Fifty Plus (50+) - Scott or Giant

I was out riding in the rain yesterday and besides thinking of my Brooks saddle I got to thinking new bikes again.I got home dried off took a shower and headed to the bike shop.I was pretty impressed with the Scott and all the Shimano 105 parts on it.I think it was pretty close to $1800.I don't have anything to do today because of more rain so I'm going to look at the Giants.I was going to wait until they run some sales for the holidays and to get rid of old stock.I thought I read somewhere on the forums that they are going to make some good changes in a lot of the new bikes coming out and I was wondering if I shouldn't just wait.The Scott I was looking at was the Cyclocross modle.

About the Brooks saddle,when I got back and the saddle was wet I looked at the sit bone marks. I was really surprised to see the sit bone mark on the right was a lot deeper than on the left.I looked to make sure that everything was lined up and the nose was pushed a little to the left.I probably kicked it over while looking back at traffic.I was wondering if I'm using my right leg for more power, or if it was caused by being not lined up.It was out of line about an inch.Anyhow I let it dry overnight and just proofide it and I'm pretty much ready to go again. Thanks George

Both nice bikes, but Scott tends to be a bit overpriced in Canada (Euro exchange rate?), Specialized and Trek Pilots are popular here, and Cervello is making a strong showing as well.

I'm waiting to see the 2007 Specialized Sirrus models, my lbs tells me that they will have carbon forks AND carbon stays with a roadie drive train and a 30T grannie...could be interesting

You may want to know that I got a new Trek Madone 5.2 with Ultegra components for $2,200 plus tax.

That's good to know Will,I thought they started at $4500. Thanks George

Keep looking and the bargains will appear. Have to admit that I have a Giant. Only a cheaper model but the bit I buy is the frame. I know parts will wear out over the next few years and I can upgrade at that time- if I feel it is necessary. Giant do make superb frames- The rest of the bits are down to choice- your choice so plenty of catalogue browsing to do before deciding on a make and model.

...I got to thinking new bikes again.I got home dried off took a shower and headed to the bike shop.I was pretty impressed with the Scott and all the Shimano 105 parts on it.I think it was pretty close to $1800.I don't have anything to do today because of more rain so I'm going to look at the Giants...

Didn't I warn you about this? Dude, you are so hooked! :D

Any bets on when George get the itch to try a fixed gear?

Didn't I warn you about this? Dude, you are so hooked! :D

Any bets on when George get the itch to try a fixed gear?


By spring of next year! :D

I'm a Giant rider, too. OCR2 CF, fulll Ultegra, 'way under $2000 as a demo with 112 miles on it. Great frame. Big company behind it.

I'm still cranking along on my Giant MTB steel frame and have NO complaints about it. Yes, I know that's not what you're looking at but I've been very happy with mine. If they made bigger frames, I would have gotten another one as my touring bike.

At the IFMA bike show in Cologne this fall, Giant had a big booth and their prices were lower than most other manufacturers with roughly same components. My lBS sells the Giants like hotcakes and gives the lifetime tuneup guarantee on each one. Of course they figure that 95 % of them will never come back but even the ones that do are easy to adjust/tune.

I saw a number of Scott cycles in Bonn and was told by a local that they are highly regarded. So highly regarded that they are among the bikes most frequently stolen...

You may want to know that I got a new Trek Madone 5.2 with Ultegra components for $2,200 plus tax.

So when do we get the pics?

I just came back from the Giant bike shop and they said the Giant was to small for me and to look at the Raleigh.He said that Giant was making there frames for one size fits all.I said well I guess I'm the guy that they forgot about.I really didn't think 6'2" was that big, infact I thought it was pretty close to average. Anyhow I thought I had it pretty figured out.Back to the drawing board.You were right bcoppola.My wife says, cant you be content with one bike.I said if everybody were content we would be living on the east coast where Columbus set foot, as she walked away. Thanks George

The average American male is 5' 9". 6'2", across all ethnic groups, sits up around the 92nd or 93th percentile.

How about looking at LeMond? I bought a Versailles for $999.99 last month. Equipped with mostly 105 with Ultegra RD and Bontrager Race Lux cranks.
Trek over produced road bikes and is closing them out to their dealers.

I'm 6'2" and my Large Giant (is that a double positive?) fits fine. I think they make extra larges, too.

