Sirrus Sport v Elite

[millypops82]

Thanks everyone for their input into my earlier post.

Went to the bike shop as everyone has advised at lunchtime and whilst I literally only had a few minute go on a couple of bikes - think I have narrowed it to the Sirrus. Looks lovely, seems quick, has flat bars which I prefer, bigger tyres so feel safer and can mudguard and pannier it up for work.

Now question is - I was going to go for the Sport version, but the Elite caught my eye. Is it worth the extra dosh? Am new to the whole cycling marlarkey so perhaps I am just being tempted by things I don't need?!

Advice, as always, welcome!



The Specialized Sirrus Elite 2009 Features are:

Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated tubing, compact design, integrated headset, FACT carbon seatstays w/ Zertz inserts

Fork: Specialized FACT carbon fork legs and crown, aluminium steerer w/ Zertz inserts

Gears: 24 Speed. Shimano Nexave [F]. Shimano Sora, long cage [R].

Shifter: Shimano EF-50, EZ Fire

Wheels: Alex S500, sleeve joint, CNC sidewalls, 32h Rims. Specialized sealed, 32h, QR [F]. Specialized sealed, 32h, cassette, QR [R]. Stainless 14g Spokes.

Brakes: Forged 6061 alloy, 85mm linear pull, cartridge pads [F]. Forged 6061 alloy, 85mm linear pull, cartridge pads [R].

Drivetrain: Shimano Sora, 8-Speed 12-25t casette, KMC Z-51, 8-speed chain, Sugino Triple crankset, 48 x 38 x 28t chainrings, Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mm x 113mm BB

Extra Features: Alloy 2-bolt, 27.2mm Seatpost. Specialized All Condition Sport, 700x28c, 60TPI w/ Flak Jacket Tyres.

The Specialized Sirrus Sport 2009 Features are:

Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated tubing, compact design, integrated headset, hourglass speedstays

Fork: Specialized Comp, A1 Premium Aluminium w/ Cr-Mo steerer, rack and fender mounts

Gears: 24 Speed. Shimano Nexave [F]. Shimano Sora, long cage [R].

Shifter: Shimano EF-50, EZ Fire

Wheels: Alex S500, sleeve joint, CNC sidewalls, 32h Rims. Specialized sealed, 32h, QR [F]. Specialized forged alloy, 32h, double sealed bearings, cassette, QR [R]. Stainless 14g Spokes.

Brakes: Forged 6061 alloy, 85mm linear pull, standard pads [F]. Forged 6061 alloy, 85mm linear pull, standard pads [R].

Drivetrain: Shimano Sora, 8-Speed 12-25t cassette, KMC Z-51, 8-speed chain, Sugino Triple crankset, 48 x 38 x 28t chainrings, Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mm x 113mm BB

Extra Features: Alloy 2-bolt, 27.2mm Seatpost. Specialized All Condition Sport, 700x28c, 60TPI w/ Flak Jacket Tyres.

 

[garrilla]

I would not have thought you'll be aware of the differences over short commute. And like you say it "caught your eye," clever designers.

However, I can guarantee that, if you buy the cheap one, in a few weeks you be wondering if you made the right choice.

Welcome to cycling, the world of n+1, and the marketing man's magnetic miasma (ultra tech pro plus version)

 

[Sittingduck]

Carbon forks Vs Alu, is it me or is that the only difference (other than looks)? Depends on the price difference I guess... If it's more than £50 I probably wouldn't bother...

 

[ianrauk]

+1
and would like to add, buy the best you can afford.. you will regret if you don't. (me included)

However, I can guarantee that, if you buy the cheap one, in a few weeks you be wondering if you made the right choice.

 

[HLaB]

The carbon forks and seatstays are the only difference I can see but if you can afford it go for the elite. Luckilly when I had this dilemna 4 years ago the bikes were more similar (both alu). Back then the sports was a wee bit lighter and cheaper so it won the day for me.

 

[millypops82]

There is about 150 quid difference, so doesn't seem like the sparkly pretty bike is worth the extra cash -

Did decide I would go all out and push my budget up to a 1000 (including all bits and pieces - Bristol demands waterproofs!) but everything got more complicated the more I looked and couldn't work out if the better spec was worth the extra pounds.

So looks like I should settle for the Sport version, although famous last words will probably be reckless and decide to just plump for the Elite. Damn this world of n+1!

 

[inaperfectworld]

a world of choice can end up paralysing you from doing anything for fear of regretting what you've done. if it was me i would buy the sport and just tell myself i'd got a great bike that does what i want and ask myself what would the extra do for me? not a lot.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

There is about 150 quid difference, so doesn't seem like the sparkly pretty bike is worth the extra cash -

Did decide I would go all out and push my budget up to a 1000 (including all bits and pieces - Bristol demands waterproofs!) but everything got more complicated the more I looked and couldn't work out if the better spec was worth the extra pounds.

So looks like I should settle for the Sport version, although famous last words will probably be reckless and decide to just plump for the Elite. Damn this world of n+1!

Course, on the Cycle 2 Work scheme that 150 quid becomes approx 75 you actually spend, which is then spread over 12 months .. sorry, I know that's just adding to the turmoil but thought it needed pointing out.

 

[Sittingduck]

Like LC says it only equates to about 75 quid. You obviously want the Elite so I say... go for it!

 

[accountantpete]

Try getting a tyre upgrade out of them to seal the deal.

 

[millypops82]

Like LC says it only equates to about 75 quid. You obviously want the Elite so I say... go for it!

You are right - I do want the Elite....

...and how can I not agree with a Flapjack dodger who is from my part of the world! Nice tip re tyre upgrades Accountant - although once again - will mean me having to know something about bikes and therefore what to upgrade to!

 

[garrilla]

having to know something about bikes and therefore what to upgrade to!

and that's where cyclechat.co.uk can help

 

[Sittingduck]

For puncture proofing everybody raves about Schwalbe Marathion Plus tyres. They're a little pricey for me (I'm cheap) so I cannot comment from experience. I would probably see what the stock tyres are like and ask them to throw in a reasonable lock, some lights for the winter... or mudguards!

Nice choice by the way Specialized hybrids are great bikes (that I can say from experience)

SD

 

[summerdays]

I have Marathon's rather than the full pluses and normally get only a couple of visits from the fairy a year (and usually because I haven't got my tyres properly inflated too).

 

[Sittingduck]

I have Marathon's rather than the full pluses and normally get only a couple of visits from the fairy a year (and usually because I haven't got my tyres properly inflated too).

Er... I'd allow an extra 20 mins on tomorrow's commute SD... seeing as you have now tempted fate!