Sirrus Limited or 7.7? Shimano Tiagra or SRAM Apex? Ordered a 7.7 and it came in damaged. No more in my size currently available. Do I wait or switch to the Limited? I'm kinda torn on the looks. Seeing carbon fiber is neat, but I'm not sure I like the 'gunfighter' looks. What say ye?

I have the 2012 Sirrus limited and yes, the clear coat finish which exposes the criss-cross carbon fiber is something you have to get used to, but after a while I don't "see" it anymore. I have no experience with the 7.7fx but I can say that the Sirrus limited is a very smooth and fast bike. With stock components, the bike weighs about 20.4lb (52cm version). But also keep in mind that the components are not completely the APEX group. The cassette (PG-1050), front and rear derailleurs are SRAM APEX, then everything else Tektro (brakes) and FSA Omega (crankset). Still, they are very nice set of I would say, nice quality components. I think the 2013 model has DT Swiss 3.0 wheelset that might be lighter than what was on the 2012 model. One problem I had (which you might run into) is that my LBS don't stock these high end models. I have to order one and hope it rides ok. But it certainly didn't disappoint. Likewise, I'm sure the 7.7 would be great as well, both of which are basically road bike frame/components + flatbar. I have had over 3000miles on mine and enjoying it very much.

I tried out a 2013 Sirrus Limited today and really enjoyed it. The bike shop that handles Trek didn't have a 7.7, so I haven't tried that specific model. I also tried out a Cannondale Quick Carbon 2 and was impressed. Both of these bikes are in a league of their own compared to the other hybrids I have tried out.
The Sirrus Comp I tried out could be upgraded to the DT Swiss 3.0 wheelset by the dealer for a charge.

My LBS manager asked the mechanics which bike they'd recommend and it was unanimous to go with the Trek for the sole reason of getting the Tiagra components instead of the Apex. I had Apex on my Crux, which I'm trading in to get this new bike, and it was OK, but I didn't like it as much as the Deore on my Mendota, so I'm kinda thinking they may be onto something. I would still like to hear others comments and thoughts, but for the time being I think I'm going to wait for the 7.7. My road riding season is largely drawing to a close anyway and I'll be on the hybrid and MTB most through the winter, so it's not that big of a deal to wait.

The Apex is supposedly comparable to the 105 groupset and Tiagra is at least one level below the 105. I actually have the Deore on another bike but to me, the Apex shifts much better. One other thing is that on the Sirrus, Specialized is using the sram SL-700 shifter. I don't know if you have used sram flat-bar shifters but it can be cumbersome because you have to shift up and down with your thumb and one lever is offset further back so you have to reach further back with your thumb to shift down. I don't have big hands so I don't like it at all. In that respect, the Shimano rapidfire shifters are much better. Anyway, I replaced the sl-700 shifters with sram double tab 2x10 and there is no looking back. Good luck with the 7.7. I'm sure it will be just as nice.

ummm... aren't these road bikes?

I have the 2012 Sirrus Limited and love it. It's definitely more of a flat bar road bike than what we would normally call a "hybrid" - whatever that means. That being said, I really like the Limited, and I use it for recreational riding and fitness workouts. It's fast, light, and a joy to ride.

I think the Trek may be a bit more versatile as a commuter/city bike because of the eyelets for racks and fenders. I don't know how to compare groupsets, but the Apex on the Limited is fantastic - very quick and quiet shifts and completely reliable. I have upgraded the brakes and levers to Apex (ships with OEM quality - good, but I want a complete Apex group set) and will upgrade the crank from FSA to Apex soon.

I have not seen the Trek live and in person yet, but I am sure that both bikes are of similar quality (the Cannondale too, for that matter). It may come down to aesthetics and whether you need the rack and fender mounts. I think there are aftermarket options for those items that don't specifically require eyelets.

I suggest you look at the Colnago Impact or similar for your money.

https://item.rakuten.co.jp/hakusen/freedom/

https://www.pinarello.com/ita/treviso_398.php

I'm a big fan of Trek, but only their higher-end products because the lower level models have cheap components. My 2010 7500 (similar to the FX line but not as speed-oriented) is still my primary ride. To this day it is super-smooth and quiet, never needing anything but standard maintenance (I did change the handlebar from a flat bar to a touring bar, but that was for personal preference, not because there was anything wrong with the flat bar). I've taken it on long rides with road bikes, and I also use it as a utility bike, towing two different DIY trailers. I'm going to haul a 50 lb. table with it tomorrow.

I've never owned a Specialized but I sure see a lot of them in town, and I don't see them on craigslist very often so their owners must be happy with the brand.

That bike is just too damn fast looking to be considered a "hybrid", the roadies should quite being so stubbron and call a bike like that a Flat Bar ROAD BIKE, JMHO!! SWEET!!

I've got to state up front that I'm biased by default, since I own a specialized sirrus elite, but the sirrus limited is a bad a$$ mother and would be my choice of the two.