Most bike manufacturers, especially the mega makers like Giant, Trek, Specialized offer a full line of sizes going up to the equivalent of a traditional 62cm frame...which would include you at 6'2". Never heard of a "one size fits all" manufacturer. Bullshot! Even compacts come in small, medium, etc. Maybe the problem is more with the guy at the LBS than with you or Giant. Don't give up on Giant bikes if you're interested....many people testify they provide great value for the buck.

About the Brooks saddle,when I got back and the saddle was wet I looked at the sit bone marks. I was really surprised to see the sit bone mark on the right was a lot deeper than on the left.I looked to make sure that everything was lined up and the nose was pushed a little to the left.I probably kicked it over while looking back at traffic.I was wondering if I'm using my right leg for more power, or if it was caused by being not lined up.It was out of line about an inch.Anyhow I let it dry overnight and just proofide it and I'm pretty much ready to go again. Thanks George

Just a thought from a rookie, my son in-law is a D.O., the same as an M.D. except they study bone manipulation like a chiopractor. He makes adjustments on me every month or so and my hips/pelvic area go out of wack, my term not his, so I'm a fraction short on one leg. A little tug from the right person and my back feels better and my knee feels better even though I don't really "feel" out I feel much better when he's done. Might be something to consider. ;)

That's a good idea for my back,but now that I lined the saddle up it may be OK. I didn't say what happened about a week ago.Them clipless pedals. I was going though these 2 narrow pipes at George Bush park and I clipped one. The rest is history.I think if I had the platform pedals on I still would have gone down,that's why nothing was said.
As for the Giant I don't think he had my size and he didn't have a fitter. He just said we do it the old way. He's the guy that said when the new ones come out they will all have a shorter top tube.That's really hard to believe and I'm not to sure I do. I'll have to do some more research and find out what's going on. I was hoping to get one around the end of the year to get a deal.If not I'll just wait.The more I read on the Raleigh I probably could just upgrade the one I have I think. Thanks again George

So when do we get the pics?

Yeah, I am picture taking challenged. I am going to Detroit tomorrow (that is where the bike is) and weather permitting will find someone to make a picture of me on that bike.:(

I just came back from the Giant bike shop and they said the Giant was to small for me and to look at the Raleigh.He said that Giant was making there frames for one size fits all.I said well I guess I'm the guy that they forgot about.I really didn't think 6'2" was that big, infact I thought it was pretty close to average. Anyhow I thought I had it pretty figured out.Back to the drawing board.You were right bcoppola.My wife says, cant you be content with one bike.I said if everybody were content we would be living on the east coast where Columbus set foot, as she walked away. Thanks George

George,
Please be careful with bike size. I am about 6'1" and size 60 cm bike is definitely to big for me. My friend, a performance biker, is taller than and uses size 58. He claims that that is the thing to do. I know several bikers of my size all on size 58.
A frame too big is not comfortable and may cause handling problems. Try to get a bike for extensive test ride.

I asked about taking a bike home for the weekend and he didn't respond,so I guess that's a no. I just got done checking out the Giant and my Trek and the geometries and they almost the same.Mine has a 2" longer wheel base,which would give me an easier ride.I have the large frame and that was the extra large on the Giant.That was on an 07 bike. I didn't think he was altogether telling the truth. Oh well.Anyhow I wonder how much I would gain. I can't find a weight but if it was only 2 pounds or close to that I might as well upgrade mine and be done with it.

So when do we get the pics?

There is one, I hope.:rolleyes:
http://i11.tinypic.com/2ltm52o.jpg

Cant go there yet,but you know what I was thinking,Cannondale.With my Arthristis.What do think?I was leaning toward the T 800.You know the Cannondale line, don't you Will?I couldn't find out to much about the Giant after I stopped at there store so I went to the Cannondale store. I was looking around and I seen this T2000.Sorry sir sold,then I seen a T800, sorry sir sold.I guess these things are selling like hotcakes.I said I'll call back. Got home and started my hunt for the Cannondale(the Giant is still for sale)and while I was looking up the T800 and another touring bike came up,the Novara Randonee.They got them on back order, there selling like crazy too.On ebay the Giant hasn't had a bid and the touring bikes got a war going on.I like the looks of the Cannondale and the Randonee.They looked like a more relaxed ride.Have'nt taken any out for a ride with all the rain we've been having.Everytime I turn over a rock something new pops up.Will I'd love to get a bike like you got but This Arthritis came on so fast it had me knocked down for about 6 months.The drugs are working now, and I feel a lot better.I think if I got hit hard again I may be able to unload the touring bike faster if I had to.Anyhow I know you'll enjoy your new bike,and good luck,George

Very nice bike and, I notice, matching outfit. Will, you may have entered the world of "OCP". Your 45 degree angle back on the hoods looks just fine for the long riding you plan, and the drops are there for staying ahead of those "4 guys" you've set your sights on this coming summer. Sounds like you got a really nice $ deal on the Madone as well. Are you going to put the Madone on your CycleOps this winter?

