specialized: secteur (basic) vs sirrus sport

[ianrauk]

My only negative with the Secteur (Elite) was that I originally found it a very harsh ride. Obviously this is due to the Alu and that I was/am spoil rotten by having the comparable Carbon bike (Roubaix Elite).

I am sure all the UK Secteur's are triples.

Is there any negatives with the Secteur? I've heard nothing but glowing reports. Not sure if im right,but can you only get the Secteur with a triple?

 

[chfp77]

Wonder why they dont offer a double?? Would much prefer a double and aint that cheap to buy a new one.

 

[potsy]

Got tired of mulling it over, even considered going back to the trek 7.2fx as it is a sensible choice (as a sub 300).

not that anyone cares (i guess i do), but quite often i dont see resolutions placed in these "what bike to choose" threads.. I just placed the order for the specteur!!!!! Its the basic version, and its going to be my bike for everything (going to work, going to town, and exploring near by stuff).

im done settling for hybrids, had to try this out!

Nice one thanos,just be sure to lock it up well if you're going to town on it,I still haven't been anywhere on mine that I can't take it with me.
Use my trekFX for that
When are you getting it?

 

[thanos]

I went with the online store's shipping option, and have not heard/read any new emails since the order was placed. I hope i get it by saturday (maybe wishful thinking).

I am security conscious, especially when exposing it for more that I should. As Norm mentioned keeping and fixing the old one is a good idea - not sure if ill be able to though as i lack tools and space (i will allow for a transition period though).

regardless, i know it may be a cliché but i look forward to being on the road (getting used to my regular commuting rides whilst building up speed) and building up from there.

I'm following a couple of posts on cyclechat (including your most recent one - been looking at the pics / nice one) in search of pedals and in general accessories advice that will help me be more efficient and safe while on the road.

 

[potsy]

Bet you can't wait now,I said mine was a dry weather bike only, but it's so much nicer to ride than the Trek hybrid that it gets used in all but the worst rain.
1st thing I did was get some Shimano M520 pedals and put some better tyres on,oh and some race-blades, after that it's upgrade as and when I need to.

 

[thanos]

you got that right.. came in threw out all the 'study material' and am checking my email (feeling great, the weather helps out as well, beautiful day in herts).

Ill target every addon you have on yours potsy except from the seat - gotta give the original a chance first.

 

[Norm]

I think all my changes, other than a Cateye computer, have been so that I can swap stuff from the other bikes, like the bracket for the Topeak seat bag and the lights, a couple of bottle cages and that's about it. It still has the stock tyres, pedals and no guards at the moment.

I did a swift 30 today, about the same ride that I did on another bike on Tuesday and I was not only consistently over 10% faster but I made it to the top of a hill that I have never previously conquered! My average speed on the Secteur is logged as 15% higher than the Tricross, although it's not a straight comparison as the Tricross gets used off road. It was the hill that really highlighted the difference for me, though.

Enjoy.

 

[chfp77]

Has anyone had a look at the Felt Z series??

 

[thanos]

i 'looked' at the z100, as well as the caad 8 (both get pretty good reviews and the felt is a good looking bike). I couldnt find one to get a feel for it, so didnt look more into the felt, also the price was a bit high, at that level (however i just noticed wiggle has a special on it.. 12% off). The caad 8 was at 550 during the Edinburgh cycles special, but there was something about the color scheme i didnt especially like.
Before then I gave the boardmans road a try (while looking at the carrera's and their hybrids) at a halfords super store, and I felt really uncomfortable on them, it made me apprehensive with ordering any bike that simply looked good without trying it. But as usual didnt test ride nor am i a specialist so my opinion is short of objective.

 

[thanos]

Just an fyi on the thread. Bike arrived today.

Really really really really pleased with the purchase; and the bike is looking great in dark grey (my pictures are bad, and couldn't do it justice anyway). I do appreciate the finer touches that an established manufacturer like specialized adds to even a budget bike like this. I am in contact with them to figure out if I can receive the 80gbp worth of accessories advertised.

Ill be busy with work over the week so I wont ride it before the weekend, which will give me time to ponder after vital accessory purchases. I will feel really bad if it gets dirty - maybe ill get over it with time. I feel sorry for the older bike which is now left outside

Uploaded a couple of phone cam pics just in case.

 

[potsy]

nice bike Thanos,don't worry about getting it dirty it will wash off,and the black frame won't show the dirt as much as my white one

 

[Norm]

Dirt? Now you're just making me feel guilty.

Congrats, Thanos, enjoy.

 

[thanos]

sunny mornings.. must be due to the planes not flying

took the bike out yesterday for a whopping 300 yards (first time on road bike) , and again this morning for my first ever road ride - 5 miles -, out and back in before f1 started.. didnt think id make it back that fast.. whooaa

-im not one to push pace (yet), but felt good to lean forward on down hills and straights.
-having said that im using the stock saddle height - because my leg seemed straight with a little room upon extending, but i will probably need to ammend both the vertical and horizontal position a bit.
-on uphills the lower ring is invaluable for me (a non road user), but i have to become more aware of what gear i am in
-my route gets bumpy at times (because of holes in the ground even 50-70cm in) as i think the standard equipped carbon fork and in general the frame is doing a good job in absorbing standard road vibration (not an expert by any means). I wonder if a frame attached mirror will be necessary, to get a feel for cars around me in case i need to veer in more (signaling is a must of course). Ive heard theyre distracting some folk.. not sure
-ill probably order the mtb clipless kit but wait a bit until i figure everything else out and feel comfortable with handling including off seat riding before installing them.

looking forward to extended rides around herts (and not relying on the third ring - the one to bind them all..)

oh and specialized uk have been awesome providing a starter pack and general advice..

 

[Norm]

I wonder if a frame attached mirror will be necessary, to get a feel for cars around me in case i need to veer in more (signaling is a must of course).

I've got a Bike-Eye on my Secteur and Tricross. On the Secteur, it's fantastic, on the Tricross, the visibility is not quite as good (because of the relative positions of the headset/downtube and seat) but still very useful. I use a Large Topeak Wedge Pack on both bikes and I can barely see it on the Secteur.

Potsy has a Bike-Eye on his Secteur too, although I think he had some issues getting good visibility because of his "ridiculously over-sized saddle bag" - which I don't think is a euphemism. Not sure if he got them sorted.

 

[potsy]

I get a great view of the saddle bag thru it though At least I know it's still there.I am looking into getting a compact bar bag like this one-
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Compact_Bar_Bag/5360012012/
if it fits my bars that is.Then i can put the normal saddle bag back on and use the mirror more(which is good btw) might then move the giant one to the hybrid and take the rack off.(weight saving)