Specialized Sirrus 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm a relatively new rider (and very new member) about to buy my first bike, after various trips on rentals. I live in New York City, and will use the bike in the city for rides, though not regularly for commutes. My primary interest is in long rides in the Hudson River Valley, Long Island, etc. (Rural road rides, but not dirt roads.) I'm leaning toward buying the Specialized Sirrus 2008 unisex base model, 51 centimeters (I'm 5'3"), but wanted to see if any of you have any recommendations for/against? Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
M.

Welcome to TE :D

Here's a thread with some comparisons

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9712

Hi There,

I don't know much about that model at all, so I cannot comment on your choice - but I am 5'3" as well, and I wonder if 51cm might be a bit big for you.

Now, all bikes are not sized the same way, frame geometry for sure make a difference, as does your body type... However, I am quite long-legged for my height, and I have a 46cm Surly LHT. The next size up was a 50, which was definitely far too big. I think I could have gone up to a 48 if Surly made the LHT in that size, but no larger for sure - and I have had no fit problems with the 46.

Have you had your LBS size you properly? Also, have you considered the WSD (women specific design) bikes? They can be a better fit for more petite riders. At 5'3" you could probably go either way - it will depend on your body's frame overall. Whatever you do, getting properly sized will make a big difference to your comfort on the bike especially on longer rides - and of course, to the bike you choose. And finding a bike store that has a good return policy (some will let you keep the bike for 30 days and exchange without penalty, so it is worth asking) and kind and patient customer service is a must!:)

Have fun choosing!

Chakra

I have a 2005 specialized sirrus that i've mostly been riding this year. At that time, i thought I would like a bike I could use recreationally, some road rides, but also have the ability to ride it on greenbelt trails. I've yet to ride it off-road, and have been putting in a lot of rides 25-45 miles, and I while i still like it very much, i do sometimes wonder how much faster I'd be on a road bike. It won't be in the budget for some time for me to get another bike, so that is something I'll just have to continue to wonder about:) Finding something that feels good is important, and i tried a lot of bikes before I finally decided on the sirrus, and i have not been unhappy with fit issues.

Good luck on your shopping, and biking future!

Hi there! No specific info on the bike, but as a resident of the Hudson Valley I wanted to say hi and welcome! The riding up here is beautiful. Let me know if you want any info or advice on places to ride, etc.

I have a Sirrus and love it - as a commuter with a 10 mile round trip. I find it uncomfortable to ride for longer rides, though, and often think I picked the wrong bike because I was scared to make the plunge and buy a road bike.

I think the Sirrus is a really good first bike for NYC. I had a very similar bike as my first bike last year, but I upgraded to a road bike within 4 months. My first 50 mile ride over the GWB into New Jersey and along the Hudson River was successful on the flat-bar bike, but it became clear that if I was going to keep doing that, a road bike was in order. I'm happy with my new bike, though I wish I'd kept the flat-bar bike for short city rides. It would have been much more appropriate.

If you get the Sirrus and fall in love with cycling, I predict you'll get a road bike next season. If you do, hold on to the Sirrus for short city rides if you can!

I test rode a Sirrus that was the official bike shop commuter bike. It was a lot of fun to ride and if I were commuting to work, I might consider buying one. Personally, I would probably consider a Tricross as my primary commuter/all road bike.

I have a 2006 sirrus that I use primarily for commuting (~10 miles round trip), and I really love it. I'm a little taller than you (5' 6") and mine is a 51, which makes me wonder if you should check the fit. At any rate, I am super-comfortable on this bike and before I bought a road bike earlier this year, I used to take it on all sorts of long (~50 mile) rides. It's held up really well too, no major issues with it.

I did, of course, replace the saddle, and I put spd/platform pedals on as well as bar ends. The bar ends were great because there just aren't many hand position options on those flat handlebars.

Good luck in making your decision!