General Cycling Discussion - Has anybody tried the new Giant 'Revive' bicycle? Looks neat.

Has anybody tried the new Giant 'Revive' bicycle. It is a neat looking machine - something between a comfort and a recumbent.

Check out:

http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8828&range=140&mode=rangelist

They might be a bit pricey at $600 to $1,200

Let's hear some reviews.http://www.giantbicycles.com/images/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2003/03-REVIVE_RED.jpg

Did a short test drive out of curiosity. Comfortable, slow, easy to peddle. Wouldn't want to do much climbing. Might be nice for errands. Platform on back is pretty strong.

Bike is completely adjustable to anyone's measurements though.

I'm sticking to my road bike and an occasional ride on my hybrid.

I did a review on the Giant Revive on the Recumbent side that was fairly long but guess what? NO ONE RESPONDED! Maybe I should have posted on this side but here's my opinion anyway.

I love the Giant Revive. These are the pluses.

1. Frame is the lenght of a hybrid - One of the problems with bents are the long size but the Rivive is about the size of a regular bike.

2. Multiple adjustments - There were so many ways to adjust the bike I've practically forgotton them all. There were two or more ways to adjust the seat and handlebars. This bike came in one size so Giant covered all the bases.

3. Affordable - This bike was selling for less than $600.00 at the bike shop in New York City! I can imagine how much less you can get this bike in a small town. Most bents start at about $1000.00 and move up.

4. Comfortable - This bike had to be the most comfortable "comfort" bike I ever rode. Waaaay more comfortable than a hybrid and that rear shock really works. The bike rode like a dream when I test rode it.

5. Fully equipted with all the extras - The bike had mud guards and a built in rear rack with the frame! Where are you going to find a bent with a built in rack like that for $600.00? Furthermore, there was a hole built into the frame where you could attach a U-Lock or cable. Giant left nothing out!

6. Straight up position for safty - One of the problems with bents is the safty issue since they tend to be low to the gound which make them unsafe in traffic. The Revive keeps you upright so you can see traffic and they can see you! You give up performance but this is a comfort bike right?

Now for the negatives -

1. HEAVY - The bike was about 42 pounds! Giant has got to do better than that and bring it down to 35 lbs if this bike has a chance.

2. Sora 8 speeed - The bike was low geared but you really need more than an 8 speed for the large hills. Then again, this bike is being marketed as a comfort bike and not a bent. Still. The Sora 8 speed is not enough

Some may say it's slow but that's fine with me. This is a comfort bike and it certainly faster than a Bike E. It's a solid product overall. I hope Giant continues to develope the product. It really is a beautiful bike. I love it.

We had one in the store and I rode it a bunch. It is easy to ride, great handling, and comfortable. But the terrrain needs to be fairly level, not flat but no long, steep climbs.

The Revive is a perfect bike for paved bike path riding. Giant also makes another bike that has all the bells and whistles but has more traditional bike geometry. I think it's called the Prodigy or something.

Yeah, they're all heavy. But I think for it's function weight is barely an issue. Maybe lightening it would make it more expensive and less durable???