joel22

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at getting a new bike next week and have narrowed it down to these:

Ridgeback UltraFlight 02
Giant Rapid 3
Giant Escape 1
Trek 7.3 Fx
Specialized Sirrus/Sport/Elite

I'm looking to not spend over £500($775) and all of these bikes are in that range.
Does anybody have any of these bikes and/or have any advice to their differences and value for money?

I'm edging towards the Ridgeback purely because I used to have another one of their hybrids.

Thanks!

Bunnicula

Try them all, plus more! Get the one that you like the ride of the best. Hybrids are very versatile as a group, and as riders our needs/likes/perceptions vary. It all depends on what you're looking for from the ride, based on where you'll be riding. Add to the mix slight differences in geometry of the frames and the differences in our physical dimensions. What that adds up to is that the bike that's perfect for one person isn't a winner for another.

As far as brands, I tend to favor Specialized and Cannondale, as they really do a quality job on their frames. Giant and Felt offer a lot of value for the money and make good bikes as well. Don't know anything about Ridgeback.

tim62

I would take a look at Jamis. I bought a new jamis coda comp this year, and I love it!
Steel baby!

Duodecim

I ride a Trek 7.3 FX, and I love it.

The truth is, though, that once you've identified a bike category and price point, you're going to end up with a number of more or less equivalent options. Whichever one you choose, you'll end up with a solid hybrid bike; I don't think there's really a wrong choice in this situation. In the end, your personal preference will make the difference, so, as Bunnicula said, visit your LBS, ride a few bikes, and pick your favorite one.

jbchybridrider 

Be patriotic and buy the Ridgeback. That's the most genuine flat bar road bike on your list and the best looking.

SlimRider

You could either be patriotic, and get the Ridgeback, or you could be smart, and get the award-winning Jamis Coda Comp!

PS.

Those are really your only two choices...

jbchybridrider 

I don't actually think the Jamis is widely available in the UK?
Also Ridgeback are a smaller family company where quality counts more. There high end Hybrid/flatbar roadie is Titanium.

badger1

@OP,

The bikes you list are all good quality; any one of them is going to serve you very well.
Which to choose can only be determined by you (through test rides). That said, a couple of observations.

The models you list do break into two slightly distinct categories:

1. Giant Rapid/Ridgeback Ultraflight: 'true' flat-bar road(race)-derived bikes. That is, they are essentially flat-barred versions (with correctly tweaked geometry) of contemporary sport/road drop-bar bikes. This is literally true of the Rapid, for example, which is a Giant Defy road bike frame with 2cms more top tube length for a given size. Characteristics: close clearances (e.g. for tires etc.); "tight" quick-handling geometry; road caliper brakes.

2. Giant Escape/Trek FX/Specialized Sirrus (2011> model year): these are of a second sub-type, flat-barred road bikes but based more off what one might call 'light touring' geometry. Characteristics: slightly relaxed frame angles/longer chainstays; slightly less quick handling; more clearance for larger tires, mud-guards etc.; v-brakes.

To repeat: all the models you list are very good/very good value for money bicycles. Choose by intended use (category) and between models in your chosen category by -- well -- subjective response ("I like this one; it seems to fit the best; I like the feel of it etc").

The differences are minor, but they are real. Category 1 will be happiest on surfaced roads, carrying very light or no load other than the rider. Category 2 will be very good on surfaced roads, and at home (with suitable tires) on rougher roads, and even cope well with smooth trails etc. These are also more easily adaptable to light/lightly loaded touring.

joel22

Thanks for the great response guys!

I went to my LBS today and tried the Giant Rapid 2 for size although he wouldn't let me test ride due to the tires? I really wanted to test ride it too
He didn't have the Rapid 3 in stock but said he could order it in and sell to me for £500.
I have since found a Rapid 2 online and found a 2011 model for sale for £520.
Would the 2011 Rapid 2 be better value here?

Also, I'm swaying towards the Ridgeback now and I can pick up for £400 ex-display.
Looking to try and find a test ride for the Ridgeback but the nearest dealer is an hour train journey away!
My main question is, which is better value here: The Rapid 2 @ £520 or the UltraFlight 02 @ £200?

Really hoping to come to a conclusion soon and get pedalling!

joel22

Certainly feeling patriotic for the price! Not to mention that it comes with a free swiss army knife of Allen keys!
The Rapid 2 is really smart though too.

SlimRider

Like Badger1 said, they're all quality bikes. The only way to really tell, forbids you to be typing on the computer keyboard.

Get out there and test ride them all!

I really do like the Rapid too!

PS.

Of course, there's more than only two choices...

rll

I guess it isn't realistic for you being in England, but I love my Nashbar FB-2 flatbar road bike - https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_536858_-1
Nashbar has regular 20% off sales, although they conveniently also raise prices 10% when those sales start, but you can still get it for around US$560

Mine with a Racktime rack added:

RoamFree

Hi there, i'm in the UK market too and after a lot of forum lurking and reading and viewing I eventually plumped for the 2012 Jamis Coda Elite for £629 from Evans. (they don't seem to sell the Coda Comp over here) Something about its clean lines and simplicity of design that really appeals to my eye and I wanted a steel frame and disc brakes. I like the look of that Nashbar FB-2 above.

After so much research and comparisons, I just ended up getting the one that ticked the most boxes on a base level (Steel & Discs) then I picked the one that I liked the look of the most

SlimRider

Congrats RoamFree!

Alright! We have another winner here!

SlimRider

The Giant Rapid 2 is much better than the Ridgeback UltraFlight 2!!!!

RoamFree

Haha, why thanks SlimRider Now I just need some advice on rebuilding my old GT (Another thread)

a1penguin

Test rides! Things to compare: gear ranges, tire widths, shifters, seat comfort. I don't know about Ridgeback, but the rest are all popular, quality bikes here in the US. If you want fenders or a rack, look to see if there are adequate mount points. Go take test rides, rank the bikes, then go test ride the top two and decide.

joel22

Hi guys,

So my LBS has a Rapid 3 2012 coming in this week for me to try, which he says he can give me for £500 with setup and service, but I've found the Rapid 2 2011 model for £520 online. What's the better deal? Do the components differ much between them?

Cheers!

joel22

No Giant dealers round here are willing to let me test ride

Terrierman

That's just bizarre. I would never buy a bike from a shop that wouldn't let me test ride. And by never I mean until the end of time.

badger1

Agreed! Any good (reputable) dealer should be more than willing to let you try, do a test fit (re. size selection) etc.

joel22

So my LBS finally let me test ride the Rapid 3, once it was in. I purchased it there and then. So, so fast and responsive. Can't wait to take it out tonight and how much quicker my usual 10 mile ride goes!

R1lee

Congrats on the rapid 3. I had a rapid 2 and liked it so much my lbs let me upgrade to the composite.

The rapids are great bikes. Lightest in their category, frame is from the defy and offer great value for the money.