2023 Specialized Sirrus X Carbon
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2023 Specialized Sirrus X Carbon
Well this is interesting...
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/si...=322033-200214
Feel the difference X makes. Featuring select components specific to performance on even more varied terrain, the Sirrus X is the next generation of lightweight comfort and speed.
Alluring in aesthetics but even more superior in performance, Sirrus X excels on pavement, dirt, and any terrain in between. Meticulously crafted with performance features and a comfort-focused design, Sirrus’ lightweight carbon frame includes our Compliance Junction — enabling a new degree of handling that’s completely unconventional in such a comfortable bike. For riders looking to push their limits and go beyond the pavement, the Sirrus X features wide tires and large disc brake rotors that slice through gravel and dirt with precision and comfort. For those who prefer the long way home, Sirrus X 5.0 doesn’t come up short.
Rider-First Engineered™: Like all Specialized carbon bikes, the geometry of each frame is uniquely crafted. This means that for every frame, each tube size and carbon layup is specifically selected to achieve the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness to ensure that no matter what size you’re riding, you’re going to experience the world’s best ride.
Comfortable: The extraordinary performance of the Sirrus Carbon frame begins at its heart, the Compliance Junction. It’s been designed to have just the right amount of flex and forgiveness across the carbon frame without sacrificing performance or efficiency. The result enables next-level maneuverability for enhanced all-day comfort. Future Shock, Specialized’s unique suspension design, prevents harsh frequencies caused by bumps in the road from reaching the handlebars. The Sirrus Carbon is forgiving, flexible, and quick enough to move at the speed of life.
Versatile & Customizable: Equipped with rack, fender, and top tube mounts, you can make the Sirrus your tool, your transportation, or both. With tire clearance up to 42c, you’ve got plenty of room to tune your ride for whatever comes next.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/si...=322033-200214
Sirrus X 5.0
Feel the difference X makes. Featuring select components specific to performance on even more varied terrain, the Sirrus X is the next generation of lightweight comfort and speed.
Alluring in aesthetics but even more superior in performance, Sirrus X excels on pavement, dirt, and any terrain in between. Meticulously crafted with performance features and a comfort-focused design, Sirrus’ lightweight carbon frame includes our Compliance Junction — enabling a new degree of handling that’s completely unconventional in such a comfortable bike. For riders looking to push their limits and go beyond the pavement, the Sirrus X features wide tires and large disc brake rotors that slice through gravel and dirt with precision and comfort. For those who prefer the long way home, Sirrus X 5.0 doesn’t come up short.
Rider-First Engineered™: Like all Specialized carbon bikes, the geometry of each frame is uniquely crafted. This means that for every frame, each tube size and carbon layup is specifically selected to achieve the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness to ensure that no matter what size you’re riding, you’re going to experience the world’s best ride.
Comfortable: The extraordinary performance of the Sirrus Carbon frame begins at its heart, the Compliance Junction. It’s been designed to have just the right amount of flex and forgiveness across the carbon frame without sacrificing performance or efficiency. The result enables next-level maneuverability for enhanced all-day comfort. Future Shock, Specialized’s unique suspension design, prevents harsh frequencies caused by bumps in the road from reaching the handlebars. The Sirrus Carbon is forgiving, flexible, and quick enough to move at the speed of life.
Versatile & Customizable: Equipped with rack, fender, and top tube mounts, you can make the Sirrus your tool, your transportation, or both. With tire clearance up to 42c, you’ve got plenty of room to tune your ride for whatever comes next.
- Specialized FACT 9r carbon frame features internal cable routing.
- Using our Rider-First Engineered™ philosophy, the geometry of each frame is uniquely crafted. Each tube size and carbon layup is specifically selected to achieve the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness no matter the frame size.
- The Compliance Junction provides just the right amount of flex and forgiveness across the carbon frame without sacrificing performance and efficiency.
- Future Shock 1.5, Specialized’s unique suspension design, is placed inside the headtube to prevent harsh frequencies caused by bumps in the road from reaching the handlebars.
- Wide 38c Pathfinder tubeless-ready tires are ideal for mastering variable terrain, providing traction and comfort off the beaten path.
- The minimalist yet efficient SRAM NX Eagle 1x drivetrain with wide-range gearing ensures smooth and reliable shifting.
- Tektro hydraulic brakes with large 160mm rotors provide reliable stopping power on- and off-road.
- Sirrus X 5.0 is fender and rack compatible with top tube and fork mounts, and racks can be used with 51c DRYTECH fenders, making Sirrus easy to rack and roll.

