Specialized Sirrus 2011 vs 2012 ?

Gandorf

Hi,

I''m looking to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme and upgrade my 2005 Specialized Crossroads.

I'd use the bike for a daily 20k (round trip) commute to work and some light stuff at the weekends. I'd be fitting mudguards, rack and a pannier.

I tested a few bikes and my current favourite is the 2011 Sirrus Comp (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?arc=2011&spid=52888) ...

... but the 2012 model (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=61563&scid=1102&scname=Multi+Use) is out soon and looks very cool also. I'm not sure about how it stacks up to the 2011

My thoughts on the 2012 were
- SRAM x7 2x10 gears sound cool but are they better than a deore lx 3x9?
- Tires seem lower quality that the Armadillo elites on the 2011
- Would be a bit worried about the robustness of the 24 spoke front wheel for Dublin roads.

Any advice from the experts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gandorf

fasty

I'm not an expert, but I own a 2009 Sirrus Sport and really for a hybrid bike you're doing 20k a day on none of that matters! Get whichever one you like the look of.

Gandorf

Yeah, you're probably right, but I was thinking of doing a bit more cycling at the weekends and wondering what bike would be the best deal for the cash.

kincsem

I have a 2005 (?) Specialized Sirrus Elite. If the 2011 is cheaper I'd get that. In a few months 2011 or 2012 - no difference. Its not as if you can point out a 2012 registration number plate to the neighbours.

Gandorf

It's not the reg I'm interesting in :-)

It's just that the 2012 comp bike looks to be quite a redesign from the previous year - mainly the 2x10 SRAM gears and it's a E5 frame rather than an A1.

Previously only the very high end sirrus models has SRAM gears so I'm wondering does this mean the 2012 is worth waiting for.

Does anyone know when the new models are typically available?

penexpers

That's the US spec of the Sirrus. The UK spec (which Ireland gets) is here

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?sid=12Sirrus

dissed doc

Consider the Specialised Tricross Sport as well. It has very broad gearing (on the Sport model, not the standard) and drop bars, great for commuting or touring. I went with it instead of the Sirrus.

Gandorf

penexpers - thanks for the link, that one is the elite, I was looking at the comp (next model up). Strange the UK site doesn't seem to have it listed - maybe they just haven't updated the site yet.

Cheers doc, I'll check out the tricross as well

dissed doc

Gandorf wrote: »

penexpers - thanks for the link, that one is the elite, I was looking at the comp (next model up). Strange the UK site doesn't seem to have it listed - maybe they just haven't updated the site yet.

Cheers doc, I'll check out the tricross as well

No problem. There is a serious difference when you cycle with a broad cassette so consider that as well with what you go for; I would say take a few spins if possible and see what difference it makes.

The Sport model has an 11-32T, which is quite aggressive but really, it makes it a fantastic all-round commuter as you can go really bloody fast on the flat, and have very short gears for climbing.

EDIT: obviously calipers vs v-brakes etc., can be an issue for some, never had a problem with the v-brakes TBH unless you are really taking the piss!

Gandorf

I haven't had the opportunity to try the trcross yet, but I was talking to a chap from a bike shop and he reckoned the SRAM x7 on the 2012 was a step down from the Shimano deore lx / deorce combo on the 2011.

Anyone have any experience with SRAM?

Anyway going to try them all out this weekend so will find out!

Gandorf

Update - the tricross was a little to expensive (looked nice though) so I tried the 2011 and 2012 Sirrus.
I prefer the 2012 one, seems a bit lighter, a bit more comfy (not much in it though) and the SRAM 2x10 seem nice.
I like the idea of the 2x10 as I never use the front small cog in my current 3x9. Time will tell how it goes.