Specialized Sirrus

Sirrus, Sirrus Sport & Sirrus Elite

EFrom 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.

We have chosen to pick out three from the 2012 range – the Sirrus, Sirrus Sport and Sirrus Elite. Here you can see what we mean

• mid priced, from £370 to £600 depending on components
• all using lightweight Aluminum double butted alloy frames; higher spec on the Elite
• V-brakes with EZ Fire shifters, triple chainrings, double-wall rims with all-terrain tyres, flat pedals

The main difference in specification within these three is the front fork – from a straight blade steel fork on the Sirrus and Sirrus Sport to carbon/aluminium with elastomer inserts on the Sirrus Elite (the elastomer inserts cut down further on road vibration). So what you end up paying for is an increase in responsiveness and smoothness, and a useful decrease in weight.

You also end up with an increase in quality in the Shimano gear components (may be noticeable by most people, maybe not) and a much nicer stem and handlebar on the Elite, which is adjustable for position.

As you can probably see from the photos, these bikes are real lookers – you might almost say beautiful. I would. The colourways are stunning, especially the graphite grey on the Sirrus. The frames are smooth-welded alloy, and the curved and tapered tubing looks particularly sleek. The cables are cleverly routed inside the frame.

The Sirrus are bikes designed both for urban commuting and evening and weekend getaways. They have plenty of gears (24 or 27) to suit a variety of terrain, legs and lungs.

Which one to choose? Difficult to say really. For £370 the basic Sirrus is solid value, but there’s no doubt that you would probably appreciate the 27 gears on the higher-spec models, to say nothing of the increased smoothness of the carbon fork of the Elite. If money wasn’t an issue – then of course the Elite. 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