£769 Single-ring aluminium machine with all-road and gravel ambitionsWeight 11.34kg (M) Frame Aluminium Fork Aluminium Gears Microshift Advent 1x9 (40t, 11-42t) Brakes Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors Wheels Double-wall alloy rims Finishing kit 3D-forged alloy stem, Alloy Mini Rise handlebar, alloy seatpost, Specialized Bridge saddle, Specialized Pathfinder Sport 700x42c tyres
There’s little to fault with this well- considered all-rounder, which has a comfortable ride and well-chosen components – and looks good too. The frame tubes are made of butted aluminium and paired with an alloy fork, and the rear brake hose and gear cable are tidily routed internally through the down-tube for a clean-lined silhouette. Both frame and fork have flat-mount disc brake fittings and quick-release axles.
Versatility built-in
Specialized has paid attention to versatility with the inclusion of practical details. You get seat-tube bosses along with a triple set of bosses on the down-tube so you can attach two bottle cages if you wish, as well as fittings for mudguards, a rear rack and kickstand. Maximum tyre clearance is a healthy 42mm (with mudguards), although the Sirrus doesn’t come with ’guards fitted. The finish is smart too – the reflective Specialized logo is satin black by day and bright as a Christmas tree picked out by car headlights.
As for frame geometry, the wheelbase is long to promote stable handling, while the head angle is a shallow 71° for calm and relaxed steering. This results in an upright riding position that puts no strain on your lower back, while the compact frame with its dropped seatstays delivers oodles of comfort, fortified by the large-volume tyres. It’s an ideal bike for the type of riding I was doing – long urban commutes, canal towpaths, light grit and gravel as well as some short trips through the woods.
The Sirrus X 3.0’s comfort is further emphasised by its contact points. Specialized puts a lot of stock in its ergonomically engineered Body Geometry components, and I found its short and broad Bridge Sport saddle very comfortable and the slightly ovalised grips excellent, even if there are no bar ends. Riding the Sirrus X 3.0 is an enjoyable experience. It’s comfortable on the road, and its 42mm tyres cope with potholes and kerbs admirably. It can also tackle moderate unsurfaced routes without issue, as well as short, gnarlier off-road sections when required.
The asking price may be modest, but the kit line-up is surprisingly strong. The standout compone
