I'm ready to buy a new bike. My LBS is a Trek and Specialized dealer and I've narrowed it down to either the Specialized Sirrus Elite or the Specialized Sequoia Expert...both 2003 models.

The issue is how do I get a decent test ride in during the winter season? I ride during the winter about 5-6 hours/wk. I know that this weather and dirty road conditions are tough on a bike.

How much can you really tell about a bike anyway from a short test ride. I bought my current bike afer a very short test ride, as I like most bikes. I think it actually took me three years to realize I didn't like it.

That's a tough one, most bike shops are not real excited to let their new bikes go out into all the slop. I recommend you wait until the weather breaks and just continue to ride the bike you dislike. Then you can take it for a more serious test ride.

That Sirrus Elite is one nice hybrid. That Sequoia Expert is just orgasmic, IMHO (wish I had one!).

I believe your satisfaction with the upcoming purchase depends heavily on what you want to accomplish. Are you into fast touring, a record breaking time trial, mostly fun spins that go for a cupla hours? Once you narrow down what you're gonna do, the choice of bike becomes clear... although I'm still an unabashed admirer of that new Sequoia machine...

If I bought a new (road) bike now I probably wouldn't want to get it dirty immediately. You could spend some time changing the setup of your current bike so you know better what you want from a new one.

cat

Finally - proof positive that Oswald didn't do it!

Could you test it in the Fall, before snow falls? That would seem ideal and that way, you will know how the bike rides. Then, once you find a bike that fits, measure clearance around the various stays, fork, etc. to make sure you can fit your Winter tire of choice and fenders (if it is for commuting).