cyber_hawke

After a lot of gnashing of teeth and discussing new bikes here on the forum, I narrowed my choices down to a Sirrus Expert:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...enuItemId=9260

and a TREK 7.7FX:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/77fx/

The deciding factor was the Sirrus was a little cheaper (~$300) and seemed to have wheels designed for a clydsdale (me = 260lbs). The TREK seemed to be a little lighter. Truth is I made my choice off of spec sheets and test rode much cheaper versions of the bike.

I now have the Sirrus at home (picked it up on Thursday) and took my first real ride on Friday afternoon. I find the bike seems to be as heavy as the cheaper version I rode in the store....great parts, but bike just seems heavy. My guess is that it weighs around 24-25lbs, while the TREK was around 21 lbs. I have 30 days to bring the bike back and trade or get my money back.....anyone have experience with both bikes? Am intending to commute 10+ miles each way and start doing century's with my biking friends. Mabe was buyers remorse or maybe bad first impression.....thoughts?

gepilling

I'm kind of surprised the Trek was lighter. I bought my Sirrus last year specifically because it was the lightest weight bike in my price range... although it's a Sirrus Sport (which is a lower model than your Expert) and I was testing it against lower model Treks (7.2 FX and 7.3 FX), plus they were 2009s, so I realize it's not that relevant to your situation...

At any rate, if I were you, I would go back and test ride the Trek again, maybe even a few times, and compare it with your Specialized. Bring the Specialized along with you to the Trek place and ride them one right after the other, back and forth a couple times. That's really the only way you'll be able to make a good comparison because you'll forget the subtleties of each if it's not back-to-back.

Wanderer

Keep the one that "fits" you the best. This means more than just a fame fitting, and frame size. Different frame sizes feel different to you, even in the same bike. That also includes how it feels when you ride it, and what it looks like!

It's always "normal" to have buyers remorse - and you will get over it, as you make your bike your own.

Assuming you are going back to test ride them again, make sure you do the little things, like make sure the seat and bars are the same height and angle, the tires have the exact same pressure in them, you have the same shoes and clothes - these little things help you compare apples to apples.

Looking at them side by side, the Sirrus is the more "heavy duty" of the two, due to wheels alone - at that weight level, we're not talking "weight weinies" on either one -

Personally, I like the looks of the Sirrus better, and it comes with more "included" stuff - like bar ends, Mavic rims, 32 spokes, and Body Geometry seats are really pretty comfy seats -------

Back in '08, when I was test riding FX, and Sirrus, the Sirrus felt the more "solid" to me - and I don't recall feeling any weight difference. i just needed the suspension for a back problem, and I liked the Crosstrail better than the 7000 series treks "It just felt better". I guess that makes me a Specialized person. (P.S. I tried lots of other manufacturers, too)

One more thing - I would have the LBS or a known GOOD wheelbuilder, "re-tension" the spokes - with a METER, even brand new - it will save you a lot of grief later on. It will be worth any added expense.

no1mad 

If you're really wanting to exchange the Sirrus for the Trek, make sure that the LBS has the exact model that you're interested in. Don't fall for the assumption that the ride will be basically the same based upon the frame, or you will have the same problem with the Trek that you find yourself having now with the Specialized.

Of course, it would be much easier if you just started to believe in the n+1 theory of bike ownership.

Dunbar

I can't imagine there is more than a pound difference between the two. The Specialized is supposed to have a more upright riding position. The Trek is more stretched out so keep that in mind since comfort is a big consideration with a hybrid.

cyber_hawke

OK, took all my stuff off the Sirrus and hauled it to the bike store. First thing we added the adjustable stem to the TREK and put a rack on the back. Put them both on the digital scale and to my chagrin the Sirrus was almost 2lbs lighter. When I went back and picked up the basic Sirrus it was around 25lbs but the TREK was a little over 22 and the Sirrus under 21. So I then compared the ride on a 7.5fx to my Sirrus and couldn't honestly tell the difference between the two rides...but definitely could tell the difference in the gearing. Bottom line, took my new Sirrus out for its first decent ride (only 12miles) and it was quick and rock solid. Got it up to 30 on a downhill and it was like riding a motorcycle, no shaking...nothing but smooth riding. My hat is off to Dave and the folks at Old Towne Bikes in Woodbridge VA! Ended up very happy with the bike, now to plan on two more hour rides this week and will do a 2 hour on Saturday.

Wanderer

Gearing is one of the easiest things to change ------ especially since they both have the same rings on the crank....

Wanderer

P.s. Don't forget to have those wheels re-tensioned!!!!!!

gepilling

Aha, I knew the Sirrus was lighter!

From what it sounds like, you have reconfirmed your decision to go with the Sirrus. I didn't want to impart my own opinion before you made your mind up, but I would have stuck with the Sirrus, too.