Very nice bike and, I notice, matching outfit. Will, you may have entered the world of "OCP". Your 45 degree angle back on the hoods looks just fine for the long riding you plan, and the drops are there for staying ahead of those "4 guys" you've set your sights on this coming summer. Sounds like you got a really nice $ deal on the Madone as well. Are you going to put the Madone on your CycleOps this winter?

Nah,--I will use this sturdy Trek Hybrid for the trainer. This Madone is a little bit like a delicate machine to me. I can't believe that 17 lbs can support a big guy like me, but it does very nicely. You need to know that I am an old fashion mechanical engineer. In my 50 year career I needed to accept Aluminum and Carbon Fibers as being OK. Was not easy to do.
"OCP", yes, may as well live it up while I can.:D

Cant go there yet,but you know what I was thinking,Cannondale.With my Arthristis.What do think?I was leaning toward the T 800.You know the Cannondale line, don't you Will?I couldn't find out to much about the Giant after I stopped at there store so I went to the Cannondale store. I was looking around and I seen this T2000.Sorry sir sold,then I seen a T800, sorry sir sold.I guess these things are selling like hotcakes.I said I'll call back. Got home and started my hunt for the Cannondale(the Giant is still for sale)and while I was looking up the T800 and another touring bike came up,the Novara Randonee.They got them on back order, there selling like crazy too.On ebay the Giant hasn't had a bid and the touring bikes got a war going on.I like the looks of the Cannondale and the Randonee.They looked like a more relaxed ride.Have'nt taken any out for a ride with all the rain we've been having.Everytime I turn over a rock something new pops up.Will I'd love to get a bike like you got but This Arthritis came on so fast it had me knocked down for about 6 months.The drugs are working now, and I feel a lot better.I think if I got hit hard again I may be able to unload the touring bike faster if I had to.Anyhow I know you'll enjoy your new bike,and good luck,George

George:
I feel humbled. This poster on one of your threads pointed out the difference of arthritis due to injury and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I must say that I am ignorant as to such affliction and better shut up.
Will

I envy you guys who can maintain the riding position as shown in Will's pic. Riding like that now kills my back and my hands.

I envy you guys who can maintain the riding position as shown in Will's pic. Riding like that now kills my back and my hands.

Tom:
I started serious biking about three years ago by setting a goal of going XC. That forced me to look into a mirror and loose 40 lbs. The tour leader also made it clear that I better get my speed up to 17 MPH average on the flats for 100 miles. That cannot be done in an upright position. So here we are, three years later and about 15,000 to 20,000 miles of bike riding. I do now at least 20 miles/day.
The last three days 175 miles.
With all that going on you better like your bike.:D

If I were doing anywhere near that many miles on a bike, I would have an excellent bike. Many years ago I decided to always get quality on things that I use a lot.

Paying $2000 on a bike, just picking a number out of the air, isn't that big a deal, especially if one is going to use it for 3-4 years. That's a cheaper large screen HDTV, and is less than half of one year's payments on a new car. It's cheap medical treatment too.

Right now I'm just one month into re-catching the biking bug, after several years layoff. I'm about to buy a hybrid in the $500 range, because that's where I am right now. I need to make biking a comfortable, fun activity and going directly to a road bike would like lead to falling away from this again. But if I work myself into better shape, retain the bug, and desire to increase my miles and/or speed in the future, I would not hesitate to get a more expensive road bike. In looking over past posts, this seems to be the path that George has followed, by first getting his more comfortable Trek.

We all need motivation.
I ran into some nasty personal AND professional problems. Exercise is a good diversion if done enough. I found that one to two hours exercise/day is habit forming and puts my mind at ease.
The real problem then becomes what exercise to do for one to two hours without hurting or causing health problems. I found biking is most fun if done with the right equipment and clothing and skills. Hiking is a good alternative except in summer the bugs eat you alive in this area. Biking can be done from the 30's temperature up to 100. Hiking is possible under 30.
There is indoor exercise. Most people find two hours indoor per day hard to do.