ariendj

This is my first post in the forum and hope to get the much needed help.

I'm looking to buy a bike soon in the range of $1500. Its been few years since I rode and would like to get back to 2 wheels for a better lifestyle change. My rides will comprise of both proper roads and intermediate trails.

A LBS has the 2016 Specialized Expert Carbon at that price. I'm wondering if there are any better options out there for the price.

On a side note, I wouldn't want a heavy bike since I live in a second floor apartment.
Thank you in advance for your help.

badger1

Well, a question: Specialized Expert [What??] carbon? Sirrus? Crosstrail?
Pretty hard for anyone on here to suggest anything without specifics

ariendj

Sorry about that. It is the 2016 Specialized Sirrus Expert Carbon

king_boru

Does it fit? Is it comfortable?

Most important factors. No to either? Look for something else.

djmcnz

The 2016 Sirrus Elite Carbon retails for US$1400 so $1500 isn't really a good deal...

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...-carbon/106639

I just picked up a 2016 Sirrus Expert Carbon (the model up) pre-loved for ~US$900 so you should be aiming higher for $1500 IMHO.

Edit: I love the Sirrus Carbon BTW!!

munkeyfish 

@djmcnz is correct about the money part. His bike and the bike you mentioned are great bikes. There are a TON of great bikes in your budget and way below your budget.

But ultimately fit and comfort are the most important part. If the bike doesn't fit and feel right, it won't matter if you live upstairs or not, you will never want to ride it anyways.

Get on it and try it out. Hell, sit on every bike in you budget range and well below it! Make a day of it, ride everything you can. Try other shops too, make a weekend or 3 out of it. I'd say try some above your budget too, see if you can really tell a lot of difference. And as you get an idea what you like and don't like, keep an eye open in the used dept. You may spot an even better deal for the money.

In the end, no matter what you get, you will find things you love about the bike and things you don't. But over time you will learn what you like and don't like, so try as many out as you can. Maybe even rent a bike or 2 for a week first. Some shops offer rentals and would even be willing to to knock the rental fee off the price of the bike if you bought the bike.

ariendj

I am looking at the same bike you got, the Expert Carbon (Shimano 105 groupset) and not the Elite carbon which is a model down as mentioned by you.
It is brand new and the LBS is selling off the 2016 stock at lower price.
btw, what is the weight of your stock bike?

Thanks to everyone who advised me on this matter. I'm planning to short list all my options and take back to back rides in the coming days in order to see what I like the most.

churnman

Kinda lot to spend for a newbie biker. You really should get a cheaper bike and reserve the extra funds for stuff like a helmet and a good lock.
Should you go cheaper you will find that the $1500 buys a pretty respectable road bike. I have both and use the hybrid till I am good enough to travel faster the 17 mph or use it as a back up when it is raining. Yes I put fenders on the bike. Choose options that fit your lifestyle.

djmcnz

I'm sorry I don't know the weight, I've never weighted it and my most recent bike was a steel framed commuter in Amsterdam so all I can is this one is really light!

The components are nice, not all 105 but still good. MicroShift levers and a FSA crank. Pedals are disgusting and the first thing you'll want to change. I've just ordered a set of Shimano A530's which seem well regarded.

^ and look how pretentious I've become after only 6 weeks of ownership lol.

ariendj

What are my options if I'm looking at a max budget of $1000.

Lt Stonez

You will never regrat buying a good bike as the sirrus carbon with 105 parts.
I was in your sitiuasion in 14' and got a 1400$ Bike for around 930$ and are still happy like a KID on my bike.
Buy cheap shoes helmet clothes pump and upgrade later. The bike will last for year, the others you will upgrade anyway by time.

crowrj

"My rides will comprise of both proper roads and intermediate trails."

If you are going to ride intermediate trails (as in mountain bike trails) you may want a dual-sport like the Specialized Crosstrail, Cannondale Quick CX or Trek DS. I love my Cannondale CX 1, which was $1,500, but the CX 1 has been discontinued.