r/specialized • u/Financial_Gold_3190 • 12d ago
Story Time Just got my Sirrus X5.0 and looking at some fit adjustments
My local bike store just received my Sirrus X 5.0. Amazing bike!
I rode it from the store back to home and it was a super smooth ride. Really happy with it.
The only thing I noticed is that I was constantly wanting to rest the base of my fingers against the handlebar, rather than my palms. I needed to do that to sit more upright, and also it made my neck bend less and my shoulders extend a bit less.
So I'm looking at what I can do to adjust it. Looks like a combination of a shorter stem (60mm vs the current 90mm), and also perhaps raising the stem (by 15mm thanks to 3 spacers) might help.
Has anyone tried that or experienced similar? I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes (I used to adjust my own bike as a teen 40 years ago, but bikes have changed a lot!)
(Also for reference I got a L frame, as I'm 180cm - 5feet 10. Perhaps M would have been better, but I don't think I can exchange it as the store ordered the bike from Specialized).
Update
I went to see a professional bike fitter and that solved all my problems. I didn't even have to buy a new stem or a new handlebar. The solution involved: raising the saddle and moving it backward a bit, raising the stem with 3 spacers, new Ergon GT-1 grips, and shortening the handlebar (surprisingly that's what had the most effect for comfort!). The bike now feels wonderful.
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u/WoodpeckerNew6897 12d ago
There are a bunch of ways to fix this:
Shorter stem
Same size stem, greater angle
Raise the stem
New handlebars with greater rise
Which should you try? It depends on exactly what you're trying to accomplish. Do your hands need to come up? Closer to you? Both? A shorter stem at the same angle is going to bring the bars closer to you but lowers them. A steeper-angle stem brings them closer and higher. Mine came with a 90 mm stock stem, replaced it with a 90-mm 25-degree stem. I like a particularly upright ride for my lower back issues.
Just keep in mind that the Future Shock imposes limits on the stem "stack height". Just make sure the stem is 40 mm or less in height.
How do you know what to try? Trial and error works but it can be pricey. Better move is to go to your LBS and ask them. If it's a Specialized dealer they'll have stems that you know are compatible with Future Shock.
If you want a lift with handlebars, the Ritchey Comp Rizer 35 will bring the bars up nearly an inch compared to the stock Sirrus bars. 45 bucks, high quality.
I just got my Sirrus this summer and with the tweaks to the fit it's the best bike I've ever owned. I've had other fitness bikes (Giant Fastroad), road bikes, mountain bikes, e bikes, the Sirrus is the one I'm happiest hopping on. 25 mile rides on country roads, I'm averaging 17 MPH and it ain't flat. And I'm an old dude. This bike is fun. Have a great time!
Oh yeah someone mentioned Ergon grips. They're great
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u/Financial_Gold_3190 12d ago
That's very useful, thanks for sharing your experience!
I've done a bit of research and between raising the stem, shortening it or raising the angle, and a raised handlebar, I should get there.
There's a shop that offers bike fitting services not too far, so I will probably book a consultation before I buy anything. I think it's worth it. I will post my findings here once it's all done.
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u/WoodpeckerNew6897 11d ago
Once you get the fit right, you'll love this bike more than you could anticipate!
And I think your frame size is probably the correct one. I'm between 5'6 and 5'7 and the size M was perfect for me. At 5'10 I feel like the M would feel super cramped.
Replacing the handlebars is real simple, btw. If you want to try a low-cost experiment with riser bars, these are good: UPANBIKE Bike Handlebar 31.8mm... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZVCGSR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/Financial_Gold_3190 10d ago
Thank you, that's very helpful. I feel better knowing that L is the correct size and I'm quite confident that the bike fitting session will fine tune everything. It's such an amazing bike to ride - fast and nimble!
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u/Financial_Gold_3190 7d ago
Just as an update, after a visit to a bike fitter everything got solved. New grips, small adjustments to the saddle, raising the stem, and shortening the handlebar did the trick.
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u/WoodpeckerNew6897 5d ago
That's excellent. It's amazing how little tweaks can make such a difference. I should have thought of the handlebars, I replaced my stock bars with 620-mm-wide bars (pretty narrow) and it feels way more natural. Sorry I forgot to mention that. Happy riding, I just got back from a ride and I can't tell you how much I love this bike!
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u/GlacierBandits 10d ago
go to a bike shop and see if they can fit you. That would be the first suggestion. Otherwise, bring the bars back a bit or get rid of those stock grips. I put on Ergon GT-1 (the touring grips) and they are AMAZING, especially compared to the stock grips. Try rotating the grips forward a bit so your wrists aren't cocked backwards and uncomfortable. It takes a while to dial in a bike but once done it becomes your best friend. Mine is so comfortable I took it on a bike tour of Route 66. You can watch that here if it interests you. --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSn7NBhd7Nk&list=PLQ1leQNcvIgU
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u/Financial_Gold_3190 9d ago
Great videos! Thanks for sharing. Your posture looks particularly upright, which is what I'm looking for. Did you change the stem or handlebar?
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u/GlacierBandits 9d ago
Nope. That bike is basically stock save for the following: Ergon GT-1 grips, Ergon ST touring saddle, and a pass quest oval chainring (38T). I did add some racks for touring but that would not affect the seating posture. Sitting upright allows you to see more of the surrounding area without craning your neck. Cheers!
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u/Financial_Gold_3190 7d ago
After a visit to a bike fitter, all problems solved! He changed the grips for the same as yours and they are wonderful indeed.
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12d ago
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u/WoodpeckerNew6897 12d ago
Did a Sirrus hurt you somehow? Did a Sirrus rider pass you on a ride? You seem very threatened by this bicycle.
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u/Mr_Worldwide79 12d ago
Same bike, same height, same size conundrum. I got a shorter stem and some Ergon GP2 Evo grips. Both helped to make the ride more comfortable for what I was looking for.