We Can’t Believe Specialized Did THIS!

When we saw tech drawings of this frame, we thought Specialized was updating the Roubaix. We were, in fact, wrong. It’s actually a new bike called the Sirrus Carbon.
The Sirrus is a flat-bar city, commuter and fitness bike that won’t be going anywhere near a bike race.
It would be easy to overlook the Sirrus as just a flat-bar bike, but could its frame have implications for road bike design in the future? We tell you everything you need to know about Specialized’s new bike and do some crystal-ball gazing in this video.
What do you think of this frame design? Let us know in the comments 👇
#Specialized #roadbike #2023bikes
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:21 Five Things You Need To Know
01:58 The Compliance Junction
02:27 Tyre Width
02:55 The Sirrus Range
04:47 The Future Of Bike Design?
Image Credits
Jacob Kennison / Trek Segafredo
Getty
Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Josh Evans / Immediate Media
Tom Pennington / Staff
Luc Claessen / Stringer
Bas Czerwinski / Stringer
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[@bikeradar]

Would you want to see this design on road bikes? 👀

[@steve050867]

No

[@JFomo]

No

[@chrischabrowicz4563]

No

[@danielschinagl5960]

comment section is not ready for radical inventions... Very clever design! Such an obvious solution: to suspend the seat tube. Well done Specialized!

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

No. Who cares what the roadies want. Gravel is where the game's at. Road bikes don't sell.

[@googlekonto2851]

this channel like any other "bike journalism" channel often feels like home shopping europe tv channel.

[@eleycki]

That screams of future fatigue cracks.

[@TerryNutkins3]

How on earth did you make the launch of a rather nice albeit expensive commuter bike about UCI regulations and racing something the users of this type of machine couldn’t care less about

[@ryanmichels2981]

Tha’ts what confused me as well. It’s a cool gravel casual bike and not meant to be a racer so who cares about those other race bikes and stuff

[@hisdadjames4876]

To be fair, UCI conformity is the first thing I thought of when I saw it. I also felt that BR were mainly speculating on the wider impact of this design idea rather than critiquing this particular bike. Anyway, I’m pleased to see an innovative frame from a mainstream manufacturer.

[@Mike0]

I dont think you watched more than the first 1min where they said this is not a review of this bike since they just received it

[@mattdavis855]

I mean that just couldn’t be more different from what actually happened in this video

[@TerryNutkins3]

@@Mike0 Then you thought wrong, in fact I’ve seen a bunch of videos on this announcement, mostly little more than quoting the Press Releases as nobody has had the chance to ride it, but what I suspect happened with this approach is that when the drawing leaked many people assumed it was for a new Roubaix so articles and videos would have been planned around how that bike fits into the racing scene but when it turned out to be a commuter/Gravel bike rather than throw out what they had already come up with they simply modified it to fit this model overlooking the fact that the frame is restricted to 1x so the chance of a version ever being used for road racing is highly unlikely, a dropbar version may be in the works but I think it’s genius that Specialized announced a flat bar version first as this type of bike rarely gets so much publicity

[@Avioto]

A commuter without mudguards, this is truly the future!

[@jevgeniardassov]

Ofcourse, because You don’t need mudguards, all You need a Specialized Onsie, dirt and waterproof and only costing another 1000 pounds… 🤣

[@PaganiZondaF650hp]

I doubt a serious commuter would consider this bike

[@stevenwood433]

@@PaganiZondaF650hp oh heck no, this things horrible looking

[@daviec1816]

They said it fits mudguards, and I see the eyelets on the front, but nothing on the back. I guess flimsy clipons will have to do.

[@Matt28NJ]

The video host literally discussed mudguard options 😂

[@klaxxon__]

$2000+ commuter is such an odd sell. Who buys this?

[@tomweis1194]

Rich people who will park these bikes on their yachts for shore excursions.

[@markp353]

Me, not rich. Had a nice carbon race bike. Now I'm fat and want something more comfortable and carbon. Only have 1 bike and ride it a lot. And want something nice. And will have this bike for many years.

[@yurimelentev347]

Why did they removed mudguard mounts from "city" frameset? UPD: ok, they just want to sell more overpriced proprietary stuff

[@vueport99]

3D printers have entered the chat

[@simonrook5743]

As I prefer a hybrid for my commuting I can see me having a look at this when my current Planet-X London road is nearing retirement, although I’d be hoping to get the weight down a bit (my current alloy framed PX LR is 8.8kg).

[@callummason6589]

Not for me but It is good to see manufacturers try something new in a market of very similar products.

[@hunkerdown2344]

just ordered one in satin red. should get it by end of next week. Can't wait!

