kymarkh

ood evening, just found the site and have been catching up on bike technology as I have been out of the game for about 10 or so years. There is a lot of great information on this site!


I currently ride a 1997 Trek 730 and it has reached the point where I need a new seat, brakes, tires, tubes and probably rims. It has been a good bike and has served me well as most of my riding is fitness riding on the roads around my neighborhood. A few times a year we take our bikes on vacation with us or on camping trips and do some light trail riding, but my usage is 80% roads. I've been looking at newer bikes and while cost is a factor, I've been saving for quite some time for this purchase and I keep my bikes a long, long time. I'm ready to treat myself to a new bike and subscribe to the "buy once cry once" school of thought.


I've narrowed things down to the following but am open to other choices as well:

* 2019 Trek FX3 disc

* 2019 Giant Escape 1 disc


Both bikes are a mix of Aluminum, Carbon and Shimano components and seemed very similar when I rode them. I'm not particularly married to either brand but there is a Trek shop close to me. My question is, are their any appreciable differences between these 2 bikes to make one any better than the other? When I bought my 730 years ago I just went to the shop, rode a few bikes, then picked one and rode home on it. This time I'm doing a bit more research.


Any input would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance.

Bryan C. 

The only real difference I see between the two is price and through axles for the wheels. If you are shopping for new or used wheels the through axle variants have much better availability and are the current spec for disc brake bikes.

I did a review of my escape 1 recently, the thread is just a little ways down the first page of this hybrid forum. Both bikes have similar drivetrains and overall weight. Overall I am happy with the Giant and actually preferred the color scheme better as well. I already own 2 black bikes and the red didn't interest me. Personal preference really.

You said there is a Trek shop close by, this might be convenient for you if you don't do your own repairs or upgrades.

Ride them both, and pick the one you think is best for you.

coney462

I don't see this as much of an issue, because once the bike is out of the warranty period the Trek shop should be more than happy to Handle repairs on a giant escape

ckay

streetlight

Just bought a 2019 Escape 1 -- I made a few mods to get some upright-position possibilities (I have lumbar issues). I've only had the Escape 1 two weeks, but the main impression for me in three words: "Stability at speed." Unless I'm mistaken, its wheelbase is slightly longer than the Trek. The Giant has the internal cable routing, obviously. I'm not a huge fan of these Giant tires -- probably going to put some Schwalbe on it.

talphie

Bryan C. 

True, but building a relationship with your closest local shop is never a bad thing. Most shops will work on just about any bike.

kymarkh

Appreciate the input, still putting miles on my 730 while I look at newer bikes. Rode an FX 4 S tonight and it was extremely nice, and just for kicks I rode a drop bar road bike and while I liked the gearing it was not comfortable for me. I like the upright position much better.

TrekFX3

Just picked up 2019 Trek DX3 Disc last week, I am really impressed with the ride, and the disc brakes work extremely well.