So, I test rode the Trek fx 7.1 and the Specialize Sirrus. I like both of the bikes and I honestly didn't feel much of a difference. So since it basically a toss up I started at components and accessories. I found that trek has quite a few accessories available via their website but not so much on Specialize. Does specialized not have as many accessories?

Sorry I put this in the wrong forum!!!

Uh huh. Well, before someone moves it....

"Accessories" are universal. If you didn't notice the two bikes being different, then basically they aren't different. Pick based on color, on looks, by going eenie-meenie-minie-moe. But basically, just pick one, ride it, and don't look back.

Trek rebrands a lot of accessories with their logo. Some of thse items are better than others. I had one of their under the seat wedge tool bags that I was quite happy with until I realized the cordura nylon was wearing holes in the thighs of my bike shorts. On the other hand, a Trek branded taillight fell apart when I was trying to install it with my bare hands... and I'm no amazon. Since then I've decided to stick with third party accessories from companies like Planet Bike or Cateye and avoid most rebranded items from Specialized and Trek.

One item I do like from Specialized are their Armadillo tires.. but I don't think there's anything to prevent you from putting them on a Trek, Bianchi, Raleigh, Jamis, or whatever else you might have.

Thanks

If the bikes are truly equal, and they are from a different bike shop, might as well pick the one from the shop that you like better. A good bike shop is worth it's weight in gold, in many ways...

Jay

Two points regarding accesories.

1) My observations are opposite of yours. The reason being that most of Trek's accesories are branded as Bontrager. Specialized actually started out as a components manufacturer and only later began producing full bicycles.

2) It doesn't matter what brand assesories you buy. After buying my first new bicycle I made an attempt to accesorize it only with the same brand of assesories but soon gave up, you loose so many better options.