BikeBoy1

Hey all, looking to buy a new bike and have narrowed the decision to these options. Based on what I want to use the bike for (weekend riding with my family), a comfort hybrid is what I am looking for. I do not want this to start a debate whether you should buy at the LBS or online, but rather trying to gauge which bike is the better value. The only Giant retailer in town has a horrible reputation with customer service, so I would not feel really bad about buying online instead. I can get the Edgewood for about $150 less. I am not an expert whatsoever, so I am wondering if based on the specs, if they are similar bikes, or if one is much better than the other. Here are the specs for each bike:

Diamondback Edgewood:

Frame: DB 6061-T6 Aluminum Sport Hybrid Geometry w/ Formed Tubes, Replaceable Derailleur Hanger
Fork: HL Zoom Sport Comfort Suspension, 60mm Travel
Headset: Threaded 1 1/8"
Cranks: Shimano Tourney TY501 w/ Chainguard, 48/38/28T
Bottom Bracket: Square Taper - 5pc
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY500, Top Swing, Dual Pull, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY500, 7 Speed
Shifter: Shimano EF-51 Easyfire, 3x7 Speed
Cogset: Shimano Tourney TZ31 7 Speed Freewheel,14-34T
Chain: KMC-Z51, 7 Speed
Front Hub: 32h Alloy QR
Rear Hub: 32h Alloy QR, Freewheel
Spokes: 14g Steel
Rims: 32h SSW700 Alloy Double Wall
Tires: Kenda Cross, 700x40c
Brakes: Alloy Linear
Brake Levers: Shimano EF-51
Pedals: Diamondback Comfort Platform
Handlebar: Steel 50mm Riser
Grips: Diamondback Dual Density Comfort Grip
Stem: Alloy Adjustable Quill
Seat: DB Deluxe Hybrid Double Density Base
Seatpost: KindShock Alloy Suspension, 27.2mm
Extras: Owner's Manual, Assembly Guide, Tool KitAccessoriesDB 6061-T6 Aluminum Sport Hybrid Geometry w/ Formed Tubes, Replaceable Derailleur Hanger

Giant Cypress:

FrameALUXX-grade aluminum
Fork: Chromoly
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Alloy, High Rise
Stem: Steel Quill
Seatpost: Alloy
Suspension: 30.9mm
Saddle: Giant Comfort
Pedals: Platform
Shifters: Shimano Revo
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Brakes: Alloy, Direct Pull
Brake Levers: Alloy
Cassette: Shimano 14x34, 7-Speed freewheel
Chain: KMC Z51
Crankset: Pro-442P, 42t
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge, Threaded
Rims: Giant Alloy
Hubs: Alloy, 36h
Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires: Kenda, 700x38, Multi-Surface

hokiefyd 

Based on intended use, either one would be fine, and the Diamondback Edgewood, at $150 cheaper than the Giant Cypress, is probably a good value. What matters more than components is how the bike fits you. Do you have an opportunity to try a Diamondback before you buy it? That's probably the biggest risk in online purchasing -- buying a bike that is not likely returnable (unless you do it through a place like Dick's Sporting Goods).

BikeBoy1

hokiefyd 

No risk! Go for it!

pjthomas

These two bikes both have free wheels. If you think you need a suspension fork, they you might want to avoid a freewheel in the rear. Freewheel hubs have the drive side bearing closer to the centerline of the bike and can bend axles especially on rough terrain.