Newbie looking for some advice.

[boylucifer]

Hi, I have just signed up for cycle scheme through work and will be getting a voucher for £600 in the next couple of months.

I have set my mind on a "hybrid" or road biased bike with flat bars, and to this end I have picked out the Trek 7.5fx or the Specialized Sirrus Elite, having been to my LBS who deal in Specialized and Giant mainly, and one slightly further away who deal in Trek and Giant, I have not been able to see the Specialized in the flesh, but have had a very brief shot on my mates 7.5fx, which I was very impressed with.

I already have a Kona Hoss (which probably says a lot about me being a fatty) for any off roady stuff I wish to do, and was wondering if any one on the forum can contribute anything to help me make up my mind between the two bikes I have earmarked, or throw any other suggestions into the ring.

FWIW of the two bikes I have earmarked I prefer the Trek (probably just because I've seen it in the flesh), but prefer the Specialized LBS.....

 

[ttcycle]

Welcome!
Simple quick answer is that if you prefer the Trek go for that - the LBS will still be able to look after the bike and service it etc. Worth trying the Spesh if they have it in stock though - is it not at the LBS?

 

[boylucifer]

Thanks for taking the time to reply ttcycle.

The LBS don't have the Sirrus in, but I'm sure if I keep popping in they may have one at some point - after all I believe it is Britains most popular cyclescheme purchase.

May try a couple of other shops to see what other options I can find.

 

[smarttim24]

Dont know if this will help.Last year purchased the Trek 7.3 through the cycle to work scheme and the only regret is that i didnt go for the Trek 7.5 but you live and learn plus i wanted extras lights etc and that took me up to the amount i was prepared to salary sacrifice. Looked at the sirrus nice bike but im the end prefered the look and riding position of the Trek .

 

[Paulus]

Hi there. Having looked at both the Spec. sirrus elite and the Trek 7.5, both are similarly equipped and are about the same price. Try to try them out if you can, the frames are slightly different and so will feel and ride different to each other. Both good bikes at that price though.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/75-fx-2010-hybrid-bike-ec020764
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2010-hybrid-bike-ec020016

 

[Moodyman]

Though they're both similary equipped, I found Trek's attention to detail very impressive.

If it fits you, I would go with the Trek.

 

[boylucifer]

Thanks for everyones posts and help- out of thoe two choices I am well set on chiding the Trek.
Really just wondering now if there are any alternatives from any of the other manufacturers I should consider.

 

[andyfromotley]

Thanks for everyones posts and help- out of thoe two choices I am well set on chiding the Trek.
Really just wondering now if there are any alternatives from any of the other manufacturers I should consider.

hi,

gosh there really are loads of bikes to choose from at that price point, rest assured though none of them are offering anything startlingly different or better than what you're looking at.
As a general rule dont buy any bike that you havent test ridden. One of them should 'speak' to you. Make sure that the shop have spent plenty of time ensuring that you have the right size, this is probably the single most important key to your enjoyment on the bike. If they suggest a different size that isnt in stock wait for it to arrive, and if they dont pay too much attention to sizing ...go elsewhere.

Trek and spesh both make great bikes so buy with confidence.

 

[potsy]

I went with the Trek but only the 7.1 as I wasn't sure if cycling was something I'd stick at or enjoy.If I could go back in time I'd get the 7.5 or even 7.6.
Pretty sure you'll like whichever of those 2 you eventually go for,both nice bikes.