Which bike - can anyone help?

[jakesuade]

I have just had my Specialized Sirrus Elite 2008 stolen from outside the rail station and now have to replace it and was wondering if anyone can help me on deciding which model.

I am not experienced biker, but loved the thrill of riding on a fast bike to work (only about 2 miles each way).

My biggest issues with the Sirrus was:

1. It seemed a little fragile - not long after riding the rear derailleur snapped and the wheels went a little off line for the remainder of the two years I owned it.

2. The gears seemed not quite close enough - I remember a daily problem where I was looking for a gear between 16 and 17 that didnt exist. Ideally closer gearing would have been preferred (although not essential and I might be a little picky here).

3. The ropad I travel on has pot holes and dips in random places - ideally a carbon fork would be preferred, but most of all the bike should be strong enough to take this.

4. Whilst I do not want drop down handle bars, the effect of the wind on my speed when upright makes me consider alternatives with long bar ends.

Whilst the above are not all essential, I do want to be able to go quick to work. The current bikes in the hybrid range I am looking at are as follows:

1. Cannondale Bad Boy Disc - this seems to have a good handling/speed combination whilst also being useful for the occasional tip down the Taff Trail. However, unsure about the smaller wheels.

2. Ridgeback Nemesis - lots of carbon and I love the sealed hub idea. Not sure whether there are enough gears.

3. Specialized Sirrus Elite 2009 or 2010 - the 2010 has shimano deore which I understand give closer range of gears (although dont quote me) and it still looks very competitive. However, I am told that you get better value for money with other bikes.

4. Giant FCR1 - The best looking bike and I am told you get a lot for your money. It also has handlebar ends and a slightly lower rider position. Bit worried about the lack of chain guard though, as I do not wear lycra!

I have been trying to compare the shifters, derailleurs etc to see which is the best value but after many hours I am still completely lost! If there is anybody out there who can help me decide, I would be very grateful.

Steve

 

[HJ]

Try test riding them all, then get the one which feels the best, they are all good bike for the sort of riding you have outlined...

Sorry if that is much help, but at the end of the day you are the one who will be riding it...

 

[bad boy]

I have a bad boy 700 and think its a great bike, good looking too.

The frame is very good but also like the Giant FCR looks nice also, but I would def get another bad boy. My route takes me over some really bad roads and the bad boy does bounce around a bit but I find the ride fairly good I would be very tempted to look at something with carbon forks.

 

[fossyant]

Most of the bikes you are quoting can ride up a wall - they have got an abundance of gears............

So just 2 miles each way.....hmmmm, what lock did you use at the station then, as a Sirrus is a prime target...........

TBH if it's just 2 miles each way, then a cheap bike, and a good lock..

Please explain a bit more about what distance you are commuting, where the bike is left,...... because there are many views,

My bike - live in a hilly area, one fixed gear, mudguards, does the job, isn't left anywhere where it can be attacked, but my locks are worth more than the bikes it is parked near....... ? Why..I want it to be there when I want to go home....

 

[Perry]

Hello Steve and welcome,

I love the Badboy so that would be my choice but it looks cool to the kids and would be high in the chances of being nicked again.

I heard that a basket on the front of a bike looks so un-cool no one wants to been seen on it, therefore it might keep your bike a bit more secure.

As mentioned above a cheaper bike with good quality locks is probablly the sensible choice.

 

[dellzeqq]

whichever bike you choose (and I'd mention the Ridgeback Flight 01, which is great value for money) discuss the gearing with the shop. You may find that they're willing to change the cassette to suit

rear derailleurs should not snap, especially on a bike as expensive as the Sirrus. Do you have any idea how it happened?

 

[jakesuade]

Thanks for that - I know it sounds like a bit of money for a 4 mile daily commute but its the only exercise I currently get and a fast bike makes me work hard in the morning whereas my current old steel raleigh puts me off biking! I do also use it at the weekend, although probably not as often as I should.

I am not the fittest biker in the world but like to spend one of the home straights between two sets of lights trying to beat the cars and therefore I want to be able to move quickly. I understand the theft risks, but will be equipped with more chains that you can shake a stick at next time. My mate, who is a fireman, tells me that D locks are good - they cannot use their hrydraulic cutters on high tensile D locks for fear of putting notches in blades and that they are usually very difficult to snap.

The rear deraiileur on my Sirrus just snapped as I went round a corner changing gear. At the time they said it was a machining fault. I prior to that had bought the Boardman Hybrid (middle range one) where the crank to the peddle snapped off whilst riding and they also said it was a machining fault. I question whether I just ride the bikes too hard or that Halfords are just useless at putting these bikes together (I got/am getting them on Bike to work scheme).

Perry - thanks for the advice, I like the idea of putting a basket on the front!

I am currently between the Bad Boy and the Nemesis but will probably go for Bad Boy (despite the name). Thanks for your comments.

JS

 

[2Loose]

If you want to go fast, then avoid disk brakes as they often drag slightly and annoy me. Don't get me wrong, I can run at 20+ no problem, but sometimes after braking I can hear them rubbing the disk surface until I brake again and I know that wouldn't happen with rim brakes...mind you, the disks are brilliant in the weticy conditions so horses for courses. I just know it bugs me, so for speed I would suggest easily adjustable rim brakes.

Someone on here once said that 'Drop bars deter thieving scrotes' or similiar - 'nuff said on that one, but sturdy mountain bike alike pretty bikes like the BadBoy do attract the wrong kid of attention.

Out of the bikes you listed, the FCR would be the fastest by far and have the closest gear ratios...

 

[koks]

try planet x kaffenback - I can't complain