[@kthup]

Got the 6.0 on order. This is perfect bike for my needs

[@zureai]

How are you liking it so far? I’m stuck between this and the cannondale bad boy

[@kthup]

@@zureai bikes great I changed the tires to the pathfinder pros up to 43’ which is great for the trails and paths I use. Have no issues was a good purchase

[@Dogboy73]

Bonkers looking frame. But I kind of like it on that bike and want one for the commute to work ;-)

[@davidgramling1484]

Was it comfortable ❓ Did it absorb the bumps and such ❓. Very Interesting

[@bikeradar]

We couldn't really offer a fair appraisal of the bike's performance as we were riding it for the first time that day

[@clavarojwt]

This opens up a lot of possibilities for the future of dropper posts.

[@andreashabeck1155]

How does it ride? Does it ride different/good? Or did I miss that?

[@bikeradar]

We couldn't offer a fair review of the bike as we were riding it for the first time that day

[@r.davies2702]

It'll be interesting to see Hambini tear this to pieces.

[@craigl75]

He has, go check it out!

[@markp353]

Interesting Obea have a similar design now on their Diem E bike.

[@mocat4]

Watching you ride on wet roads and muddy paths with no mudguards while wearing a white fluffy fleece was making me nervous.

[@bikeradar]

The white trainers and socks too. We needed that shot tho 😂

[@dylankennedy8140]

What does the extra frame bit mean for riding? Is it more comfortable? Is it a form of suspension? I'm so confused. Not sure why this video is about a UCI road bike - did Speacalized indicate that's where they were going with this? I don't get it...

[@MrScrofulous]

The diamond design is less rigid than a triangle.

[@markp353]

I have an X5, it is very comfortable. Very noticeable difference on my commutes in comfort levels compared to my Tarmac with the same 9R carbon.

[@nigellee7892]

This frame is no doubt mostly about grabbing attention from the shock of the new. I like it, but whether I’d fork out that sort of money for a smart looking commuter that basically does exactly the same as my 4-year-old Specialized Sirrus Sport is another matter. Bikes are becoming more and more like cars though - that is, status symbols.

[@youling1997]

It looks so nice that rest just does not matter no more

[@seang8785]

Interesting vid and thoughts on future of bike design. And kudos to Liam for dying his hair ginger 👍

[@bikeradar]

🦁

[@seang8785]

@@bikeradar 😂

[@ariffau]

NOT A FAN because this means less space for water bottles. For context, I’m at the lower end of bike sizing spectrum. Think Spesh Sz.49 and Sz.52.

[@markp353]

I have the Med and I use a 700ml bottle. You could use like a tool bottle as your second water container and pour it into your main drink bottle when needed. Or do the Tri thing and have one off the back of your saddle. And there a hydration packs too.

[@nandakollati4797]

I want this design for a road bike 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

"Well that was a quick spin..". My guy did 1 revolution around a parked car and called it. I'd feel like I was in danger riding that thing too. 😂🤣😭

[@seanlynch8339]

I stopped by my local bike shop at lunch yesterday and they were building one of these in the ivory color and had one completed in the red tint. Beautiful bike and looks like it would be a dream to ride. The red is amazing in daylight.

[@lukaz1927]

Back in the days when the old Roubaix and Tarmac SL4 were in production, the Sirrus was basically the same bike as the Roubaix, just with flat bars.

[@TerryNutkins3]

It’s also pretty hefty for a carbon frame, I’ve got an 8 year old aluminium cyclocross that I converted into a flat bar commuter that weighs a kilo less and that’s with the mudguards on, I’ve also got a carbon mtb converted to carbon forks and dropbar with heavy wheels and wider tyres that also weighs less

[@jempanuncialman9361]

Have you try xc frame with rigid fork?

[@logtothebase2]

If you want to do sit up and beg bikes, rather than say some sort of recumbent the simple double triangle can't be beaten structurally, building flexibility and compliance into the rear triangle or the forks where it suits the application. That said Mixte, Flying gate and say GT triple triangle have aesthetic, notional and ergonomic advantages and work just as well, and this I am sure this design will work,ngiven the good use of materials and frame joints.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

They can do whatever they want to with the seat tube, BB, seat and chain stays as long as they keep the cables out of the headset.

[@bikeradar]

Fully integrated hybrids 👀

[@nadeemafzal8984]

Thanks for excellent review and bought it - it’s for commute - I average 2500 miles a year and was looking for a light number - for me a lightweight bike and good roll factor make commuting fun and I couldn’t find anything matching this in the market - for me it’s the 5.0x as I do go gentle off road too The original specialised mud guards appear to be out of stock everywhere though

[@markp353]

I have an X5 too, use it as a commuter and do similar mileage. Have you made any changes? I have fitted a 42T front chain ring and found that to work well for me, a little quicker on the flats and still plenty of low gear ratios for climbing. 38C Pathfinders have been excellent in all-weather riding. I am really enjoying it. I got lucky and picked up mine on sale for $2,400AUD ($1,600USD)

[@nadeemafzal8984]

@@markp353 how interesting - the 42T is an interesting change - appreciate the pathfinder feedback - my first experience with these tyres - the flat centre may be a gimmick but I find them ok - I didn’t like the SRAM nx - changed to GX and the gear shift is now very crisp. Rest feels pretty good - i particularly like the comfort as it cushions little bumps v well

[@markp353]

@@nadeemafzal8984 I am a little disappointed with NX too and looking to upgrade. I had Integra on my previous bike. I am going back and forth on do I upgrade to X01 mechanical or GX AXS.

