I am currently researching books for my wife and myself and wanted to make sure I'm on the right path/not missing something.
We want bikes to go on family bike rides with our son (6) around the neighborhood and nearby trails (mostly paved). We may end up doing solo/duo rides that are more fitness oriented from time to time too, but the family rides are the main goal. While I'm sure we could just buy some cheap thing from Target or Walmart, we are willing to invest in something that's better made as they will last longer and if they're nicer to ride, that will help us want to ride more often.
Through my research I've found that what we're probably looking for is a hybrid/fitness bike. After looking around at a host of options I've mostly arrived at the Specialized Sirrus X 1.0 as it seems like well specced entry level bike.
- 1x drivetrain is a lot simpler and easier to use
- Disc brakes
- Relatively light at 25lbs
- It looks good and comes in good colors.
I've looked at a few other options (Trek FX 1, Retrospec Atlas, Giant Escape Disc, Cannondale Quick 5), but keep coming back to the Specialized. Is there a bike I'm missing, or something in any of the other bikes that make it a better buy over the Specialized? We're going to try to get out to a local shop soon, but trying to be as informed as I can be beforehand.
Ideally we'd be as close to $700/bike as we can get. I know the general suggestion seems to be to find old stock of higher models, but we would need size M and L in most bikes, which is almost always sold out.
by Ouhei
2 Comments
My Trek FX2 *could* be the only bike I ever need, but I’ll probably buy other kinds of bikes anyways since I’ve really gotten into it.
It’s a fantastic bike especially if you’re keeping your rides more casual/ low key, but it’ll go the distance, too. Mine is the Gen 3, so it’s 2x, but I’m thinking of converting to 1x for simplicity’s sake. Looks like Trek switched to 1x for their Gen 4s anyway
I’ve rented a few Cannondale Quick bikes for local rides before buying my FX2 and I like how those ride as well.
All the options you’ve listed are probably going to have very similar geometries/ sit postures, so you should try to test what you can, but ultimately pick which one “ looks good and comes in cool colors” haha
Those Specialized Sirrus bikes actually do look pretty cool and I kind of wish I had one
Also just remember: Red is the fastest color
Across you list I rank the Sirrus X and Giant Escape disc both as solid options but also not the best deals at full price but that is happening across entire bike market for new models because of you know what. The Cannondale Quick 5 is avoid for the price with bad drivetrain, and the Retrospec is also avoid, they have made it to a price point at which you are much better off getting second hand. You should check if you have a community bike cooperative or nonprofit shop selling refurbished bikes in your city, easiest way to get a quality bike under 500 in many places in the USA.
Specifically about the Sirrus X 1.0 what holds it back from being a strong recommendation is 1) the brakes are discs but a cheap model mechanical disc. They will work better than rim brakes when wet but in good conditions no better. You are very close in price to hydraulic disc brakes which are big improvement in power and modulation from these. 2) The drivetrain is a 1x in the way it is setup but is not using specific 1x designed derailleur to make the most of it. It is more or less same as taking the front derailleur off of a 2×8 drivetrain. A 1x specific derailleur will have a wider range capacity (flat area no big deal, hilly area very big deal!) and a clutch for chain security. In the past some Sirrus X models have had chain retention issues due to skipping the clutch I am not sure if they have worked it out or just making the same mistake again. A specific 1x derailleur model like Shimano Cues or Microshift Advent is once again very close to your price range.
Overall the Sirrus X1.0 (or giant escape disc) is a solid bike that is totally suitable for neighbourhood family fitness duties and would recommend 100 times over a big box store option for simply that it is reliable and serviceable enough to last decades comfortably rather than one summer. But falls short of being strong value.
Here are some other options:
If you are ok with online sale only brands like retrospec I would look at Polygon Path 3 on bikesonline.com with a proper 1x drivetrain and hydraulic brakes. For a shop brand I would look at the Marin Presidio which has the “fake” 1x setup but with hydraulic brakes for a little cheaper than the Sirrus. Also don’t give up on sales on the next models up, with M+L sizing it is true you are unlikely to hit the huge clearance sales but going into fall and winter 10-20% is possible or even likely to happen some point for many models.