Sizzlestix

I want to purchase a new hybrid for exercise and weight loss. I will primarily ride on roads, sidewalks, and paved trails, but I want to have the option to ride on dirt and gravel trails too. I'm not into mountain biking in the woods or jumping things except for maybe a curb now and then and my rides will generally be around an hour. I have numerous bike shops locally which carry: Giant, Specialized, Trek, Kona, Marin, GT, Fuji, Jamis, and a few others. I haven't test ridden anything yet, but based on a few weeks of Internet research I've narrowed my top choices down to the Giant Escape, Giant Escape City, Giant Roam, Giant Cypress, and Giant Sedona (not sure if the Sedona is carried here). The Giant dealer here has been very nice and helpful in the past and they have options in my $400-500 budget. Is there any reason to go with 26 tires over 700 tires and how bad will I miss a suspension on dirt/gravel? I'm leaning toward the Escape City assuming I'm comfortable on it, but I like the way the Sedona is set up in the following video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_sZxdLD...%3D_sZxdLDZ0EE

Any advice is appreciated.

WestPablo

I like the Giant Escape. I also like the Marin Muirwoods and the Jamis Coda. You can't go wrong with any of these!

Willis24

Since you mentioned the possibility of riding gravel, I would recommend a Jamis Coda Sport or any other model with a steel frame. I have racked up about 1,500 gravel miles in the last few years and can attest that steel is real and aluminum is buzzy.

giantcfr1

So you rode them, and you still can't decide? You mentioned the GIANT dealer was very helpful, so what did they suggest for your situation?

Just ask the shop to adjust the Escape City to your preferences in relation to your video.
In my opinion, forget about the suspension as surely your gravel trails and dirt trails have little to no ruts that would justify the cheap crappy suspension those bikes have.

If you are still concerned, I suggest you go 26" rims with fat tyres, or 29er rims with fat tyres, BUT no to the suspension.

memebag

I am no expert, but I have a 2014 Giant Escape City. I love that bike dearly.

Sizzlestix

Does the 2014 Escape City have enough space to take wider tires than the stock ones if you wanted to switch them out?

Sizzlestix

So today I went and rode a Fuji Absolute 2.1, a Raleigh Misceo 2.0, a Jamis Coda Sport, and a Giant Escape City. I had to rule the Jamis out because there was no guard over the crank and I need one since I ride in regular street clothes a lot. I was really comfortable on the Fuji Absolute 2.1 and it was a 2013 model on sale for $399, but I didn't care for the blue or silver colors they had in stock. I liked the black, smokey look of the Misceo 2.0 and the Escape City, but the Misceo was around $450 with disk brakes whereas the Escape City was $550 with v brakes, but already had fenders and a rack. The stock tires on the Misceo were also a little thicker and it seemed to have more of a mountain bike style whereas the Escape City was more of a performance road hybrid. I'm really trying to get the best bike for the money so any more input on one vs. the other is appreciated.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...specifications

https://archive.raleighusa.com/archiv...misceo-2-0-13/

WestPablo

Always go with the one that both feels and performs the best, regardless as to the cost (if you can). IMO, the Giant looks better!

memebag

I don't know. As I said before, I'm no expert. What I do know is that the 32mm tires that come with it feel great. Tons of traction. I don't feel the need for wider tires.

Hyper Ryder

I went with the Trek DS 8.4 and I love it. Its fast, light, and have a lock out supension fork for light off roading. I was undecided between the DS 8.3 and the Trek 7.2 but ended up with the DS 8.4. I have had it since june and put well over 400 miles on her.

Wanderer

Street clothes cry out for the Giant City.........

scfc_premier1

I would recommend a Specilized Sirrus Sport

jazzy74

Hyper...thanks!!!
I'm also looking at a DS for myself, but another thread suggested an FX. I'm scared of those skinny tires!!!!!!

fietsbob

Giant really is giant , they make the bikes sold under other brand names too ..

many on your list are contracts with Giant , Merida is another big multi brand manufacturer.


but components installed, all cost what they cost , so all things, as they say, being equal, they will be.


pick the bike shop you like first, then the bike brands they handle , next..

Cyclist755

yeah, you might want to rethink eliminating the Jamis so quickly. that steel frame might be better for your needs. and the frame is really the most important component - all else can be changed down the line as you learn your preferences. you could even get that crank changed out for one that has a guard. no reason to eliminate a great bike based on just that tiny detail. and actually if you use a velcro pant leg strap then the guard becomes a total non issue. i only ride in street clothes and ever since i discovered the pant straps a few years ago i haven't gotten a single drop of of oil on myself when riding (oiling my chain is different story ).