Specialized Sirrus

Sirrus, Sirrus Sport, Sirrus Elite & Sirrus Elite Disc

From the date of  their introduction in the 1980s, the Specialized Sirrus range of hybrid bikes seem to go from strength to strength.  They have set the standard for sporty hybrid bikes ever since. Designed with a range of component specs,  there was a bike in the Sirrus range to fit most budgets.

There’s a wealth of choice of specifications in frame material, geartrain and brakes, but all are aimed principally at the road rider, or at least, at the rider who plans to spend most of their time on hard surfaces rather than on tracks and trails. There’s no suspension here – Specialized have the Crosstrail range for those who want suspension forks.

Because the Sirrus range for 2013 is quite extensive – 8 models in all – I thought it would be a good idea to split it into two parts. Here in Part 1 we’ll look at the first four – the Sirrus, Sirrus Sport and the two Sirrus Elite models. In Part 2 we’ll go on to the two Sirrus Comp models, the Expert and the Limited.

Here’s a quick overview of the four – click through the links to see a more in-depth review of each.

What characterises the collection? Well, within the first part of the Sirrus range there are several features in common:-

• mid priced, from £400 to £750 depending on components
• all using lightweight Aluminum double butted alloy frames; higher spec on the Elites. The frames are smooth-welded, and the curved and tapered tubing looks particularly sleek. The cables are cleverly routed inside the frame.
• Double-wall rims with all-terrain 32 or 28mm tyres, flat pedals

Sirrus

The basic Sirrus is the entry-level bike in the range.

A Specialized A1 aluminium frame and sturdy steel fork are finished in smart graphite grey – you don’t miss out on looks by plumping for the basic model

V-brakes, and 24 gears from modest Shimano components provide the stop-and-go, while 32mm Nimbus tyres are a good compromise, and should allow you to take to the loose surfaces, without causing too much drag on the tarmac.

Sirrus Sport

The Sport is the second model up.

An alloy front fork and improved Shimano gears, giving you 27 ratios, are the main changes from the Sirrus. The V-brakes are retained. Nothing wrong with V-brakes – simple, with plenty of power.

The tyres on the Sport are now 28mm – which together with the grooved tread, reinforce the road-going pedigree of the Sirrus range.

Sirrus Elite

Next up the range is the Elite. Improved derailleurs from Shimano’s road bike ranges, together with bigger chainrings, make for still greater speed possibilities on the tarmac.

The frame and fork are still alloy, but higher-grade. The Elite sticks with V-brakes, but together with the other upgrades produces a sleek, mid-priced package that looks not far from ideal for quick, general-purpose city and urban riding.

Sirrus Elite Disc

The Elite disc shares many of the features of the V-brake model, but not entirely. In fact I think it’s a bit confusing to stick with the Elite name – there are several quite distinct differences between the two Elites.

First, the brakes, obviously. The Elite Disc has Tektro hydraulic units, providing all the usual benefits of disc brakes – all-weather performance and smooth power.

The drivetrain is significantly altered from the Elite – still Sora and Tiagra derailleurs, but driven from a double, rather than a triple chainset. This gives you 18 gears, which in all honesty is usually plenty around town and on the open road, particularly given the hefty 50-tooth outer ring.

So the Elite Disc is designed to be fast, with the stopping power to match.

These Sirrus bikes are designed both for urban commuting and evening and weekend getaways. They are light and fast, and have have plenty of choices of gear ranges (18, 24 or 27) to suit a variety of terrain, legs and lungs.

Which one to choose? Difficult to say really. For £400 the basic Sirrus is solid value, but there’s no doubting the value of some of the features you buy as you move up the range.

The alloy forks and more road-oriented tyres and gear arrangements on the Sport and Elites will suit those wanting to get a bit of a move on, while the discs on the Elite Disc option are an undoubted benefit for those who need to use their bike in all weathers.

If budget wasn’t an issue – then of course the Elite or Elite Disc.  But that’s not always the case is it! Don’t overlook the value presented by all these bikes. We think you’d be well pleased to own and ride any of them.

Below is a table to show some of the main similarities and differences, containing links through to each model’s page. These pages have further links through to manufacturers and dealers sites where you can get all the details you need – or click on each model’s image.

Alternatives you might like to have a look at:-

• Kona Dew

• Cannondale Quick

• Bianchi Camaleonte