Sell/Change or keep?....

[Paulq]

Hi all

I have had my existing bike, a Specialized Sirrus Elite, for a couple of years and love it but have got the bug big time. This is generally my 'main' bike and I also use a Specialized Crosstrail for winter/training/holidays as I can stick a rack and guards on that. That doesn't see daylight a lot.

I used to ride drops many years ago but stopped as I have a chronic neck problem and I found a flat bar slightly more comfortable, altough I understand that there are now road bikes with slightly more upright positions available.

My dilemma is this - do I stick with the Sirrus or flog it and get some cash and use the CycleScheme I have available at work to get back on to a decent road bike? I don't race and my riding these days is more for leisure and fitness given my work schedule which takes me abroad a lot. Would a road bike cater for this or am I better sticking with the Sirrus which I deem to be more of a City/fast hybrid kind of bike?

This is on the assumption that I can find a road bike that I could get comfortable on so I'm asking if there's anyone with a similar problem and what bike they found to help them overcome it? I am a fan of Specialized bikes but am not sure which, if any, they do with relaxed geometry. My LBS do Scott and Giant.

With CycleScheme I just don't think I'll get a better opportunity to get myself a decent roadie up to £1k again.

Thanks in advance for any help folks.

PS: In anticipation of replies that say 'keep both' I ain't got room

 

[vickster]

Specialized secteur is the choice for a more sportive / relaxed geometry. You will likely get a better component spec if you look at other brands, e.g cannondale synapse, giant defy, cube or focus offerings

Specialized have highly regarded frames but IMO better bang for buck can be found elsewhere

Do you do physio for your neck, also a strong core will help, Pilates good

 

[Paulq]

Thanks for that - are bikes like the Synapse and Defy relaxed also?

To be honest the problem in my neck will never go away so Physio doesn't really touch it but never tried stuff like Pilates.

 

[Tribanite]

Defy has a relaxed geometry with a longer headset. I would try a defy 1 or 2

 

[Paulq]

Brilliant they do those at my LBS. When you talk about 'relaxed' I assume that what's meant is 'upright'. How 'relaxed' are they compared to a flat bar?

 

[vickster]

Synapse also relaxed. The caad is the more aggressive one, like the Allez from spesh

 

[vickster]

You'll still be less upright than a sirrus, but you can flip stems, raise bars. What are you wanting to achieve with the road bike vs the flat bar? Sirrus already quick for a hybrid. Given the neck issue, you may want to budget for a full fit and any changes needed

 

[Paulq]

I just fancy getting back on a 'proper' road bike really and whilst he Sirrus is an absolutely great bike it's just not as zippy or speed oriented as a full out roadie.

 

[vickster]

Put lighter wheels and thinner tyres on it?

A sportive roadbike won't be as out and out racy as a more aggressive bike

 

[fossyant]

PS Keep the bike(s) and add to the stable.

Selling bikes is a sin.

 

[Paulq]

PS Keep the bike(s) and add to the stable.

Selling bikes is a sin.

I know but I just haven't got the room for 3, or the need if honest. Have spent a few days looking at the Defy and I really like the look of it. However the Specialized Roubaix Compact is also available for the same price which is carbon vs Alu on the Defy but Sora vs 105 on the Defy.

Both look really nice bikes - can't decide which as I have traditionally been a Spesh man but the Giant is VERY tempting.

 

[themosquitoking]

I've got the defy one and love it, you might be able to get a deal on the 2013 model soon as they are about to release the new colours/models for 2014.

 

[Paulq]

I've got the defy one and love it, you might be able to get a deal on the 2013 model soon as they are about to release the new colours/models for 2014.

That's probably the way I am leaning at the moment as long as I can convince myself that it will be comfortable enough so I am gonna have a squiz at one in my LBS later today. I'll also have a look at the Secteur and Roubaix but the kit on the Defy makes a pretty compelling argument along with the fact that my LBS is 5 mins from my house. The Specialized dealer is in Liverpool but tend to do a much more thorough bike fitting job.

The biggest decision is which colour. From the photos the green looks quite nice but I can't have a green bike......can I? :-)

 

[themosquitoking]

That's probably the way I am leaning at the moment as long as I can convince myself that it will be comfortable enough so I am gonna have a squiz at one in my LBS later today. I'll also have a look at the Secteur and Roubaix but the kit on the Defy makes a pretty compelling argument along with the fact that my LBS is 5 mins from my house. The Specialized dealer is in Liverpool but tend to do a much more thorough bike fitting job.

The biggest decision is which colour. From the photos the green looks quite nice but I can't have a green bike......can I? :-)

I didn't like the green one too much but the 2014 colours are due any day now, and they're nice. http://www.ashcycles.com/site/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=88_111_675_817

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I have a Sirrus Elite (had it about four weeks now replacing a Felt hybrid which will be the winter bike) and an Allez Elite. I use the hybrids for commuting and the Allez for my leisure rides. I find that the Allez is much easier to ride and takes a lot less effort than either hybrid, therefore if fitness is your number one aim I would stick with the Sirrus.

If you only have room for two bikes, get rid of the crosstrail since you say you don't ride it much, keep the Sirrus and then get the road bike.