Entry-level hybrid with suspension?

[Parmonov]

Hello all!

I've been lurking on these forums for a bit, and I finally decided to register. I'm not from the UK (I'm from the deserts of Arizona), but I'd be hard pressed to find a better/friendlier cycling forum and community. Cheers to that!

Anyway, after borrowing a friend's bike for a month or so, I've decided that cycling is something I want to develop as a hobby. After my experience on my friend's bike, I've decided to look at sportier flat-bar street bicycles for multipurpose use. I plan to use the bicycle for recreation, exercise, and possibly commuting to and from the university someday (although it's a good 17 miles away... gotta have goals right?). There are a fair amount of smooth-dirt canals to ride around in, so my use would not be limited only to roads. I want to be able to go reasonably fast, but not at the cost of other functions. Therefore I figure a sportier hybrid with 28c tires should be a good fit.

I've narrowed the search down to three similarly priced bikes:

Marin Fairfax: http://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bikes/specs_fairfax.php

Giant FCR3: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2268/32201/

Specialized Sirrus Sport: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22268

I've been to a few shops and have tested the bicycles out (except the sirrus; that one is next). To be honest, the Marin and Giant seemed pretty comparable from to my limited range of knowledge.

With the prices all being fairly equal at the shops, what do you guys think I should focus on in differentiating the bikes? The Marin has a carbon fork and a seat post suspension, where others do not. Would the suspension be an advantage over the others due to an increase in comfort and smoothness, or would it be a strike against it due to lack of efficiency? Also, I noticed that the Giant has a different line of derailleur--Altus versus Sora. Would a more limited shifting range be a huge detriment?

I've heard only good things about Sirrus, so I certainly want to give that a test run. However, I'm a little confused due to a discrepancy between the listed components on the Sirrus website and the listed components on the retailers' websites. The official website cites the sport as having "Specialized FACT carbon fork, bonded carbon legs, Zertz inserts, fender mounts" where the retailers list the fork as being aluminum. Which is it?

I realize that there's probably not a whole lot separating these bikes. It seems like the Marin has a slight edge with its components (carbon fork, etc), but should I avoid it due to the suspension? Any help or advice you could offer me would be much appreciated. If any of you know of a better value for the price, feel free to point it out to me as well.

Sorry about being so long-winded.

 

[PpPete]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I don't know too much about suspension seat posts, never having used one, but a good retailer would surely change that to a conventional seat post for you before delivery if it was the only thing putting you off a particular model.

As for the specifications changing between retailers and mannufacturers web sites... you need to watch for that. Make sure its exactly what you want before you pay. Or if you know that what you are getting from the shop is a lower spec than on web site (because, for example, it is last years model) then you can usually negotiate some big discounts in the UK - I guess same true in AZ ?.

 

[marinyork]

The only one I know anything about is the fairfax as some of the older models/variants is similar(ish) component wise (in some shops at least) to my marin hybrid. Mine has suffered me 3 years and had a lot of hammer. I think you're sensible going on the narrower tyres. I would probably get the marin although specialized interests me.

 

[HLaB]

Welcome to the forum Parmonov.
I've got a sirrus sport '06 it came with a suspension seat post, one of the first changes I made was to remove the suspension seatpost. I've laterally put new wheels narrower tyres and dropped bars but that was really because I wanted to make it faster. My Sirrus came with a 52 chainring but I don't think the new one does the giant and Marin do I be tempted to go with them because I like that gearing. This may not be an issue to you the best thing to do is try them out and discover what feels best for you. You can always remove the suspension seat post if you prefer the marin.

 

[Danny]

Welcome. I hear a big storm just went through Arizona - are you snowed in right now?

I would give the Giant a miss as the Altus changer is not nearly as good as a Sora (IMHO).

There other two bikes both look good choices to me. If you do a search of this forum you will find lots of positive recommendations for the Sirrus, but the carbon fork on the Fairfax is a big plus.

Personally rather than worrying too much about their respective specs I think you should decide on the basis of:
a) Which feels most comfortable for you
Whether you feel good about the stores that that sell them. You ideally want to find a good local bike store that will set the bike up for you correctly and give you plenty of after sales support.

I would also talk to the store about the suspension seat post. It will have some impact on efficiency, but if you are riding off road a lot you might welcome the extra comfort. If you talk to the bike store about how you intend to use the bike they should be able to advise.

