The Giant Suede (7 speed) I bought last year was about the same price as the cruiser (Giant Simple 7). both are great bikes as far as I'm concerned. Love the stylishness of the Simple 7. I ended up with the Suede because of the pedals/crank forward and the fact that I have to ride on washboard dirt roads to get to the pavement. Love being able to get my foot down fast - has saved me from some falls. If I lived where everything was paved, I might have picked the cruiser because it's got that classic look.