Which bike to start with?

[Jay Clifton]

Just starting out and would appreciate some advice on the below 2 specs I have pasted. which would you go for?

specialized Sirrus
FrameSpecialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated butted tubing, integrated lower bearing, mudguard/rack eyelets
Rear ShockN/A
Front ForkSpecialized Hi-Ten steel fork
Head Set1-1/8" FSA integrated cartridge lower, external sealed upper bearing
StemMelt-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 20-degree rise, 25.4mm clamp
HandlebarsSpecialized alloy flat bar, 25.4mm, 6-degree backsweep
Tape / GripsBodyGeometry Targa, dual compound
Front BrakeDie cast alloy, linear pull
Rear BrakeDie cast alloy, linear pull
Brake LeversShimano EF-51 2-finger, brake & shift Lever
Front DerailleurShimano FDM-191, top-swing, dual-pull
Rear DerailleurShimano Altus
Shift LeversShimano EF-51, EZ Fire
CassetteShimano 8-speed, 11-32
ChainKMC X-8, reusable Missing Link
Crank SetShimano FC-M131 triple, 8-speed, w/ chainguard
ChainringsCartridge bearing, square spindle w/ crank stop right side, capless bolts
Bottom BracketSRAM GXP
PedalsNylon flat pedal
Front RimAlex alloy double-wall, CNC Sidewalls, 32 holes
Front HubDouble sealed, ground race, dual lock nuts w/ 17mm contact side, 5mm QR
Rear RimAlex alloy double-wall, CNC Sidewalls, 32 holes
Rear HubDouble-sealed, loose ball, dual-lock nuts
SpokesStainless 2.0, (14g)
Front TyreSpecialized Nimbus w/ Flak Jacket, 26TPI, 700x32c
Rear TyreSpecialized Nimbus w/ Flak Jacket, 26TPI, 700x32c
Inner TubesStandard Schrader valve
SaddleBodyGeometry Targa Sport, 155mm
Seat PostAlloy, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm
Seat ClampAlloy clamp, 31.8mm
or
Specialized Crosstrail Disc
FrameSpecialized A1 Premium Aluminium, w/ mudguard and rack braze-ons, forged dropouts, kickstand mount
Rear ShockN/A
Front ForkSR Suntour NEXi Coil, Aluminium lower, custom integrated fork crown, 60mm travel
Head Set1-1/8" FSA Ahead, semi-integrated, 8mm cone spacer
StemMelt-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 10-degree rise, 25.4mm clamp
HandlebarsSpecialized 25mm XC alloy riser bar, 25.4mm, 8-degree back bend
Tape / GripsSpecialized BodyGeometry XCT Men's, dual compound
Front BrakeTektro Novela, mechanical disc brake, dual pad angle adj. 160mm rotor
Rear BrakeTektro Novela, mechanical disc brake, dual pad angle adj. 160mm rotor
Brake LeversTektro mechanical brake lever
Front DerailleurShimano FDM-191, top-swing, dual-pull
Rear DerailleurShimano Altus, 8-speed
Shift LeversShimano SL-M310, Rapidfire
CassetteShimano 8-speed, 11-32
ChainKMC X-8, 8-speed, reusable Missing Link
Crank SetSR Suntour, XCT, 8-speed, square taper spindle, replaceable outer ring, w/ chainguard
Chainrings48/38/28, w/ chainguard
Bottom BracketCartridge bearing, square spindle w/ crank stop right side, capless bolts
PedalsComposite plastic body, loose ball w/ reflectors
Front RimAlloy, double-wall, DISC, 32h
Front HubDisc hub, double-sealed, ground race, dual lock nuts w/ 17mm contact side, 5mm QR, round disc mount
Rear RimAlloy, double-wall, DISC, 32h
Rear HubDisc hub, loose ball, double-sealed, ground race, dual lock nuts w/ 19mm contact side, QR
SpokesStainless, 2.0mm (14g)
Front TyreSpecialized Trigger Sport, 700x38c, 60TPI, wire bead
Rear TyreSpecialized Trigger Sport, 700x38c, 60TPI, wire bead
Inner TubesSpecialized Schrader valve
SaddleBodyGeometry Targa Sport, 155mm
Seat PostAlloy, 2-bolt head, 12.5mm offset, 27.2mm
Seat ClampAlloy clamp

 

[Mo1959]

I would say it comes down to where you will be riding. If mainly on roads and light trails definitely the first option, the Sirrus. It will be lighter and therefore easier work.

However, if you fancy a bit of off road and rougher trails, then the second would be more up to it. Suspension is only actually useful if you need it, otherwise it is just more weight.

 

[vickster]

This ^^^ esp as the Crosstrail doesn't have a lock out according to the spec. You'll be bouncing along the roads which is slowing and energy sapping

 

[Jay Clifton]

i was going to be using it on road and around my local park which is mainly an even gravel/dirt track.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

i was going to be using it on road and around my local park which is mainly an even gravel/dirt track.

The Sirrrus will be fine for this, I've ridden mine down muddy tow paths and gravel paths and it flies on the road.

 

[inkd]

+1 for the Sirrus, from a Sirrus owner. and im not bias either