rut3556

Ok, thanks for the info., but I ended up buying a Topeak Explorer rack that will accommodate their quick disconnect bag. And yes, my bike is a disc model, as is the rack. It’s all installed and looks great!

Mackowski

Hi All
Only last week I've brought 2021 Giant Escape 2 disc. Want to get some mudguards, rear rack and a bag.
Totally my fault as should've researched it more but only noticed that the rear mudguard mount point (can't upload pics to the forum yet) is facing 'downwards?',have any of you came across that? I dont like fixed mudguards, rather get clip on ones, anyone can recommend?
As to the rack I'm thinking - Bontrager bike rack deluxe, I know its Trek owned but hoping it will fit Giant, any ideas?
Bag - Bontrager MIK utility trunk bag.
I like the idea of quick release that MIK provide. I've never used any similar systems, can anyone share their opinion on this?
Lovely ride in the snow this morning
Best
Mack

Mackowski

Hi Phil
How's the bike?
What do you think about the tyres? I've had 700x25 on my old hybrid and jumping on the new bike with 700x38 makes the ride 'different', thinking about swapping tyres for, not sure yet, 32's or 28's maybe.
But to the point, How's the rack? Would you recommend? Also did you get a trunk bag with it? What model? And again, would you recommend?
Best
Mack

hokiefyd 

I have the Topeak Explorer MTX rack and bag and I've found it all to be very high quality stuff. The bag slides easily in and out of the rack channel and the DXP version (bag) has fold-out panniers that are very useful as well. You can buy the racks and bags online or at any bike shop (doesn't have to be a Trek dealer).

rut3556

Hi Mack...Well, I've only put a few mikes on the bike, but so far I like it very much. And I agree, the "38" tires may take a little getting used to, especially having come from a Lemond Zurich. I'm leaning toward the "32s" myself. And as for the rack, I chose the Topeak due to it's compatibility with the QD bag, but unlike Hokiefyd below, I opted for the lesser offering without the integral panniers. I bought the rack from my LBS and the bag through Amazon. Aside from that, the other mods I've made were a mini tire pump, Ergon GP3 grips, Hafny bar end mirror, LED lights, Crank Bros. Stamp 1 pedals, and a speedo/bike computer etc.
Should I assume by your spelling of "tyre" that you're in England and not Mississippi? :-)

Best regards...Phil

LarrySellerz

Check out my my escapes https://imgur.com/gallery/KvS2FjH

this bike us ******g sick. I even bought my brother one too. Check my aerobars 😝

Mackowski

Should I assume by your spelling of "tyre" that you're in England and not Mississippi? :-)

Best regards...Phil[/QUOTE]

Hi Phil
Sorry for late reply, was out of action for a while. Yes! Oxford, England
OK, you convinced me, I've ordered Topeak rack and bag. And I like your grips!

Best
Mack

rut3556

>>And I like your grips!<<

Hi Mack...Yes, the grips are working out quite well, and were easy to install/adjust. And as for tyres, I've ordered a pair of "32s" along with the appropriate tubes. Will be installing them as soon as they arrive.

Mackowski

And as for tyres, I've ordered a pair of "32s" along with the appropriate tubes. Will be installing them as soon as they arrive.

Hi. I went with Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x28, pain to fit but rides well. Very happy with the Topeak bag. Still waiting for my new pedals. Will post some pics when all done.
Mack

bjjoondo 

The wife and I decided to see where the only paved road through Palmer Park here in Co. Springs, CO. would come out on the other end. WOW this is one STEEP road, we worked our way up to the Overlook and I took 3 photo's to create a panoramic view, well kinda, LOL!

My 2021 Escape 3 Comfort at the overlook with Pikes Peak in the background.

View looking north.

View looking south.

CBSOCAL

I am brand new and already created another thread in hybrid bikes then found this group, so my apologies if this is an incorrect way to post but wanted some feedback.

I tested a 2021 Escape 2 and loved the way it rode but want to make sure that it was the right bike for me before I parted with $700 on my first "real" bike purchase. I live in a hilly neighborhood and ride on mostly sidewalks, asphalt roads, and Decomposed Granite trails, and but very often go up and down curbs in the intersections, cut through grass patches and dirt in parks/fields, and occasionally on dirt trails with roots/ small rocks, etc... (Nothing crazy). I am 5'-7" 170 lbs if that needs to be taken into consideration.

