Bliip

I'm not sure were to put this so I will post here. I am in the process of getting a new Fitness bike as my entry level road bike (Trek Domane AL2) was not for me. I wasn't comfortable in the road bike position even after adjustments and do not like drop bars. I am fairly flexible though and can bend and touch my toes. I am a 52 year old male, 5' 4" and 147lbs in fairly decent shape. I would like to ride 20-25 miles on mostly paved trails and still go at a decent speed but just do it a little more comfortable that is why I think an aggressive hybrid with a flat bar is more my style. My budget is sub $1000. Does anyone have an opinion of these two bikes based on my riding style?
Thanks!!

Wanderer

Way back when I was in the market for new bikes, I rode many! The Trek and Specialized felt so much different.... I ended up with a Specialized Crosstrail, and a Specialized Sirrus Comp...

Trek just didn't feel as good to me.

Ride them both if you can, and then decide.

I've been really happy with my choices, and have changed them both with bar endz and seats. Got 'em where I want them!

I'm not sorry I did what I did. Very happy with Specialized.

Bliip

GusV

I have had a Trek FX3 for over a year and I love it. Best bike I've ever had. I mostly ride on paved trails; occasionally, I have to ride over rough road and the bike handles that fine. It handles hills well since the shifting is smooth. I'm a 65-year-old male, 180 lbs and I prefer the upright position over a racing bike.

It's also light enough that I have no problem putting it on the roof of my car with a Thule rack.

timgriffin2

I had a Trek FX2 and just couldn't get it to feel right. I always had numbness and pain on rides of over 10 miles and tried different seat adjustments, bar ends, new seat etc. I now have a Sirrus 3.0 and it just feels like a better fit. It took me a while to get the adjustments nailed in but I can easily ride 35 miles now.If possible test ride each because there definitely is a difference in the feel - and one may feel better for you than the other.

badger1

They are both very good -- and comparable -- bikes of this type. The only way you are going to know if you have a distinct preference is through trying both if at all possible; they do have slightly different geometries. I'm partial to Specialized's fit, but that's just me.

FYI, there is a third obvious, quality candidate given your budget and stated requirements: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fastroad-sl-3-2021

hokiefyd 

The Giant Fastroad is a particularly "sporty" fitness hybrid -- however the Escape line is most analagous with the FX and Sirrus lines...or is at least the most direct competitor to the aluminum-framed FX 1, 2, 3 and alloy Sirrus models.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-escape-disc

MrWasabi

I'd punt and go with either a Specialized Diverge Expert or Comp Evo.

freeranger

Bikes are like saddles--noone can tell you which will definitely work for you. Hopefully you will be able to try a few diff.brands/models to see what works best. Might not be so easy to find lots of bikes in stock due to folks buying up bikes during this covid outbreak. Try calling around to see what is available to test ride in your area. Nothing short of getting on a bike and riding it will let you know just how it is going to feel to you.

Bliip

That would be nice if I had a few thousand extra, lol.

MrWasabi

Sorry buddy, I missed the sub $1000 part.