Specialized bikes - need opinions

[ciao_bella]

I've never owned a Specialized, and I'm wondering what other people's feelings and experiences are for the Specialized bikes.

I have a 12 year old Trek 730 Hybrid bike, which has been a great dependable bike, but I'm getting ready to purchase a new one. I want a flat bar "fitness" style bike as opposed to a road bike. I'm in my 50's and don't feel comfortable with the lower handlebars and the more agressive stance of a road bike. But I do want something that will go faster than my old Trek 730, that's lighter weight, and will be suitable for long rides on paved surfaces. (I never go off-road.)

Anyway, I've been looking for quite awhile and have narrowed my choices down to the 2010 Trek 7.6 FX WSD versus the 2010 Specialized Vita Comp.

Here's the specs on the Vita Comp:
http://tinyurl.com/yh397xf

The specs on the 2010 Trek 7.6 are not available online yet, but I do know from my LBS that it has a carbon fork, Shimano Deore front Deraileur, Shimano Tiagra rear Deraileur, Shimano Alivio trigger 9 speed shifter, it does NOT have a carbon seat stay but has the "IsoZone" in the seatstay to absorb vibration.

The Trek is $100 MORE than the Vita Comp. But I think the components on the Specialized Vita Comp are a bit better than the Trek 7.6 FX (?).

I have test ridden both of these bikes and they are both awesome. I'm leaning a bit more toward the Specialized Vita Comp because it has a carbon seat stay, it's $100 less, and I like the color and look of it more than the Trek 7.6 (Ink is the color for 2010 WSD).

Any opinions?

Ciao

[Kalidurga]

The only Specialized I've ever owned is the Tri-Cross I'm currently riding and it's been a great, sturdy, fun bike. The only thing that really bugs me about riding the brand is their lack of subtlety in logo application.

But none of the mainstream manufacturers seem to know the meaning of "discreet".

[sundial]

Kalidurga, lol.

I think the Trek will offer more bang for the buck with slightly better components compared to the Vita. That being said, choose the bike that feels more comfortable to you. Can you rent one of each and test ride it for an afternoon?

[aicabsolut]

Uh, it looks to me that the components are the Vita are better.

If you like the bike and think it's a good value (it is, compared to the Trek from what you've said), then go for it.

[HillSlugger]

I've had a Specialized Sequoia and currently own a Allez. I had thought about a Sirrus as a commuter bike. How does it compare to the Vita?

[SheFly]

I ride a Tri-Cross, and Epic Marathon (MTB), and next year, will be on a Tarmac Pro road bike. Apparently, I like Specialized . All are comfortable, and have served me well. The other great thing is the lifetime guarantee on the frames.

Go for the better components.

SheFly

[ciao_bella]

The guy at the LBS which sells the Vita told me the Vita is the WSD version of the Sirrus.

The other thing to consider is that the LBS that sells TREK is not that good at customer service. The LBS that sells Specialized is great with customer service. In fact, even though years ago I bought my old Trek 730 at the same LBS that currently has the Trek 7.6 FX I test drove, I have ALWAYS taken my old Trek to the LBS that sells the Specialized for service. They are just awesome people to deal with, and I buy all my accessories from there too.

I'm just not that familiar with the Specialized brand, and I know TREK's are good.

[Selkie]

I have two older Specialized Dolces (an Elite and a Comp). Both have many, many miles on them. After I purchased a couple steel bikes and a ti bike, the Dolces became my permanently-attached-to-the-trainer bike and my 'beater-bad weather' bike. Both are running strong despite a couple years of less-than-perfect riding conditions.

I'll probably never buy another Specialized because I went custom and once you go custom.... well enough said. If I add a new bike (not likely in the near future), it'll probably be another Luna or another Seven.

That aside, I consider the Specialized bikes I own as quality, durable, hard workers.

[Kris]

I have a Specialized Crossroads, a hybrid bike that's 5 or 6 years old. It's bottom of the line, I think, but I've been very happy with it. I broke a pedal early on, and wore the seat out, both probably due to my being pretty heavy, but I've had no other problems. (And I'm not so heavy any more.) I'm looking to upgrade, because I'm starting to think it's fun to go fast, and this bike is pretty heavy, but I'll keep it for running the dogs, grocery shopping and commuting.