Hybrid Bicycles - Cannondale Quick 5 vs Giant Via 2

Hi, I currently have a trek 7100 for 2 years, and thought it's time for upgrade.

Twice I tried to test a Giant Via 2 on the advice of a coworker who is an experienced rider. But both times they either didn't have my size or not in stock. One shop said i'd be better off with a Cannondale Quick 5. My purposes are basically commuter, getting about in the city. I still want decent performance obviously. I would compromise a bit of comfort for performance.

I did try the Cannondale quick 5, since i was there. I liked that it was lighter. But still wondering if i should wait and try the Via 2. They are both roughly the same price.

-$549 for the cannondale, shop said they'd put a bike rack and bottle holder included in that price
http://www.cannondale.com/2012-quick-5-21008

-$520 for the Via
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/via.2/9017/48862/

Does anyone else have any opinions about these bikes relative to one another?
I couldn't find anything online comparing these two so thought i'd ask.

thanks a lot
V

I have a Quick (the 3) and I love it. You should get comfort and good performance with a bike from that line. And they're all nimble and smooth. Cannondale is known for their frames. But that being said I do think you should wait to try the Via. Try as many bikes as you can in your price range, it's the only way to tell what you feel best on. Often it's just the geometry of one brand's frame fitting you better than another.

Thanks a lot. Didn't know that about Cannondale. Will go ahead and try out the Via 2 as well.

Hi, I currently have a trek 7100 for 2 years, and thought it's time for upgrade.

Twice I tried to test a Giant Via 2 on the advice of a coworker who is an experienced rider. But both times they either didn't have my size or not in stock. One shop said i'd be better off with a Cannondale Quick 5. My purposes are basically commuter, getting about in the city. I still want decent performance obviously. I would compromise a bit of comfort for performance.

I did try the Cannondale quick 5, since i was there. I liked that it was lighter. But still wondering if i should wait and try the Via 2. They are both roughly the same price.

-$549 for the cannondale, shop said they'd put a bike rack and bottle holder included in that price
http://www.cannondale.com/2012-quick-5-21008

-$520 for the Via
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/via.2/9017/48862/

Does anyone else have any opinions about these bikes relative to one another?
I couldn't find anything online comparing these two so thought i'd ask.

thanks a lot
V

I think that whenever a cyclist compares two different bicycles of similar price, when preparing to make a purchase, the first thing that they should consider, should be the bicycle frame material.

Aluminum has a lower fatigue life than steel. If kept dry, the chromoly steel frame of the Via2 can last for decades. One cannot say that about aluminum, given the daily rigorous use of both. Of course, the proper fit and the feel of the ride, trumps anything one can advise. One way or another!

- Slim :)

Consider the Via2 as more of an intelligent investment for the future...

though i don't buy the bit about a steel frame being better, i haven't had a lot of luck with my quick 3. i've taken it back to the shop so many times that i eventually started to work on it myself to save time. that said, now it works great! so maybe it wasn't the bike....still, the BB on mine sucked before i upgraded. not loving cannondale right now, so maybe i'm biased.

Thanks for the feedback.

I went ahead and purchased the Quick 5. I wanted to try the Via 2 but shops around didn't have my size in mens so i gave up.

I must say, after a couple of days of riding the cannondale i'm quite pleased. It's definitely nimble and light. The cons are seat is
a bit hard and I feel more bumps. Mind you i was riding the Trek 7100 before with the suspendion fork in the front. But having
said that, it's been great whipping about in the city. I feel bit lighter and faster.

If i have any issues in the near future, i'lll post them here. thanks..