Specialized Sirrus Bike

Specialized takes its mission to help you with your fitness goals seriously with the Sirrus Sport. We're going to compare this model with other similar ones in the manufacturer's line. Then, we'll see how the Specialized Sirrus Bike stacks up to the competition with a rundown of its features versus non-Sirrus models.

What is the Specialized Sirrus Designed to Do?

Stack (563mm)
Reach (402mm)
Price

The Specialized Sirrus Sport is an excellent choice for the individual who is serious about improving their fitness. It has plenty to offer with better components, including a geometry focused on a comfortable ride at a higher price point. It's the kind of bicycle that can match your evolving workout goals with its versatility.

As you get stronger, the Sirrus Sport will keep pace with your added demands. That gives it an evergreen quality that makes it worth a look.

Who is the Specialized Sirrus Good For?

The Sirrus offers a sporty, sleek ride that turns up the heat. The bike has quality components to ensure a safe and stable ride that can handle virtually any conditions or punishment. Comfort is the underlying theme with a welcome balance with performance.

  • Frame
  • Groupset

The Sirrus Sport has an FSA Vero, forged alloy, sub-compact crankset, and a Shimano, 9-speed, 11-34t cassette. It also uses Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes and microSHIFT flatbar road 9-speed shifters for more reliable stopping power than other types of bikes.

The tradeoff comes in added maintenance and cost.

Pros

  • The aluminum frame and the suspension fork provide the best of both worlds to bring the Sirrus Sport to an affordable price.
  • The Sirrus Sport delivers a comfortable ride with excellent vibration dampening qualities because of its frame and fork design.
  • The frame comes with eyelets for mudguards and pannier racks to customize your steed.

Cons

  • Some individuals may find the position too upright for their tastes with its very relaxed body geometry touchpoints.
  • You may need to swap out the Nimbus Reflect tires if you typically take to rougher terrain.
  • You may need to swap out the Nimbus Reflect tires if you typically take to rougher terrain.

Expert Quotes

"The Specialized Sirrus is the Swiss Army knife of the Specialized fitness bikes." - Rob, Eriks Bike

"This is the bike for the rider who is an absolute fitness rider." - SBCU

How Does Specialized Sirrus Compare to Other Bikes from Specialized?

If there's one thing we can say about Specialized, it's that they understand their discerning users to offer such a broad range of fitness bikes. While similar in price, they vary widely in their geometries and handling on the road or trail.

You should have no problems finding a comparable model to suit your riding style, whether it's a low-down or upright position. Here, we'll compare the Sirrus to Specialized's Crossroads Sport, Roll Sport EQ, Trail Sport, Ariel Sport, and Sirrus Elite models.

Stack/Reach


The CrossTrail Sport stands out with the longest stack, and thus, the more aerodynamic profile of the rider and greater speeds. The Sirrus Elite comes at the other end of the spectrum with a taller stance. But the Sirrus Sport beats them all at 563mm for a more upright and more comfortable position which can be a dealmaker or deal-breaker for some users.

At 401mm, the Crossroads Sport offers greater stability, with the Roll Sport EQ opting for better slow-speed handling. The Sirrus Sport comes in the middle of the pack at 388mm.

Wheelbase


Wheelbase = the length between the front and rear axles of the bike. 

Again, we see many variations in the wheelbase, presumably because Specialized knows that people define fitness differently. The Crossroads Sport can provide a more comfortable ride with its longer wheelbase to make workouts enjoyable. The Sirrus Sport measures 1056mm, which we'd expect in a touring bike meant for longer rides and touring.

Head Tube Length


Head tube length = the length of the tube mounting the front fork steerer. 

The head tube length will also play a role in the profile of the rider. As you can see, the Crossroads Sport leads the crowd with upright comfort. The Ariel Sport is appropriately named with its lower stance for better aerodynamics. At 13.0cm, the Sirrus Sport strikes a fine balance between comfort and performance.

Price

As you can see, the price ranges for some of Specialized's fitness models are comparable, making choosing one difficult at first glance. That's where knowing the bike's geometry can steer you in the right direction. The components will also help because the differences will fine-tune your ride. Your local bike shop may offer Sirrus bikes at different prices, so investigate before buying. You may also need additional parts depending on where you'll be riding, such as larger volume tires or fender mounts.

Component Differences

All of the bikes use sub-compact double cranksets, but that's where you can see the subtle variations for matching the model with your style. They all use Shimano components that give them the quality edge except the Ariel Sport and CrossTrail Sport, which have Sunrace, 9-Speed, 11-36t gear systems. The Roll Sport EQ uses the MicroSHIFT, 9-Speed, 11-34t model.

The Roll Sport EQ and Crossroads Sport have V-brakes, which is to be expected in lower-end bikes. The others all have powerful hydraulic disc brakes that give them better braking power in any weather condition. On the downside, these brakes are heavier and more of a pain to set up properly, which may deter new users to the sport.

How Does Specialized Sirrus Compare to Similar Bikes on the Market?

If the Specialized Sirrus Sport doesn't work out for you, there are plenty of other options with similar features from different manufacturers. Let's run through some numbers to see how they compare based on their respective geometries and components. In this section, we'll compare the Sirrus to the Giant Escape 2, Trek FX 3, Diamondback Haanjo, Cannondale Quick 4, and the Diamondback Insight 2.

Stack/Reach


Giant's emphasis on “escape” comes through with its measurements that promise a more aerodynamic and stable ride for the long haul. The Sirrus Sport aims for a middle-of-the-road approach with a longer 563mm stack for upright comfort and a shorter reach for better maneuverability. The profile is definitely a matter of individual taste, as some may not like the loss of speed.

(See also the Giant Defy, a road bike for the daring cyclist!)

Wheelbase


Wheelbase = the level distance between the front and rear wheels. 

Our alternatives have a similar wheelbase that falls within the touring bike range, including the Sports Sirrus at 1056mm. The Haanjo approaches that of a cyclocross bike suitable as an all-purpose bike. The Giant Escape 1 Disc leans toward a more comfortable position, though it may border on a somewhat too relaxed ride for some.

Head Tube Length


Head tube length = the length of the tube mounting the front fork steerer. 

The bikes fall into the touring range with their longer wheelbase lengths, including the Escape 2 at 1079.5mm. That makes sense in a bike marketed for longer excursions. Again, the Ariel Mechanical Disc stands out with its preference for a more nimble ride indicative of its branding

Chainstay Length


Chainstay length = the length of the tube connecting the bottom bracket to the real wheel.

The chainstay length gives you another way to tweak your ride with a longer distance for better climbing traction and a shorter one for greater power transfer. All of the bikes, including the Sirrus Sport at 445mm, have what we'd expect for touring models. We can assume that fitness means longer rides, and thus, the premium that manufacturers put on this aspect of the geometry.

Component Differences

ne of the major differences with these bikes lies with the types of brakes they have. The Insight 2 and Haanjo both have mechanical disc brakes, whereas the Quick 4 has V-brakes. The others have hydraulic disc brakes, which are superior for technical cycling and precision control, albeit for more money and maintenance than a mechanical disc brake.

The Sirrus Sport has the advantage here with its Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes. We prefer the greater sensitivity, and crisper feel they have on the road. While easier to set up, you'll need to apply more force with the mechanical disc brakes with less precise control over them.