Hybrid Bicycles - Kona 2011 Dew Deluxe vs. Giant 2011 Seek 1

I'm in the market for a new hybrid bike. I've narrowed my choices between these two. Their prices are within $50 of each here in the Vancouver area. Looks like they have similar specs. Both have hydro brakes Tektro (Kona) v Shimano (Giant). The Kona is a 27 speed with Shimano components. The Giant is a 24 speed with SRAM components. Same FSA crank set. Both available with smart looking matte pjs. Looking at the stand over heights I will fit a 53cm Kona and a 19inch Seek. thank you for your comments

I should add that the Kona is available at the LBS across the street from my condo, where as the Giant is located at bike shop quite a bit further.

I can't comment on the comparison, but I did test the Kona Dew Deluxe yesterday on a brief city test and really liked the ride. Plus that matte black -- nice!! I'm debating whether or not to consider the Kona Dew (don't need the disc brakes and that's the main difference), but not sure I want to buy from a bs that's 2 hours away. Across the street sounds fantastic!

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure others can give you some good input....


ML

I'm not the expert that many are on this site, but my conclusion when shopping for bikes in this price range is they are all pretty damn similar. This segment is really competitive and they may make slightly different tradeoffs in component quality but rarely make or break differences. I'd make my choice based on the fit and having the shop across the street would be a big factor. I have a Kona bike and my dealer is located a block from my house. It's a huge convenience.

Are you sure you have the specs right? Both those bikes should be 27 speeds.

One big difference I see is that the effective top tube on the 19" Giant is about 1.2" longer than the 53cm Kona. This can alter the fit and comfort. The stems could be different lengths, but I cannot say that for sure.

Those two bikes were my final two choices too. Value and quality were what attracted me to make these two in my final list. But mine were a 2010 Seek1 vs 2011 Dew Deluxe. They were so similar that it just came down to looks, and I much preferred the Giant over the Kona, mostly the Giant had minimum branding, and a very unique paint job. But the LBS didn't have my size for the Giant and I wasn't willing to pay 2011 prices, and only the blue for the Kona, I'm sure they would have ordered the matte black for me. Looks wise, I thought the Kona was kinda boring. Ended up finding the same bike but 2009 on CL that was hardly used and just jumped at that.
They're both nice bikes, but if I did it all over again, I'd probably just pass on the disc wheel and go for something else without it, those things are heavy!

Those two bikes were my final two choices too. Value and quality were what attracted me to make these two in my final list. But mine were a 2010 Seek1 vs 2011 Dew Deluxe. They were so similar that it just came down to looks, and I much preferred the Giant over the Kona, mostly the Giant had minimum branding, and a very unique paint job. But the LBS didn't have my size for the Giant and I wasn't willing to pay 2011 prices, and only the blue for the Kona, I'm sure they would have ordered the matte black for me. Looks wise, I thought the Kona was kinda boring. Ended up finding the same bike but 2009 on CL that was hardly used and just jumped at that.
They're both nice bikes, but if I did it all over again, I'd probably just pass on the disc wheel and go for something else without it, those things are heavy!

That's weird the Kona at my LBS are only available in the metallic green and matte black just as the website listed. But I do agree with you in regards to the minimum branding of the Giant. The bright white Kona branding on the frame sticks out against the matte black.

Are you sure you have the specs right? Both those bikes should be 27 speeds.

One big difference I see is that the effective top tube on the 19" Giant is about 1.2" longer than the 53cm Kona. This can alter the fit and comfort. The stems could be different lengths, but I cannot say that for sure.

You're right, I could have sworn I saw an 8 speed cassette on their website. It must have been another bike, I was considering a few more brands aside from Kona and Giant.

Thanks for all your replies. I think I have decided on the Kona. Having the LBS across the street is nice to have. I'll use the $50 I saved on some fenders and a rear rack.

Just picked up my bike..:) though I would post a couple pics here. I'll have some more on the picture of your hybrid thread.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/nismo604/Kona%202011%20Dew%20Deluxe/IMG_1596.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/nismo604/Kona%202011%20Dew%20Deluxe/IMG_1607.jpg

Nice looking bike! Had to go see your pics on the other thread, too. Mmmm.... ;)

Are those the pedals it came with? The Dew Deluxe is supposed to have the same pedals as the Dr. Good but mine are plastic.

Are those the pedals it came with? The Dew Deluxe is supposed to have the same pedals as the Dr. Good but mine are plastic.

yes the pedals are stock.