New bike! Sport Disc worth the extra money?

[incognitius]

Hi ya'll,

I'm new to biking and want to buy my first real bike. Price range is sub £500. I want a hybrid, and tried a few this weekend. I liked the ones that absorb a bit more bump with the shocks at the front.

Question is: what's the difference between a
Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc 2016 Hybrid Bike
and a
Specialized Crosstrail 2016 Hybrid Bike

Other than discs costing £170 more?

If I don't really need bells and whistles and am content with something that's 'good enough', is there any reason to get the more expensive one?

Thanks!

 

[boydj]

If you are only going to be riding on the road, then you'll soon regret the front suspension. It adds considerable weight and is less efficient when pedalling on tarmac.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you like Specialized and want a hybrid have a look at the Sirrus, and IMHO yes the discs are worth the extra money

 

[bonsaibilly]

Looking at the two specs side by side, the major differences are:

- Colour
- Hydraulic disc brakes vs rim brakes
- Front and rear derailleurs are one rung up the Shimano product ladder
- Ditto shifters. ("Rapidfire" shifters should feel like they flick up and down the gears more slickly.)
- The "Sport" has both a higher top gear and a lower bottom one, so should be more versatile at both ends of the gearing range.

That's your lot. I would say it was worth the difference in price, but I would get a Sirrus over a Crosstrail any day of the week.

BB

 

[vickster]

Make sure the suspension has a decent lock out

 

[incognitius]

Ok, thanks for all the replies. This is my issue with getting a bike -- turns into a rabbit hole of options and opinions!

Apologies for being slow, but it's still hard for me, as a non-cycler, to put into plain English what the end user experience of discs is over non-discs.

That aside, it sounds like consensus here is that the Sirrus is better than the Crosstrail? I felt like my test ride on the former was very bumpy and not plush; maybe the tires were pumped too full? I was biking around the city and there are sometimes potholes, cobblestones, speed humps, etc., and the Crosstrail was more comfortable for me.

Regarding the Sirrus, are you guys saying one of these is better than the two Crosstrails I listed in my first post?

(1) Specialized Sirrus 2016 Hybrid Bike
(2) Specialized Sirrus Sport 2016 Hybrid Bike

 

[DRM]

I think the crosstrail sport is the better option, the suspension fork will add weight, but the hydraulic discs means it will stop much,much better than rim brakes, and the gears are better, but don't jump in feet first for the Specialized bikes, trawl the internet for other makes too, take your time & come back here when you see someothers that catch your eye, for instance have you considered a cyclocross bike with disc, it will be quite light and give you commute/road riding options along with riding on rougher off road tracks.
Don't forget we are rapidly approaching the end of year sales to clear room for the 2017 stock.

 

[User269]

It doesn't matter what we say. What matters is that you get a bike that fits you, and that you enjoy riding; that's what constitutes the 'better' bike.
A good bike shop will explain the different options going through the different price points.
Personally, at a sub £500 budget I'd not be interested in disc brakes or front suspension, preferring my money to go on a quality frame, wheels and groupset. But the main thing is what you like and want. So far, you like the Crosstrail, so don't worry about what other people think is 'the best'.

 

[Banjo]

If your only riding on roads the sirrus would be my choice .If you plan a mix of onroad and ofroad riding then go for the crosstrail.

Re discs or not. The advantage of discs is they work better when wet and don't wear out your rims.
If you plan to do high mileages then get the disc version as replacement wheels will soon swallow up the price difference. If only intending the bike for occasional use then get the cheaper version.

Or just get the one that makes you feel good when sat on it.

Either way make doubly sure you get the right size bike. Not all bike shop assistants know or care if a bike fits you correctly.