Hey guys,
Looking for some feedback on a new bike I wanna get. Looking for a performance hybrid type of bike – single chainring type of drive train with a 10/11 speed cassette. Daily commuting and comfort are key.
Here’s a little summary of where Im at.
Own a cyclo cross – which I never really take on trails – just wanted a beefier type of road bike – and it fit the bill. Use this all the time to commute to the skate spot (20 km return), good times.
Last year, I bought an electric assist hybrid (Giant Explore-E) – was getting lazy and got a nice tax return so I splurged. LOVED the thing. The best part about the bike was the geometry – it was sooo comfy – nice and relaxed, not aggressive at all, has a 1x9 drivetrain, added pannier racks and fenders and it was soo much fun. Commuted about 3500 km – skate spot – daycare drop-offs and errands. But the think weighs a ton, and I felt like Im being a little lazy. The assist is great – no free ride or throttle – you gotta pedal to make it move, but a couple of times Id take out my cyclo cross and its just as easy – bikes soo light that it goes.
So, this year, Id like to get a comfortable hybrid – ‘performance’ oriented, single drivetrain type of thing. Torn between 2 bikes. All City Super Professional (2300 CAD) and the Specialized Sirrus X 3.0 (1350 CAD).
The All City is built on a SRAM Apex derailleur whereas the Speicalized is on Shimano Deore. All City is a steel frame (612 cromoly steel) and the Speicalized is Alluminum. Brakes on both are the same (tektra hydraulics)
Questions for you guys – how is the SRAM Apex vs Shimano Deore?
Steel or Aluminum? – Really torn on this one. Steel is real as they say. Worth the extra coin?? Anyone ride both (steel or alu) on a regular basis – what are your thoughts?
Brakes on both are the same – hydraulic Tektro. Both have fender / pannier / bottle mounts. Both come with larger tires (38 on the allcity / 42 on the specialized).
Im 44. Prob be one of the ‘last’ bikes I buy as I own a variety of them. Will build it up with fenders / racks for commuting etc..
Oh, and what do loose ball bearings really mean? Are they not sealed like a skate wheel bearing? It sounds kinda low end. That’s on the Specialized build.
I visually like both bikes. All city has some really nice design features on it….
Thanks for your feedback and comments guys.
https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/super_professional_apex_1https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/sirrus-x-3-0/p/187462?color=301083-187462&searchText=92421-7000