1990 Specialized Sirrus rejuvenation
Specialized made some exceptional steel road bikes in the 80′s and 90′s. Although, most only consider the Allez when they think of these (typically) Ferrari red steeds. Next in the hierarchal lineup is the Sirrus and sadly, it does not get the respect it deserves with its big brother, the Allez, constantly hoarding the spotlight. With exception to the Allez models crafted by master Japanese frame builder Yoshi Konno (3Rensho), the Sirrus was extremely similar to the Allez, although typically considered more “sport” oriented as opposed to the Allez’s “race” title.
However, from 1987-90, the Specialized’s Allez and Sirrus were equal competitors with identical tubing and geometry—the main difference only being the components. These golden years for the Sirrus are very desirable as they were built with classically styled lugged steel frames and fantastic workmanship. Of course, the race inspired geometry, materials and components were also impressive as well.
The Sirrus shown below was a diamond in the rough as it came to me well used from the original owner who rode it hard for semi-professional triathlons. Overall this steed was in great shape but was extremely filthy and needed a little extra care and time to uncover its glorious luster. I discovered that although the paint on this frame is gorgeous and oozes cycling sexiness, it was extremely fragile compared to other bikes I have worked on in the past.
Bringing the Sirrus back to stock with the components it already possessed was not too difficult although some upgrades and alterations needed to be made.
1990 Specialized Sirrus
The stem that came on the Sirrus is branded by Specialized and a perfect mate for the high gloss red frame. However, over time, it had become quite abused. Since the stem was such a nice pairing, I did not want to see it separated from the frame, so I decided to strip the black anodized paint off and expose its mirror-like chrome finish. I felt as though this would tie in nicely with the chrome headset.
Specialized Stem :: Before
Specialized Stem :: After
I also did the same treatment to the seat post. The scuffed and weathered silver anodizing was removed, exposing a gorgeous chrome finish. I personally like that the top portion of the bike is chrome and the bottom half stays muted in Shimano’s silver anodized luster. Both seem to compliment one another well and don’t stand out badly or take away from each others aesthetics.
The Sirrus was equipped with a full Shimano 105 groupset, which I kept in tact except for the brake levers. The levers were so abused with massive amounts of medical tape (remember, used by a triathlete) and rough use that I removed the grungy balls of stickiness and replaced them with the stellar, all black TEKTRO R200′s. These seem to work for the Sirrus in more ways than one and give it a more aggressive stance by blacking out the drop bar area.
TEKTRO R200′s compliment the blacked out drops
Other than the above mentioned alterations, other edits were mainly consumable items such as installing a new, sealed Shimano bottom bracket, new rubber (Vittoria Zaffiro’s), new cables, housing, grease and bar tape. This is the “standard package” my bikes get once they are torn down and built back up again. The only fine detail that keeps eating at me is that the dustcaps for the cranks were so old, brittle and discolored, they were not in any shape to be reused and I am not having luck finding replacements. Ah well. Nightmares of a perfectionist, I suppose.
At present time, this bike is currently for sale.
Color: Specialized Liquid Red
Frame Size: 50cm (C-T) seat post & 52cm (C-C) top tube
Frame/Drop-outs: Cr-Mo Tubing Custom Butting
Fork: Cr-Mo Tubing Custom Butting
Handlebars: SR Sakae Custom w/ Anatomic Bend; Michelin Avenir Cork bar wrap
Stem: Specialized
Saddle: Bontrager Race X Lite Pro
Seat Post: Strong brand
Crankset: Shimano 105; 52/42 170mm
Freewheel: 7-Speed Shimano
Hubs: Shimano 105 (Sealed; 36 hole)
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
Shifting Levers: Shimano 105
Brakes: TEKTRO R200 levers; Shimano 105 calipers; Shimano pads
Rims: Wolber GR 622
Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro; 700c
Pedals: MKS Sylvan
Special Features: Double water bottle bosses; exceptional lug work with Specialized stylized “S” on seat stay cap
Josh, I’ll check my boxes. I just might have a pair of those dust covers.
That would be great, Mark, thanks!
Beautiful Bike!! The one thing that I do not care for is the uni-crown fork. The earlier models had a investment cast steel one with a nice lugged crown.
I agree. It’s too bad I was only one small year away from lugged shoulders on the Sirrus fork. Ah well. Looks like I’ll have to keep an eye out for an earlier Sirrus for restoration. Or better yet, what would be a real treat is a 3Rensho built Allez! So many bikes, so little time…
Very nice bike indeed. I just got the same bike from my brother in law who wanted to throw it away. It is still looking great after a simple first clean with wd40. Here in Holland these american bikes are rare. Vintage bikes here are mostly french, italian or dutch so i’m pleased to read your story about this bike. Thanks!
Wait a second. Did I hear you right? “Throw it away”?
It amazes me what some consider junk. But what seems really odd are the other points you make such as how American bikes in your area of the world are rare. Also, the Sirrus was, at one point, an expensive bicycle and even today, it still looks the part. I like to think that low end bikes and higher end bikes have a certain look and feel that even those with little knowledge of bicycle value can tell apart somewhat. At least to a certain degree. So, unless your Sirrus had the painted melted off because of a fire, I can’t imagine someone simply wanting to pitch it. Either way, I tip my hat to you! Nice save and even better score. Let’s not also gloss over the fact that you got it for the best price possible… Free! Of course, the elbow grease you put into the clean up brings you through the right of passage that solidifies it, wholly, as your own.
Thanks for sharing your story and enjoy your Sirrus!
Nowadays american bikes are not rare here in the netherlands. Specialized is a well known brand. But an american road bike from 1990 is rare. Not strange if consider the great european bike history. And yes, i don’t understand why he did not see the quality of this bike. For me all the signs were there. But for some…they will never see it. At least he remembered that i liked the bike very much when i saw it hanging in his shed once.
Josh, by the way: how did you get that stem so shiny?
Lots and lots and lots of polishing… by hand.
I just sold the bike to the original bike store. They used to be the importer (?) for Specialized bikes for the Netherlands. The owner wants to donate it to a Specialized Museum thats being set up.
So, the special quality of this bike is still apreciated.
It is great to hear that there is a place which preserves and showcases these older, steel framed gems. Now, if only it gets taken out and ridden every now and again, life for it would be perfect!
Josh – a great looking bike! I have a green/white Sirrus from the first year 105 came out with index shifting – it has the crowned lugged fork and the ‘biopace’ gear ring believe it or not. Still a great looking/ riding bike! Got 2 compliments on it while out riding tonight ha ha.
It’s always satisfying to hear of others out there still keeping the vintage steel alive and well.
I have seen other Sirrus bicycles in the past but not a green model. I’m sure a quick image search would yield fast results but I would rather opt to see if you have any shots of yours? Checking out other readers rides is a special treat for me.
Thanks for visiting the site!