Recreational & Family - Advice on Giant or Trek

Hi there, I am in search of some advice on whether to purchase a bike like the Trek 7100 or 100, which I test rode already and found to be super comfortable and with the features I desire. However recently I found the Giant Areva, although I love the look of the Giant Vida, I need something more than a single speed bike. First I am wondering if anyone can give me suggestions of other similar bikes to try. Second I have carpel tunnel so I would love a bike where I can position the handlebars to my comfort. Third I will be either towing a kid trailer or have a seat on the back, so whatever bike suggested would need to accomodate this.

I really do love the Trek for how comfortable and really love the Giant's for the look.
Any ideas, advice and suggestions would be greatly apprecaited for this Mountain Mama!

I wanted to also let everyone know I am looking for a bike to mainly ride on pavement in town and on either paved or gravel trails. I would like to ride on some trails around town but nothing too adventurous

Specialized makes a couple of comfort bikes, the Expedition and the Crossroads. Might want to give them a look as well, then choose the one that you are most comfortable riding. Any of them should be able to accomidate a trailer.

Hi we have both bikes you mentioned, the Trek 7100 which I ride, the Trek 100 my daughters, and we also have a Giant Cypress, my wifes. The 7100 and the Giant are true Hybrids both are great bikes, the 100 has the fat road tires which do create more rolling resistance. I think you should go with the 7100, I am partial to this one cause I ride one, the Giant Cypress is in the same exact league as the 7100. Both of these are good for you and you won't be sorry with either.

Regards Tony

I haven't owned the Trek, but I've got about 1200 miles on my Giant Cypress ($289) and highly recommend it.

If you find yourself doing mostly smooth road riding, you can put a set of smooth 28c tires (like Continental 2000) on the stock rims for better performance. Later, you may find yourself considering a set of clipless MTB pedals for it. I found the Crank Brothers Mallet C pedals to be a good match for that bike.

I test rode all bikes mentioned, except for the Trek I tried the 200 and 7200. Personally I did not notice enough difference in ride to make a choice from that perspective. I purchased the Giant Cypress yesterday, because they gave me the best deal.

Great choice. you didn't go wrong and should be happy with that bike.

TP

I'd go Trek-- either the 3500 with 26" wheels or any of the 7000's FX bikes. Take a look at these bikes becuase they have no frount shocks. The shocks are heavy and you don't need them, the're just one more part to break and towing a trailer is safer with soild forks.

Forget about who gives you the *best* deal on the purchase price-- pick a local dealer on trust and service only. When the bike breaks down, (and every bike does) your dealer can fix it for free, fix it cheap or even help you fix it yourself. Or they can charge you $60 an hr. and totally screw you. If I wanted to run a bike shop for maxium profit, I'd lower the price on my bikes $40 bucks lower the shop down the street and make the money back overcharging for sevice 10 times over. It's kinda evil, but buyers often ask for this kind of treatment.

It's possible to change shops for service after you buy, but it's likely you'll still pay way too much because good honest shops get sick and tired of fixing crappy low ball shop's bikes that some cheapo saved 30 bucks buying and now doesn't want to overpay for service at the crappy shop.

Talk to your local bike club and ask what shop they like-- it's all about relationships with the shop.

I test rode all bikes mentioned, except for the Trek I tried the 200 and 7200. Personally I did not notice enough difference in ride to make a choice from that perspective. I purchased the Giant Cypress yesterday, because they gave me the best deal.

I rode the Trek 7100, Raleigh c30, Giant Sedona, Giant Cypress, and a Schwinn in the same price range. I bought the Cypress and it's a great bike. I use it for both commuting and rec. trail biking. I really love this bike.

hello I just bought a giant sedona about two weeks ago all terain bike 21 speed, with ajustible handle bars, I love this bike I stay on It all day, just finished a 21 mile ride and I also stay on paved paths mostly, this just may be the bike your looking for, coast at about $320