Hello from Iver

[defy-one]

Hi folks, my names Kam and I'm getting back into cycling after a 20 year break. Currently have a Giant mountain bike which isn't really great for road cycling, so I'll be changing to a sports hybrid or road bike at some stage. Hoping to learn lots and being part of the cycling community here. I also into cars and photography ... But like all hobbies, they come after being a husband and dad to two demanding teenagers :-)

 

[MisterStan]

Welcome along. Sadly the Missus and kids have to come first!

 

[defy-one]

Thanks mate - is anyone from my area - looking for a cycling buddy when it's not a sunny day and I need some pursuasion

 

[defy-one]

Should have said Uxbridge-Slough-Iver-Langley

 

[Norm]

I'm a bit south of you, but not by much and I've often ridden through Iver.

If you're looking for a new bike, I can recommend Stows in Dedworth (I don't know the Slough branch). Sam, the bossman there, is happy to share many decades of experience in making sure you get the right set of wheels under you.

Given your apparent age and plans, I'm already thinking that a Specialized Sirrus or Secteur would fit what you need - although I should confess that I'm also the father of two with a Giant MTB, a Secteur and a Tricross and frequent use of my son's Sirrus, so I'm probably a little influenced by my own choices there.

 

[defy-one]

A few people have mentioned the Sirrus - I'll pop over to Dedworth and take a peek. Thanks for the advice

 

[MisterStan]

Should have said Uxbridge-Slough-Iver-Langley

Little bit far from me, but i'm sure a few people will pipe up locally - it's getting them to shut up that's the hard work.

 

[Part time cyclist]

Hi there from Kent I am also a husband and father of two recently got back into cycling after buying a specialized Sirrus. IMO the best cycle I have ever riden my rides are during my lunch hours and early on the weekends do I am home when the wife and children get up and we then have the rest if the day together...

 

[defy-one]

Which specialized Sirrus did you go for?
I have been looking at stows (dedworth) and they are doing some sales on the elite and sports versions. my nephew bought one for commuting as he lives in Camden and commutes into the city.
Great minds think alike - my plan is to be up early on the weekends, and be out for an hour or two before anyone's awake. Then I have the quality time with the family for the remainder of the day

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[Norm]

The Sirrus is the base model, it's intended use didn't warrant anything more than that and it's actually proved to be (with only the benefit of Slime tubes) a fun yet solid and reliable bike.

 

[kishan]

welcome

 

[defy-one]

Once my knee is healed ( knee arthroscopy a week ago), I will take both out for a ride .... But in the mean time I'm starting to salivate :-)

So I'm down to the specialized sirrus sport and elite with a £150 difference between the two and I have a few questions I'm hoping you good folk can help with ....

A) the elite comes with carbon forks - do they make a big difference in reality when looking at a general purpose bike for commuting and say 20k rides on roads and bridal paths?

B) can the standard wheels take fatter tyres, as you can do with a car, or could I fit a wider wheel/tyre combination if I wanted to do some moderate off road cycling?

C) is the extra £150 worth paying for the Elite over the sports in terms of the aluminium used in the frame.

D) residual values, does one stand up better than the other or I am being silly about selling once I have bought a decent hybrid?

Opinions welcome as I have much to learn ....

Here's the spec for the sport ....
Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated butted tubing, integrated lower bearing, mudguard/rack eyeletsFork:Steel straight blade, mudguard eyeletsFront Derailleur:Shimano Acera, 31.8mm, top swingRear Derailleur:Shimano Acera 9-speedNumber of Gears:27Shifters:Shimano Acera Rapidfire, 9-speedChainset:SR Suntour XCRBottom Bracket:Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mmCassette:Shimano Alivio, 9-speed, 11-32tChain:KMC X9 nickel plate, reusable Missing LinkPedals:Sirrus pedal, 1.5mm Varus Wedge, nylon body with symmetric steel cage, low profile bearing system, toe clip capableFront Brake:Alloy linear pullRear Brake:Alloy linear pullBrake Leversie cast "V"-brake lever, linear pullHandlebars:Sirrus alloy flat bar, 6-degree bendStem:Alloy, 20-degree, 25.4mm clampHeadset:1-1/8" Integrated cartridge lower, external sealed upper bearingGrips:Body Geometry Targa, non-lockingRims:Sirrus DLX700, double-wall, 700c, CNC machined, 32hFront Hub:Forged alloy, sealed, alloy quick release, 32hRear Hub:Forged alloy, sealed, cassette, alloy quick release, 32hSpokes:Stainless 2.0mm threadlockedFront Tyre:Specialized Nimbus with Flak Jacket, 26 TPI, 700x32cRear Tyre:Specialized Nimbus with Flak Jacket protection, 26 TPI, 700x32cTubes:Schrader valveSaddle:Body Geometry Targa Sport, 155mmSeatpost:Alloy, double bolt, 27.2mmSeat Binder:Alloy, 31.8mmExtra Features:Chainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manualWeight:Not Specified

Here's the spec for the Elite ....
Specialized E5 aluminium, fully manipulated butted tubing, smooth weld, internal cable routing, tapered/integrated headset, fender/rack eyeletsFork:FACT carbon/alloy fork with Zertz inserts for responsive road feel and forgiving ride; with mudguard mounts and wide clearance for added versatilityFront Derailleur:Shimano Acera, 31.8mm, top swingRear Derailleur:Shimano AlivioNumber of Gears:31Shifters:Shimano Acera Rapidfire, 9-speedChainset:Shimano Acera triple, w/chainguardChainrings:48/36/26, w/ chainguardBottom Bracket:Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mmCassette:Shimano Alivio, 9-speed, 11-32tChain:KMC X9 nickel plate, reusable Missing LinkPedals:Sirrus pedal, 1.5mm Various Angle, nylon body, symmetric alloy cage, low profile bearing system, toe clip capableFront Brake:Alloy linear pullRear Brake:Alloy linear pullBrake Leversie cast "V"-brake lever, linear pullHandlebars:Specialized PG flat bar, alloy, 6-degree bend, 31.8mmStem:Specialized EliteSet, 3D forged alloy, 12-degree, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clampHeadset:1-1/8" sealed Cr-Mo Campy Style integrated bearings, 15mm alloy cone spacer with 30mm of spacersGrips:Body Geometry Targa, non-lockingRims:Sirrus DRX270, alloy double-wall, pinned, CNC machined, 32hFront Hub:Forged alloy, sealed, alloy quick release, 32hRear Hub:Forged alloy, sealed, cassette, alloy quick release, 32hSpokes:Stainless 2.0mm thread lockedFront Tyre:Specialized Nimbus w/ Flak Jacket, 26 TPI, 700x28cRear Tyre:Specialized Nimbus w/ Flak Jacket, 26 TPI, 700x28cTubes:PrestaSaddle:Body Geometry Targa Sport, 155mmSeatpost:Alloy, double bolt, 27.2mmSeat Binder:Alloy, 31.8mmAccessorieserailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manualWeight:12.7kg (27.94lbs) approx for the Medium size, with pedals (built). *(PLEASE NOTE: Weight is approximate and is provided by Evans Cycles as a guide only, actual weight may vary due to manufacturing processes and other factors)*


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[biggs682]

 

[Peteaud]

Welcome.

Used to drive my Fourtrak thru little england (iver) many many years ago.

 

[defy-one]

It hasn't changed much from what my elderly neighbours tell me :-)