I'm in the market for a new bike. I have been riding an old Schwinn MTB for my fitness/cardio routine, but since I ride only on pavement, I've decided to get something a little more road worthy. I've managed to scrape up about $700 and seem to have narrowed the field down to two contenders. The Trek 7000 series hybrids and the Specialized Sirrus. I actually rode the Specialized and really liked it. I haven't had the chance to sit or ride on the Trek, but I did lay hands on them at the LBS. Has anyone had experiences with one, or better yet, both of these bikes? I could use the advice. The main things that I've noticed is that the Trek has grip shifts, and seems to be more comfort oriented, whereas the Specialized has rapid fire and is more like a road bike with flat bars. I prefer the Specialized so far, but like I said, I haven't ridden the Trek yet. I had planned on deciding and purchasing or ordering the bike this Thursday.
On a side note, I got to ride a Specialized Allez while I was test riding the Sirrus, the salesperson recommended that I try a road bike just for comparison's sake. I was blown away by the efficiency of the Allez and strongly considered it as well, but it's a little bit out of my budget (the Allez sells for $710 at that shop). Maybe I should put the purchase off and save for the Allez? Opinions on this would also be really appreciated. I plan on making cycling a hobby as well as part of my fitness routine, and getting my wife and kids involved as well, which is why I decided on the hybrid, seemed more fitting as my wife would be riding her MTB and my kids would be riding "kids" bikes.
On a side note, I got to ride a Specialized Allez while I was test riding the Sirrus, the salesperson recommended that I try a road bike just for comparison's sake. I was blown away by the efficiency of the Allez and strongly considered it as well, but it's a little bit out of my budget (the Allez sells for $710 at that shop). Maybe I should put the purchase off and save for the Allez? Opinions on this would also be really appreciated. I plan on making cycling a hobby as well as part of my fitness routine, and getting my wife and kids involved as well, which is why I decided on the hybrid, seemed more fitting as my wife would be riding her MTB and my kids would be riding "kids" bikes.