Specialized has broadened its sensible Sirrus hybrid range with the launch of the new Sirrus X, promising greater comfort and versatility for both new and more experienced riders, and hinting at gravelly tendencies.
Available in five variants, one with a carbon frame, the top two models in the Sirrus X range get Specialized’s Future Shock suspension, as used on the Roubaix and Diverge.
Specialized’s press material for the Sirrus X makes it clear that gravel riding is within the new bike’s remit, further blurring the line between riding disciplines. With a switch to drop bars, there wouldn’t be much to differentiate the Sirrus X from some dedicated gravel bikes.
Sirrus X: stealthy suspension, gravel pretensions
Specialized categorises the Sirrus X as a ‘fitness’ bike, one that’s suitable for inexperienced riders but capable in the hands of the more experienced.
With big tyre clearances and the ability to take racks and mudguards, it will doubtless be popular as a commuter and all-round urban bike.
All models in the Sirrus X range get hydraulic disc brakes, 1× gearing and chunky tyres – 38mm on those equipped with the Future Shock and 42mm on those without.
Specialized reasons that with the Future Shock, riders won’t need the extra comfort afforded by the fatter tyres, so they’re better off with lighter and faster rolling 38s.
The Future Shock is proven technology. First seen on the Roubaix endurance bike and subsequently on the gravel-focused Diverge, the system effectively suspends the handlebar, giving 20mm of travel up front.
Unlike a conventional suspension fork with telescoping legs, the Future Shock is entirely hidden in the fork steerer, the only external clue to its presence being the unusual looking rubber cover where you’d expect to see headset spacers below the stem.
The top-spec carbon Sirrus X 5.0 weighs a claimed 9.6kg (21.1lbs) with Shimano 1×11 gearing and is the only bike in the range to offer tubeless-compatible wheels.
The alloy X 4.0 is the next most expensive, weighing a claimed 10.6kg (23.3lbs) with 1×10 Shimano Deore kit and Specialized's higher-spec A1SL Premium alloy frame. Both get full-carbon forks and have Future Shock suspension.
The Sirrus X 3.0, 2.0 and 2.0 step-through are made from cheaper and heavier A1 Premium aluminium, with the former getting an aluminium fork, while the 2.0 variants sport a more budget hi-ten steel option.
Specialized says tyre clearance with mudguards is 38mm on the X 4.0 and 5.0, and 42mm on the X 2.0 and 3.0. Add 5mm if not using mudguards.
As with the rest of Specialized range, these Sirrus X is sold as a unisex bike with no men- and women-specific variants.
The Sirrus X is not replacing the standard road-focussed Sirrus, which remains part of Specialized’s range and sticks with 2× gearing.
Specialized Sirrus X pricing and availability
The Sirrus X is available from now, with pricing as follows.
- Sirrus X 5.0: £1,599 / $1,650
- Sirrus X 4.0: £999 / $1,200 / AU$2,000
- Sirrus X 3.0: £699 / $850 / AU$1,200
- Sirrus X 2.0: £549 / $600 / AU$900
- Sirrus X 2.0 Step Through: £549 / $600 / AU$900
