The Specialized Sirrus Elite is up there with our favourite fast and comfortable commuter hybrid bikes and is perfect for purchase on a cycle to work scheme.
What is a Hybrid?
As the name suggests, a hybrid is a cross between two bikes. You can think of the Sirrus Elite as a road bike frame and wheel set, with mountain bike bars and seating position. The result is a more comfortable ride than on a specific road bike, but at the same time as being a fast bike across urban terrain.
Do I need a hybrid?
The question should be “do I need a road/mountain bike?” I’d say a large proportion of the mountain bike buying market never actually take the bike off road. As a result, you end up dragging the heavy tyres around on the tarmac and never really get anywhere fast. With a road bike, unless you need the performance seating position to churn out the power, then you are just going to be uncomfortable and less stable on the road.
A hybrid such as the Sirrus Elite is the perfect combination. It gives you the low rolling resistance of a road bike to get you from A to B quickly and with the minimum of friction, while you sit comfortably and pedal away.
Spec
The Sirrus Elite is built with Specialized’s E5 super-light alloy frame to keep the bike’s weight low. At the front, the Sirrus is fitted with a FACT carbon/alloy fork with Specialized’s patent ‘Zerts’ inserts to reduce road vibrations and has mounts enabling you to fit mudguards.
The Sirrus Elite runs ‘Flack Jacket’ protected 700x28c Nimbus tyres which will excel on both tarmac, light gravel and canal tow paths without going flat every five minutes. Stopping power comes from ‘V’ brakes, providing a confident and reliable braking action.
When it comes to putting the power down, the Sirrus Elite has a 9-speed (27 gears) Shimano branded group set, giving you no excuses when it comes to hills.
The flat bars with included bar ends and Specialized BG fit saddle provide maximum comfort for your daily commute or Sunday afternoon pub ride. Eyelets mean you are able to fit mudguards and a pannier rack, so you can stuff your paper work, laptop, books, tools etc. in and ride on into work, saving you time and money.
Who is the Sirrus Elite for?
Probably more people than you might think. Unless you want to race a road bike or ride properly off road, a hybrid bike is the perfect choice for you. The Sirrus Elite makes a great commuter bike, ideal for purchase on a cycle to work scheme - even if your employer doesn’t offer one, buying a bike like the Sirrus on 0% interest free finance and replacing your car with it, will probably save you more than it will cost. If you spend more than £50 a month on petrol/diesel (which isn’t hard), then you could buy the Sirrus, pay that £50 towards the bike every month, and at the end of the year sell it on. You’d actually MAKE MONEY from buying this bike. So there’s our Tredz ‘credit crunch’ top-tip… Buy a bike and make money (and get fit… and be green… and save time on your commute).