 

[mickle]

Susp. posts are a pain in the neck. Almost every suspension system has some percentage of it's available travel used up by sag. Usually around 25%. As a result when you set the saddle height to provide you with the correct saddle to pedal dimension you have to take this sag into account. This means that when your weight is off the saddle it's resting position is quite a lot higher than would be the case with a regular post, making it more difficult to get your rear end onto it. Comfort (assuming the bike fits you properly) is a function of saddle quality and tyre volume.

 

[Parmonov]

Thanks for the responses guys.

It's true that a storm has been going through here, but it never snows where I live. It's 60 degrees and sunny out right now (about 16C for you folks across the pond). I'm sure this weather might seem like a dream come true for some of you, but believe me, the 120 degree (50C) summers make up for it.

Anyway, I went down to the local shop that sells the Sirrus, and I've been thrown for a loop. Specialized must be changing their line, because there's a big discrepancy between the 08 and 09 models. This is where it gets a little confusing. They had a few of the 08 standard sirrus and sirrus sports left (and therefore on discount), but the 08 sport has carbon forks and is a bit out of my price range at $725. Here's the thing--the 08 standard sirrus has a suspended seat post, where the 09 does not. The 09 sport is lacking the carbon forks and is in my price range. However, I'm not seeing a whole lot differentiating the 09 sport from the 09 standard, and it seems a bit overpriced considering the aluminum fork. Also, the 09 standard is the same exact price as the discounted 08 standard. Confusing, eh? Hard to determine which is the best value for the money.

But here's the other thing--the Marin is sold not from a true local bike shop, but rather from REI. I'm not sure if you have REI over in the UK, but it's basically a chain that sells reasonably good quality outdoor gear. It also has an amazing, no-questions-asked return policy. I'd like to support a LBS (and start a relationship with it, as is so commonly recommended), but it seems like the Marin is a better value for the money.

What should I do?

 

[HeartAttack]

Hi ya,

My suggestion would be the specalized, I used one 2 years ago round the Ben Avery range, then out to Lake Pleasent, it was an ideal low/mid bike though I wouldn't want to think about riding round Red Rock in Sedona as you would need suspension for those trails.

Gotta agree the weathers great in Phx, you know when winter comes as you put on a sweat top, though the night time temp drops can catch some out. Fingers crossed I'll be out there again in Feb/Mar if work allows

 

[Danny]

I've spent a lot of time in the US and my experience of REI was always really good. It's not just a standard commercial chain, but a co-operative owned by its customers, and the staff were always very knowledgeable and helpful. I know REI has grown a lot in the last few years, but unless they have let standards slip I think it should still be a good place to buy from.

You do need to check out whether the staff in your local REI really understand about bikes, are able to help you select the right size, and set it up for you correctly - but the same would apply to any LBS.

 

[Crackle]

Can't fault the way you've gone about things. All three bikes are good, so it's instinct time. You've done the logic now decide which one floats your boat (do you say that in Arizona?).

Personally I have a soft spot for the Marin having owned a Bear Valley for 10 years. It's been a great bike, solid and dependable. Not sure about the curved top bar they've adopted these days but .....

As for LBS. Well I've succesfully built relationships with them, not having bought a bike there but having spent money on repairs and accessories or just chewed the cud (do you say that in Arizona too?). I wouldn't let that influence your buying decision, especially if the budget can't be broken.

 

[ed_o_brain]

I just typed a reply and lost it. Darn.

It does indeed look like the Sirrus Sport has been downgraded slightly for 2009 with the loss of a carbon fork.

Out of the bikes you have selected, the Marin does look like the best value for money. But you need to ride them all and then decide which one you like best.

 

[Sittingduck]

Susp. posts are a pain in the neck. Almost every suspension system has some percentage of it's available travel used up by sag. Usually around 25%. As a result when you set the saddle height to provide you with the correct saddle to pedal dimension you have to take this sag into account. This means that when your weight is off the saddle it's resting position is quite a lot higher than would be the case with a regular post, making it more difficult to get your rear end onto it. Comfort (assuming the bike fits you properly) is a function of saddle quality and tyre volume.

Mickle is spot on with this. I removed mu Sus seatpost after a couple of weeks due to this very issue. Played havok with my knees