Specialized 2010 Flat bar road bikes/ Hybrids
 

So far we have had a lot of discussion of the Trek FX line and threads on Jamis but no one has mentioned the Specialized Sirrus or the new Roulux.

The Sirrus spec sheet doesn't seem complete yet, only listing Shimano components for some things but no group info. I am not sure what the Roulux is supposed to be for, it has front and rear shocks and a swept back bar, I guess it is a combination of all the Body Geometry components they have.

What do you guys think about these bikes?

I think specialized are great bikes. The sirrus looks nice. I am looking towards a Jamis myself, but I want to try out steel...but have an interest in the Specialized Crosstrail, too. Aluminum to me is a bit too stiff and transmits too much vibration at times, so at least need a suspension fork if I go aluminum.

the Roulux is just weird looking...But if somone wants a higher end hybrid with swept back bars, I bet it would be a sweet ride!

I really really wish Specialized would come out with a steel bike. Maybe something like the sirrus but steel...oooo now that would be drool worthy if they did it right :)

I love my '07 Sirrus. The only thing I would love even more is if Specialized would do a rendition in steel.:thumb: The only negative is compared to my Alpine Monitor Pass or my '88 Sirrus is Aluminum rides both kind of dead and harsh. The steel bikes eat up road vibration better.

Modern aluminum is compliant and forgiving. That's why the material has all but replaced steel as the tubing of choice on most bikes. Things have changed since 1988.

This may be true, but the Alpine feels like butter over the road and the Alu Sirrus rather dead feeling in comparison. It's a lively ride, just not to the same level as the steel frame.

For frames,yes. But not for forks. Alloy forks + skinny tires = carpel tunnel for me.

Get a steel or a carbon fork. Specialized aluminum frames offer Zertz carbon inserts for shock absorption.

I have the 2009 Sirrus Sport (aluminum fork) and replaced the tires with 35s and the saddle with a sprung leather Masi saddle. I have a hard time imagining a smoother ride, and feel like I have the hybrid equivalent of a touring bike.

I just bought a plain jane 2009 Sirrus today, and was actually surprised how smooth it rode. Those fancy grips have something to do with it, I think. Less vibrations than my mountain bike...darn knobbies!

I have a 2009 Sirrus Sport too, and I have not noticed the aluminum fork giving a harsh ride either. Maybe it's just because I am young and not as sensitive to rough rides, but it seems plenty smooth to me, even compared to other bikes I've ridden.

Aluminum frames are made in China for well under $50 each. That's why they replaced steel. It has nothing to do with a compliant ride. There are a lot of threads on the subject in the forums. China decided to boost their Al industry a long time ago. They're doing the same thing with CF now.

I'm sure china could make steel frames just as cheap as aluminum. Cyclists are the ones who pushed the industry into aluminum, they release a few aluminum bikes, that are lighter, and we all go nuts. Yet if you spend enough money on a good steel frame, they can be nearly as light, and a lot more compliant. Look at the jamis Coda. It is a few lbs heavier than the sirrus, but not horribly heavy either.

speaking of which, that "handcrafted in china" sticker is going to come off my bike today. Just got it yesterday so I didnt have the time ;)

Note I said skinny tires. My Point Reyes,Dixon,and Otis are all alloy frame and fork,but running 1.5" tires. My old Conquest Disc R had 28's @120psi and it had to go. Anything more than a couple miles and my wrists were ready to 'splode.

Depends on the model. My old Coda Elite(19"?) was only 24lbs 4oz,and that's with disc brakes.