[sephiroth]

Few weeks ago, my prized Giant CRS 4.0 got stolen.

As a replacement I've had my eyes on the

1. Boardman Hybrid Race at halfords. retails at around £400 ish.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_race_UK.html

2. Specialized Sirrus Elite 2012 (heard good things about these bikes)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030146

Which is the better of the two? both are around the same price. I was told the Boardman has really good components

[superj]

no idea from me, man. i have never heard of boardman (but i don't know alot about cycling)

[Industry_Hack]

Sounds like a UK brand. I'd stick with the bigger name, if it wasn't Specialized.

[bjjoondo]

The Specialized has a "carbon fork" better, road imperfections absorbing than a "alloy" fork that might be the "tip" on which one to by for me. YMMV.

[rynoman03]

Components look very similar. I personally like the looks of the Boardman better.

[Merlincustom]

Chris Boardman has lent his name to this English brand made in Asia. Specialized is an America brand made in Asia. You'll likely not be able to discern any difference in the components. All things being equal, the carbon fork might get a slight nod. You should ride before you buy. I imagine the warranties are similar, but you should check. For me, you're really buying the bike shop more than the bike, so look around. Across any given price point, the differences in ride quality, assuming identical frameset material/geometry, are so minute that once you're sure that it will fit properly, you should buy the one that looks best to you. After all, you'll be the one that has to stare at it for years, so it better be pleasing to your eye. Unless the aesthetic is meaningless to you, in which case it doesn't matter which one you buy.

[omnivox42]

I have ridden the Spec Sirrius Elite a few times when I was shopping and really enjoyed it. Decided to get a road bike instead, but the Sirrius was on my hybrid list.

[Poolie]

My entry back into cycling was on a Spec Sirrus Elite. Good bike. Is it better than the other mentioned bike? From a component standpoint they appear to be very similar. Ride them both if possible and let the 'happiness meter' make the decision.