[dixieduke@hotma]

I am trying to decide between a giant fcr or a KHS urban xtreme. They are both hybrid but more like road bikes than your average hybrid. (tires) The Giant is an aluminum frame and the KHS is a steel frame with a carbon fork. I want the better bike for my money. Which one would YOU pick? Below are the specs for each: THANKS for all suggestions!!

GIANT FCR-------
COLOR M: Black / Brushed W: Red / Brushed
SIZE M: XS, S, M, L, XL W: 2XS*, XS, S, M *650C wheels
FRAME ALUXX butted aluminum, Compact Road Design and Integrated Forged Headtube
FORK Chromoly
SHIFTER Shimano ST-R221
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano R443
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus
BRAKES
TB-07 AL

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano ST-R221
CASSETTE SRAM PG-830 11-28T
CHAIN KMC Z72
CRANKS RPM CFM Triple, 30/42/52T
BB BB 7420
RIMS CR06
HUBS Alloy sealed bearing
SPOKES Stainless Steel
TIRES Kenda Kwest 700x32C Kontender, 650x25C
HANDLEBAR 6061 AL lowrise
STEM 6061 AL adjustable
SEATPOST Aluminum, 27.2x300mm
SADDLE M: WTB Laser V Comp W: WTB Speed She Comp
PEDALS Steel Cage

KHS urban xtreme---------

Frame

Reynolds 520 DB CrMo tubing w/curved seatstays
and carrier bosses, Forged Vertical Drop Outs
Fork Carbon blades w/Alloy steerer
Headset 1-1/8" Threadless
Rims Weinmann SP-17 Double wall, CNC sidewalls
Hubs
Front: Formula alloy, Rear: Shimano Cassette

Tires Kenda Kwest 700x35c, w/K-Shield Anti-puncture
Spokes 14G Black 32°
Front Derailleur Shimano FD-453A
Rear Derailleur Shimano Sora
Shifters Shimano SL440 Trigger
Chain KMC Z82
Crankset Alloy Forged 52/42/30
Bottom Bracket ISIS spline, Sealed cartridge
Cassette SRAM PG850 12-26, 8 Speed
Pedals Dual Sided Mulitfunction, Clipless and Standard
Seatpost Alloy micro-adjust
Saddle San Marco Ischia
Handlebar Alloy Flat
Stem Alloy 17°, Threadless
Grips Dual density grips
Brake Levers Tektro Alloy
Brakes Shimano M421 V-Brake
Color Flat Medium Gray
Frame Size S ,M, L, XL

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[ModelT]

Don't get too focused on specs. Ride them both, and see which one feels better to you.

When you are racing, you will have other things to worry about than what brake levers you have.

[cjbruin]

Why do you want a hybrid? Not necessarily trying to talk you out of it, just curious.

[Rahzel]

If you're buying a bike to use for riding on the road and for racing triathlons, you should probably consider a road bike. They're more expensive, but far better at the job than a hybrid.

However, if you are sure you want either of these bikes, ride them both and decide which one feels and fits better for you.

[travelmama]

"If you're buying a bike to use for riding on the road and for racing triathlons, you should probably consider a road bike. They're more expensive, but far better at the job than a hybrid."

I second this post. Remember that hybrids are much heavier than road bikes which can possibly slow down the rider. I have both and will soon buy a mountain bike to do off road sprints. My hybrid is used to commuting whereas the road bike is for sprints and training rides. If you are not certain as to which bike you want, perhaps you should get whichever one feels best or get a good bike on the cheap as well as a road bike?

[Rogue Leader]

"If you're buying a bike to use for riding on the road and for racing triathlons, you should probably consider a road bike. They're more expensive, but far better at the job than a hybrid."

I second this post. Remember that hybrids are much heavier than road bikes which can possibly slow down the rider. I have both and will soon buy a mountain bike to do off road sprints. My hybrid is used to commuting whereas the road bike is for sprints and training rides. If you are not certain as to which bike you want, perhaps you should get whichever one feels best or get a good bike on the cheap as well as a road bike?

I have to third this and i dont know much about Bikes yet, just learning. I picked up a full road bike (Mercier Galaxy) from www.bikesdirect.com and it is worlds different/more comfortable/faster/etc. I bought it to do two sprint tris this year. I also have a Hybrid that is basically a mountain bike at this point (considering the 26" rims and knobby tires) and I use that for knocking around, riding to the pool to swim, or general local stuff.

Once you get on the road bike you will feel the advantage and be happy you got it.

[H2Row]

I agree with the other posters - rather look at getting a road bike. Faster, but besides that I think you may enjoy doing the tri on a road bike better.

[kakman]

what they all said...

[StanSeven]

Not only are hybrids heavier, the riding position is a lot more upright. That will be significantly slower than just a heavy bike.

Try a road bike if you plan on doing more than just one tri. Then if you're into it, you can add aero bars later and have a bike that you'll enjoy a long time.

Hybrids are for riding on trails and city streets at slow, relaxed paces. They aren't suited for faster speeds nor long distances.