Specialized Sirrus 2008

[rij73]

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!

[sundial]

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.

[missjulied]

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!