Spesh Sirrus - or alternatives?

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Looking at options for a friend looking to move from a MTB to a 700c commuter. £350(ish) budget

The Sirrus (12 model with 8sp cassette) looks like a pretty good bet to me, only a few quid over. Plus a nice looking bike.

Pros/Cons? Any similar? (More expensive is a no-no)

 

[Norm]

My son has the 2011 model and loves it for his 4-mile each way school run. I'd agree that it's lovely, but I'd only know that if I had ridden it and I'm not confessing that in writing. It's just a great, dependable, reliable bike, nothing special but it all works and it works well together.

We'd buy another without a second's thought.

 

[skudupnorth]

My son has the 2011 model and loves it for his 4-mile each way school run. I'd agree that it's lovely, but I'd only know that if I had ridden it and I'm not confessing that in writing. It's just a great, dependable, reliable bike, nothing special but it all works and it works well together.

We'd buy another without a second's thought.

I'm with Norm on this one,i have an 08 model and would not get rid of it because it does what it says on the tin and more.Go for it,they are very,very good !

 

[leemo]

I have the 2009 Elite and its been a great bike. Its smooth and fairly fast. Very upright, but I adjusted the the stem angle for a slightly more sporty position (and my back couldnt take it much lower). Seem to be some 2011 Elite models availble for £400 on the net which I'd look at: the carbon fork smooths out the road buzz. If you keep the bike for a few years and have spent a few hundred quid on servicing, tyres, accessories etc. you'll be glad you spent the extra fifty on a better fork.

Giant Rapids seem to be a similar bike that worth a look as is the Boardman Hybrid.

 

[gambatte]

Decathlon Triban 3?
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

 

[Moodyman]

The Triban at £300 is tres bon.

 

[SingaporeSyclist]

I have a 2012 sirrus elite pro. Really great for my 11 mile commute. I appreciate that this is towards the top end of the range but I also test rode the others lower down the range and I would definitely recommend them. I had a few people telling me that I was paying for the Spesh name, but I am very happy with it and compared to similar bikes I looked at I reckon that I got the maximum bang for my bucks!