I am also looking at a Giant Roam 2 but it is more expensive and I don't know if I need suspension. My main concern is buying the wrong bike and damaging it or having to deal with popped tires often. I don't know much about bikes and have only had cheap WalMart Mountain bikes before.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

Mackowski

Hi
Beautiful view, must've been a lovely ride. Nice bike/s.
Mack

bjjoondo 

If your going to be going "over curbs", thru grass patches, dirt, trails with small routes, My recomendation would be to go for the Giant ROAM 2, The Escape is more a "flat bar ROAD bike", a bit of suspension for the type of roads and riding your looking at would be a "GOOD THING" to have and a slightly more aggressive tire tread on the ROAM would also be a asset and I feel you'd be happier in the end. In the "future" you might want to look into putting a MTB "Triple" crankset on it, with 22/32/44 for easier climbing especially for the steeper uphill climbs on "dirt trails"!! JMHO, YMMV, have a excellent day! The Roam Disc 4 is listed at $550, that's only $50 more than my Giant Escape 3 Comfort! FYI! Roam 4 Disc (2021) | Men Adventure bike | Giant Bicycles United States (giant-bicycles.com)

LarrySellerz

Ive broken 3 giant escapes in 8 days. Must be some sort of record. First, I got hit by a car and the crank is ****ed. Second, I rode into the ground trying to chase some people, wheel is rubbing on the frame. That bike was a monster, my first bike as an adult at 18 years old. Going to miss her, really really dont want to put more money into her because ive put like 200 bucks into that old bike and its still kind of ******. Today I rode my brothers escape and the front disc brake randomly failed, bike shop bent it back with a screwdriver lol

mwatt65 

I bought one last year to get me out of the house during lock down, at 55 years young it felt great to get out. I struggled to find anything to buy, then found a 2020 Giant escape disc 1, that I've put over 3000 miles on it the last year, I think its a great road bike, I started out doing 5 to 10 miles & now I do 25 to 35 miles a ride. Longest ride was 62 miles. Never felt the need to take it off road. I original wanted something greater & lighter, but it was me that needed to loose the 20lbs.Not the bike.
The cycling bug has got me pretty good now, 2 weeks ago I decided to upgrade a bit, picked up a Giant Revolt Advanced 2, hoping for a bit more comfort & speed, hoping to do my first 100 mile ride soon. Will that ride be on the Giant or Revolt remains to be seen.

Cutsit

I bought a 2021 Escape 3 kind of on a whim as it was in stock. Love the bike but not happy with the gearing. I think I need more speed than the 14 tooth sprocket can give. Is it possible to easily swap a cassette with a 11 tooth top gear?

ScreamingB

I can relate. 14 is like a toy bike. I upgraded my Java foldie from 14-28/52T to 11-28/56T and the experience is awesome. I believe you can swap it out as long as you keep the same number of gears. Just did a search at Giant website, the escape 3 uses a freewheel, not a cassette, you can buy the DNP Epoch 11-28T freewheel which I installed in my Java foldie. I think DNP is the only manufacturer who makes 7 speed freewheel with 11.

mwatt65 

I just upgraded to a 9 speed 11-32 cassette, haven't been out yet to see if its any quicker.

ScreamingB

You'll have more room to pedal especially going downhill, thus you'll go faster. On flat road, you need to have strong legs and it can be tiring for long ride.

Cutsit

Thank you for the reply. I have ordered the DNP. Should be here in 10 days or so.

ScreamingB

make sure you get a spline tool. Also, during my installation, the spline tool that used to removed the old Shimano is not compatible with the DNP. if you dont have the tool for DNP, you have to be sure to perfectly align the DNP during installation because it will be difficult to remove if you misaligned. There's a video on youtube about that.. i cannot post link yet.

Cutsit

I’ve ordered the Park Tool FR-1.3 to remove the Freewheel. I believe I saw the video on being careful not to cross thread the new install. Will the chain need to be shortened?

ScreamingB

Check this youtube video
Shorten the chain only when the chain is sagging, which i doubt.

ScreamingB

After taking the new bike for the first ride, my lower back hurts a little. Did some research and noticed the stem installed on my bike is very aggressive with almost 0 degree with ground. Decided to flip the stem and will give it a try when my lower back is ok. May not look significant in the photo but it did raise the handlebar about 2" and probably a little closer.

hokiefyd 

It doesn't take a lot of raw measurement change to make a big difference in ergonomics. I suspect you'll like that small change a lot better.