[@nadeemafzal8984]

@@markp353 100% agreed NX is a serious disappointment. I think NX is the lowest in the chain. Now I am no expert but I think anything will be a significant improvement. I generally things to be functional, not necessarily fancy. Even with that mindset I will strongly recommend a change as the difference for me has been day and light. I am told GX SRAM has metal parts which explains why it is crisp in comparison. In addition I didnt have to change anything else (which was important for me too) as it fitted in nicely with the 11 speed casette.

[@scottg5885]

Yes yes yes yes yes please. Finally maybe some flex in a road bike 🤞🤞🤞🤙👍

[@bikeradar]

Something that you want to see then?

[@AdamJohnson0110]

I have the Sirrus 6 in black, shown here. They're discounting them now a bit from the original price. It's super smooth, and very fast. I don't feel that it's much slower than my carbon Trek Madone that's a few years old. Wanted a fast flat bar for riding paths, wider tires, and a more upright position. It's perfect for that so far. I like the 1x in the front. On most of my bikes I never find myself changing the front gearing from the larger ring, as where I live is very flat.

[@boy638]

How much are they going for now brand new?

[@AdamJohnson0110]

@@boy638I think it was $2399 usd, down from $3000 msrp

[@jpthas]

​@@boy638about $2000 USD in Canada now

[@boy638]

@@jpthas Thanks, that's much more reasonable

[@markp353]

I got my X5 on sale for $2,400 AUD ($1,600 USD)

[@JonFairhurst]

I like it, though aluminum is probably more appropriate for the target market. This strikes me as mainly for the fitness category. It would attract an older buyer who wants to get into cycling, but isn’t quite ready to commit to drop bars. It’s capable enough with wide tires, as this rider isn’t looking for wild adventures or adrenaline rushes. They want comfort, but don’t want it to be too inefficient and slow. Mainly, it stands out from the crowd, making it a desirable fitness bike. Give it an aluminum price point to really win that segment.

[@ParzivalHB]

Why not throughly discuss the flex junction and if it actually makes a significant difference in ride comfort? I like the bike plenty but I suspect an eeSilk 30mm seat post would actually provide a smoother ride.

[@alanbarnett5118]

I have the same scary thoughts as i had about lefty forks... Snap, crash, dead..

[@TheThedynamitekid]

Part of me thinks (hopes) this frame design is opening up the area around the bottom bracket for a Shimano gearbox that Bikeradar spotted the patent of in November 2019. I’m probably completely wrong though!

[@joelzylstra2971]

That’s the first frame I’ve seen with true vertical compliance. Seat post deflection is mostly fore and aft which limits its effectiveness. All it needs is a Classified hub so it’s gearing is right (2x til I die).

[@bikeradar]

Save the 2x!

[@ARGMTNT]

Great hair ✌🏻

[@SrFederico]

Compliance can be achieved with other measures, and apart from that, I only see downsides. So: why?

[@aaronburela432]

Oh man I'm jealous I have a sirrus 5.0 and it's a great bike this looks like an amazing design wish I had it!!

[@bighes100]

I had a suspension seat post 10yrs ago on a Carrera Subway, I'm sure manufacturers could do better & cheaper these days!

[@AQUPAS]

Wow, that is a great and sleek looking hybrid which looks more than capable!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

All you have to do is add panels to the open areas, to be more aerodynamic...even custom body bags...

[@rob_cd]

I'm in love. ❤

[@alex_n8863]

Better as a gravel bike or XC hard tail...

[@hananas2]

"this bike will never see a cobblestone" Me, a Belgian: 😂😂😂😂 no bike sees more cobbles than a daily commuter/city bike

[@Triestini]

Did I just see a flying gate ?

[@fisharefriends598]

Great bike, terrible frame design, they should have just installed a red shift suspension seat post

[@noroardanto]

But then, they wouldn't be able to put a hefty price tag on it😊

[@TheVorst]

The best part, is no part.

[@avenpace]

I bought titanium tempest, with sram force axs xplr from Planet X for 2k on cycle to work scheme, for commuting, gravel and bikepacking, and this suppose to be a better commuter deal? Ha ha ha

[@nicklame2647]

Yeah but what about aero?