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Interesting. I'm not in the market for a new bike but will be watching to see how it holds up and reading "real world" opinions as riders actually start riding it. I'm fairly skeptical when it comes to an untried new design hits the market. Hopefully, it holds up and gets good reviews when it hits the streets.
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Visually it's

I'm curious about the durability and ride quality.

I'm curious about the durability and ride quality.
Last edited by Trav1s; 03-28-23 at 06:36 PM.
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No front derailleur, not interested. I bet not even an E type will fit
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I think this is an interesting design. Will be interesting to read reviews on how effective this is.
Would be also interesting to compare this to other bikes that are now using 650b tires possibly steel frames like from Surly or Jamis. Compare comfort/compliance on the rail trails/gravel and such.
But personally, for my money, I would wait a few years to see if there are any reliability issues on that suspension portion of the frame. I won't risk my money on it.
Let's say after 5 years or so, no major issues, then I would be onboard for it. I'm fully with using 1x drivetrains and am not interested in a 2x or 3x systems any longer for the type of riding I do.
EDIT: I see a potential frame pack going under that suspension.
Would be also interesting to compare this to other bikes that are now using 650b tires possibly steel frames like from Surly or Jamis. Compare comfort/compliance on the rail trails/gravel and such.
But personally, for my money, I would wait a few years to see if there are any reliability issues on that suspension portion of the frame. I won't risk my money on it.
Let's say after 5 years or so, no major issues, then I would be onboard for it. I'm fully with using 1x drivetrains and am not interested in a 2x or 3x systems any longer for the type of riding I do.
EDIT: I see a potential frame pack going under that suspension.
Last edited by travbikeman; 03-30-23 at 07:38 AM.
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Last edited by jskash; 04-01-23 at 02:49 PM.
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How does it ride?
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Sorry for not responding quicker but I wanted to get a couple of rides in first. So I've done 3 rides now for a total of almost 50 miles and I have to say it's very, very smooth. I've been thinking about what I could equate to that's similar but I'm not having much luck. My current bike, a Trek Domane has Isospeed front and rear but I have to say that the Futureshock in the front does a better job of absorbing bumps. Isospeed works well for the usual pavement vibration and chatter that you typically encounter but the Futureshock does a better job on things such as small potholes, steel plates, and speed bumps.
As for the Compliance Junction in the rear.... it definitely works and it makes for a very comfortable ride. You can't see it move and it doesn't feel like it's moving but you know something is going on back there because of what you are not feeling. Perfect example, on one of my regular loops I ride a couple of times a week is a street with 3 speed bumps, on my Domane with Isospeed I would always stand on the pedals going over them but on the Sirrus I don't feel the need to stand, there is no sudden jolt as you hit them but kind of a subtle glide, maybe, I don't know but it is different and it is hard to describe.
Now some of this may be due to the tires, the Domane is running a 32mm tubeless setup on carbon wheels and the Sirrus is on a 38mm tubeless setup, or maybe rider position, upright on the flat bar Sirrus vs. forward leaning on the drop bar Domane but I really don't believe those 2 things would make that big of difference.
I hope I was able to give you an accurate description, it's really hard to describe. I also have a hardtail mountain bike that I've ridden over those same roads, it's running 29 x 2.2in tires and even with that much rubber you feel a jolt going over those speed bumps.
-Skip
As for the Compliance Junction in the rear.... it definitely works and it makes for a very comfortable ride. You can't see it move and it doesn't feel like it's moving but you know something is going on back there because of what you are not feeling. Perfect example, on one of my regular loops I ride a couple of times a week is a street with 3 speed bumps, on my Domane with Isospeed I would always stand on the pedals going over them but on the Sirrus I don't feel the need to stand, there is no sudden jolt as you hit them but kind of a subtle glide, maybe, I don't know but it is different and it is hard to describe.

Now some of this may be due to the tires, the Domane is running a 32mm tubeless setup on carbon wheels and the Sirrus is on a 38mm tubeless setup, or maybe rider position, upright on the flat bar Sirrus vs. forward leaning on the drop bar Domane but I really don't believe those 2 things would make that big of difference.
I hope I was able to give you an accurate description, it's really hard to describe. I also have a hardtail mountain bike that I've ridden over those same roads, it's running 29 x 2.2in tires and even with that much rubber you feel a jolt going over those speed bumps.
-Skip
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#14
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That all makes sense to me. Thank you for the thoughtful response. I see the logic in the design but struggle with the asthetics...
This problem is not unique to bikes for me either. But if a design proves itself than I can appreciate and embrace it.

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Thanks. I wonder what the limit is for the previous (normal) carbon frame. I weigh 240 before kit.
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