secteur or equilibrium

stifflersmom

Hi guys, I've been lurking for a while and enjoying reading the forum. I can get a new bike on the cycle scheme in the next couple of weeks, and having dragged my hybrid around the Peak District it is time to man up and get a proper roadie.
I've tried a few test rides and my choice is now down to a Specilized Secteur 2011 with SRAM Apex shifters or a Genesis Equilibrium 2011 with Tiagra shifts. I've not used SRAM before but they seemed efficient (but clunky). I'd be using the bike for the hilly terrain of the Peaks and hopefully in the Pyrenees next summer. Anyone had any experience of both bikes? I love the look of the Genesis but feel that the Spesh may take me over the climbs better.

neilgwhite

I can't speak for the Genesis, but got my Secteur Elite 2011 on Tuesday and I am a road newbie, after riding mtbs for 14 years I was a bit nervous about the leap, as it is a big jump. The one thing I was most concerned about was gearing and running a triple all these years, you tend to be a bit of a granny lover and can get up any hill. So the thought of getting up a hill on a compact filled me with dread.

Anyway, back to thread, I have always run Shimano and the obvious choice for me was 105, so when Specialiized brought out the new model, I was expecting 105 with a better paint finish. We got the colour, but Shimano gone. I love the SRAM, there said it. I have a bit of ghost shifting from a bend on arrival cable, but the gear range is great and it flies up hills with ease. Remember 2010 Secteur had a triple.

Bottom line - Go for SRAM Apex over Tiagra.

Lmrt1

Hi Stifflersmon (nice username BTW)

Like Neil I was used to MTB's and ended up purchasing a Spesh Secteur (with a triple chainset - couldn't get my head round dropping down to two chainrings, plus where I live is pretty hilly), and I have to say I am very happy with it! It doesn't feel too long and stretched out compared to my MTB (or your hybrid I'm guessing) and feels comfy down on the drops too. You have the option of lowering the stem height as it has quite a few spacers in it to keep it higher as well.
Compared to my MTB it feels pretty nimble and quick, especially up the hills (legs permitting!) so I would certainly recommend one I have to say.

Hope that is of some help

Stuart

stifflersmom

Thanks guys, useful info for me to think about. The gear range on the compact SRAM group is a huge advantage, given the terrain near me.