Hybrid Bicycles - Giant Transcend Vs. Kona Dew Deluxe

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Novice11
05-06-10, 05:05 PM
Hi

Im looking to purchase a new hybrid bike.

Im 28/M 130 pounds 5'4" Location: Montreal / QC / Canada.

The Giant Transcend 2009 is on sale right now for 325$ + tax (499$ reg).
I find this to be a very good price but is this bike fit for long rides of 10 - 20+ miles?

http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/bikes/lifestyle/2563/32762/?collections_id=4


The other bike im thinking of getting is the Kona Dew Deluxe 2009 or 2010.
Best price i found so far is 750$ + tax for the 2010 model... i hope i find one under 600$ if possible.

http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=dewdeluxe

Basically im looking for a good hybrid bike that can ride 10 - 20+ miles or more.


I have a sizing question.

About.com says the right size for 5'4" would be about 15".

I called a couple of local bike shops and they told me the right size for me would be 52cm or 20 - 21inches... who's right?

http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/hybrid_sizing.htm

Thanks!

no1mad
05-06-10, 05:56 PM
Either bike will work for that range (and then some) if:

-It fits
-Your attitude
-Your fitness level

If the bike fits and you enjoy riding it, then you will become stronger and will be able to ride further with less discomfort.
underdog
05-07-10, 08:39 AM
I agree with no1mad. I have a Cypress and ride a limestone railbed trail (mostly level) I have worked up to 20miles in a rather short period of about a month riding 3 times a week average. BTW, I'm 57yo. I personally think Giant does a good job of making a decent quality bike with good components at a very attractive price.

I don't know where they are coming up with those sizes. I'm 6' and my Cypress feels perfect at 19" The guy I bought it from was 6' 1 The 15" sounds more reasonable for you. In any case, be sure to try it and make sure it fits you before you buy.

idiotekniQues
05-07-10, 12:20 PM
you gotta sit on the bike to know. i am just a bit under 5'10" and my gary fisher katai is a perfect fit at 19". while on the seet i can have my toes on the ground while i have the correct seat height, and some clearance over the top tube.
teicher
05-14-10, 07:41 PM
I have that same Giant Transend model you are looking at. I love it. For $325, you'd be getting a great deal--I paid $450 ! I haven't had any problems riding 10+ miles on mine, and this is my first bike since the 20" BMX model I had when I was a kid. I replaced the saddle, added a bottle cage and a blackburn EX-1 rack on my Transend, but otherwise my bike is stock. I didn't want to spend a fortune on a bike and found that the Giant models I tested (Transend & Seek) were good quality bikes.