[@jacokluif]

April Fool's Day?🤔

[@mtb717]

Good bike for riding to shop and buy bread and beer

[@logtothebase2]

Apart from the need for very specific wobbly clamp-on rack mounts, or very a limited amount of beer

[@bobfoster687]

Just install drop bars?

[@francois-josephguillaume3853]

cross country MTB could use that frame design

[@bikeradar]

With a downward-facing shock? Oh the possibilities

[@francois-josephguillaume3853]

Or just by the flex of the carbon just like lauf forks used to do

[@BoogieBrew]

Novel frame design, but for off road use it will greatly limit the ability to run a decent length dropper post as there's just not enough seat tube there to allow such a crucial option for steep downhills. Flat bar gravel / "hybrid" bikes are the ultimate in versatility, but by disallowing a proper dropper post, this one is kind of lacking.

[@chasepalpatine170]

Hard tale mountain bike perhaps ?

[@bikeradar]

With the head angle it'd be a pretty rubbish one

[@bywicio]

Polish RONDO was first with similar frame design ;-)

[@bobfoster687]

Why does a city bike need frame efficiency???

[@nickanaclerio9656]

Studiously avoiding the word "hybrid," lol

[@HatRock]

Yeah... I don't trust that frame. And no mudguards as urban bike? What is this?

[@operator1717]

I thought it was an April fools

[@joxcr277]

Personally, I would drop some drop bars on the X and make it the perfect city fast cruiser!

[@17cream]

A warranty frame magnet. An engineering fail

[@paddyhartlep8424]

Needs a lauf fork instead of whacky futureshockstemthingie

[@bikeradar]

That would be a bike with a lot of interesting shapes

[@KoenMiseur]

Is this even UCI-Legal?

[@rainerunsinn4808]

What happens when you skipped structural engineering at university

[@matteo.ceriotti]

Kudos to Specialized and anyone who tries to innovate in the bike industry

[@TheRimBrakeGuy]

This is not innovation, its a liability for a broken frame.

[@matt.3.14]

@@TheRimBrakeGuy Just boggled, really. People use Carbon Fibre for automobile suspension, serious MTB frames, and skis and somehow a moderate-use bicycle is way too much force to take? This will hold up fine, it might be a really nice lightweight way to build a little travel into the rear wheel.

[@TheRimBrakeGuy]

@@matt.3.14 when a design is bad it fails, the stressor forces with the triangle missing will be too large for this poor junction to manage. A triangle form is very strong, hence why is used in bicycles for more than 100 years. I digress, go check the physics yourself.

[@Jake-bt3fc]

@@matt.3.14 Bro, look at the shape. Does that look strong to you?

[@matt.3.14]

@@Jake-bt3fc It's an arch, yes it looks strong. Just like a leaf spring on cars and wagons, or a bridge.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Naw, way to wacky and when you do want to gravel grind, we’ll, forget it.

[@jempanuncialman9361]

Can you sprint on that bike? Haha. or would that bike allowed some gravel race.

[@bikeradar]

Sprinting is probably against the Spirit of Gravel™️

[@skg901]

You didnt see that coming? 😂😂

[@lidakang]

It's not tech advance at all. Specialized doesn't want customer converting this bike to a drop bar road bike because it's cheaper than road bike. This design successfully ruined the shape and rigidity of the frame. I started to hate specialized as a owner.

[@steve050867]

How do they make them so HEAVY? Too expensive for a commuter bike. £150 to replace your stolen Carrera £2000 to replace that 🤔

[@goolug]

Congratulations! You've found the quickest shortcut to "Do not recommend channel" with your miserable clickbait video title.

[@coreymclernon]

It needs fenders where you live

[@stuartdryer1352]

Nope. Better ways to make a comfortable bike.

[@hunterdean11]

This is dope let’s make road bikes cool again

[@bikeradar]

Love this

[@daniellutz9923]

Dont know what to do with this…..

[@Rocky4719]

What self respecting commuter would buy this? Just buy the normal Sirrus, it’s more than enough for commuting and much cheaper too.

[@kevinedward118]

The bike industry is full of over engineered and over priced crap like this.

[@patricksprojects]

The hell are you wearing?

[@donjohnson487]

Specialized just trying to get around Treks patent on their Isospeed.

[@evanring2021]

Yeah okay like isospeed actually works… let’s be real everything specialized does Trek copies 6-8 months later in every aspect of their products

[@donjohnson487]

@@evanring2021 think I struck a nerve with the Specialized fanboys 🙈😂

[@mirekbns]

looks really bad

[@bf5938]

This video is a turnoff. I bet you could do some solid gravel riding on the sirrus x. Very interested to see how this frame plays out. If it snaps, who cares…..lifetime warranty

[@stopdropandroll]

specialized shill