My dear husband really wants a road bike but we can't afford it, and we live in a place with a horrible pavement.

He tried a Trek fx 2.0, on sale at $400. He liked it but he hates the people at our local Trek bike store. He tried the Specialized Sirrus (the entry level one) and he says he likes them the same. The Sirrus costs $450. I'd appreciate it if someone can compare the 2 bicycles. I know nothing about components but the Trek fx 2.0 starts at a lower MRSP than the specialized, if that really means anything. I know he hates the guys at trek and likes the guys at specialized, I just don't want him to make an irrational decision based on that. (He already did it once, getting me a specialized Myka when the equivalent trek cost $100 less). Thank you

Diana

It helps to include links to manufacturers specs for Sirrus and FX7.2

The Specialized Sirrus has lighter fork, (probably better than hi tensile steel on the Trek)
It has faster, narrower tyres, higher grade rear-derailluer

The other specs are pretty much even.

Ignoring how you feel about the people at the store may be OK if you are going to make a single purchase and never go back there again. If you are going to have them work on the bike and purchase accessories how well you like and get along with the people does matter.

Perhaps neither bike. With horrible pavement issues he may want to consider something with a wider tire.

Theres several options, some mentioned above. I´ve said it before so here goes; if he really wants a road bike and budget is a key factor, why not search for 2nd hand bikes? Theres loads of older/used roadbikes that´ll meet most of your husbands demands. If roads are bad where you live, have some touring tires or even stronger. Ortherwise, an hybrid (why not used) will be a sound decision.

I love my Sirrus...It is a fun great handling bike. I think the newer ones come with 32c tires so that should help with bad roads. I have 28c on mine and they do pretty well on the chip and stone back roads. $50 bucks for people that are more likable might be worth it. I am lucky, both bike shops closest to me are real nice people. I buy bikes and accessories from one, and components and parts from the other. I would have no worries buying a Specialized, they are at the same level as Trek: Good mass produced bikes.

Edit: I just looked up current models. You would have to buy a Sirrus Sport to match the FX7.2. Apparently Specialized cheapened the base model Sirrus to 7spd, but they also lowered the price. My sirrus was, I believe, MSRP $519.99 for 2009. I guess mine would be closer to the Current Sport model than the base model. Why do they have to change models around all the time?

If you can get the FX7.2 for your husband for $400 it sounds like the better deal, IMO.

Thanks for your replies.

nymtber: You're right. The ones that appeared on sale of the specialized store were last years, and he actually tried a much higher end bike, so it wasn't a fair comparison at all. They told him they don't even carry the new entry level Sirrus because they think it's a very bad bike. So he's getting the Trek, unless it's already been sold .

Diana

I think you made a good decision. A 7.2fx at $400 is a lot of bike for the money. The tires are wide enough to handle some rough and they have a puncture resistant belt. I have close to 800 miles on mine and had it on some pretty questionable debris and I am yet to have a flat. After some initial adjustments to the brake and shifting cables that are common with every new bicycle, I haven't had to adjust anything since. Good luck.

I would like a bike. I haven't had one in a while and I've never chosen one for myself. I want to ride to the library and to haul groceries, for the most part, as well as general exercise. I'll be riding on the road and maybe some trails. No mountains

Time to hit the Internet.

Check out the websites for Trek and Schwinn and Specialized. Don't get a Schwinn from a "big box" store like Wal-Mart or Target, look for a Schwinn from a bike store. I have a Schwinn Sierra GS that I paid $330 for that handles all those tasks just fine. If your budget is higher, it opens up a world of possibilities. Check out the "cruiser" or "comfort" or "commuter" bikes at different bike websites.