and gadgets. Did a 20 mile bike ride a couple of weeks ago and handled it without a sweat. Working my way up to 40-50 miles by the end of summer. Put me down as a +1 vote for the Fuji.

The Fuji Traverse is a "dual sport" type of bike, most comparable to a Specialized Crosstrail, Trek DS, or Giant Roam. The Specialized Sirrus X is more of a fitness hybrid bike, comparable to a Fuji Absolute, Trek FX, or Giant Escape. I'd suggest figuring out the basic type of bike you're after (either a dual sport like the Traverse or Crosstrail or a fitness hybrid like the Sirrus X or Absolute) and then shopping from there. In general, the components get better with higher bike prices.

One caution about the Sirrus X 2.0 in particular -- it uses a non-standard drivetrain. It's a 1x8 setup using Microshift's Advent 9-based system. It's a pretty wide range cassette (12-42) with only eight sprockets, so the jumps will be somewhat large. And it's based on the Microshift Advent 9 system, which is not compatible with anything else (Shimano, SRAM, etc.). The Fuji Absolute (or Traverse) would have a little better compatibility as far as components go.

My Grandaughter has a Fuji Absolute - and it's a nice bike! I wouldn't mind having one!

I have an ‘14 Absolute 2.1 that I really love right now. I’ve been riding it a lot more this year compared to when we bought our bikes. I’m trying to dial it into longer distance type rides and get it more comfortable for me.

Fuji gets my vote.