JohnBrooking

Okay, I'm closing in on my internal hub bike decision. For about two months now, my top choice has been the Brodie Theta, but I can't seem to find any 2007 close-outs on that, and the earliest I could get a 2008 would be February at the earliest. So I had my local LBS check into the Giant Trans-Send, and he also got a good lead on a close-out Cypress. Since winter is the prime season for using an internal hub, it's very tempting to forego the Brodie to avoid waiting half the winter. But then I'm still having trouble deciding between the two Giants.

I've been trying to downplay the price differences to myself, since I have the money, and I think that even the most expensive one is not too much to spend on something that I'm really going to value and take care of for a long time. But OTOH, the less I spend on the basic package, the more I can spend on other things.

Here's some of the most important differences between them, to me:

1. Brodie Theta: I LOVE the sweet frame! I still think the Giant frames pale in comparison. The disc brakes are also a real plus, which the Tran Send also has. The only thing I don't care for about this bike is the 26" wheels; I prefer 700c wheels. Plus, not being able to get it until February at the earliest.
   Price: ~$700 (This is list; the dealer has not quoted me his price yet.)
   
   
2. Giant Cypress EX: Big drawback to either of the others: No disc brakes! But it has 700c wheels, which the Brodie does not, and a twist shifter, which the Tran Send does not. Also, it lacks the chain tensioner of the Tran Send, which I actually consider a plus for reasons we discussed a few weeks ago. It's only a 7-speed, not an 8-speed as the other two are, but that really doesn't bother me. My LBS guy said the low and high ratios are about the same, the difference is in the middle. And he found a great close-out deal if we order immediately!
   Price: $370 (Average retail is listed as $580. That's sure tempting.)
   
   
3. Giant Tran Send EX: Thumbs up for disc brakes, thumbs down for non-twist shifters. In the winter, I often have to wear mittens, and even then, in real cold weather my thumbs can get chilled to the point of it being a little painful to push a shift lever, so the twist shifters are kind of important to me. I've already mentioned the tensioner, although I could live with that.
   Price: $640

Now, I asked my LBS guy if he could put disc brakes on the Cypress, and he said technically yes, but it wouldn't be cost-effective, in his opinion. I didn't think to ask the other way, whether he could put a twist shifter on the Tran Send, but I will ask that tomorrow. But maybe some of you could answer that, too.

Jeffbeerman2

buy the one you like riding the most, based on test rides.

I voted two because the price is right and you seem to like it. The other two were almost double the price.

I wouldnt worry about discs unless you think you really need them. I've never had trouble with canti brakes, but I don't ride in snow or ride through deep water either

JeffS

Nexus twist-shifters are pretty cheap. Around $25 for everything you need -- assuming the brake lever isn't integrated into the existing shifter.

I personally couldn't buy it because of the tensioner though.

bwbass

If you don't mind roller brakes (I've never tried them), you might check out the Brodie Section 8, new for '08:

https://www.johnhenrybikes.com/catalo...=208&item=3211

I've got the Ocho myself, and I love it, but it seems like it would be out of your price range. The Section 8 has a nice factory rack, fenders, and kickstand, 700c wheels, and a nice looking frame to boot.

Edit: $760 list for an Alfine group??? I'd get the Giant Trans Send on value alone.

ShinyBiker

That is quite a markdown on the cypress EX. I would go with it b/c of the discount (and if it fits). My feeling is that you can take it for a long extended test drive (like 4-5 months) and sell it if you don't like it. If you sell it next spring, you'd get your money back... perhaps even make a slight profit.

All look good, though. Have fun deciding.

flipped4bikes

John, I really don't like any of the bikes because they all have suspension forks. That's a nonstarter for me. The Section 8 is more of what I would prefer. The Cypress does look like the best value of the three. I'm pretty sure that you can live with its drawbacks for the winter, and then retire it to errand duty later.

PaulH

I'd go with the Brodie Theta and see whether the LBS can swap in the non-suspension fork from the Section 8.

Paul

JohnBrooking

What's with the dissing suspension forks? I'm thinking they're a good thing, for cushioning road vibration. Yeah, I know they add weight.

flipped4bikes

More weight, more maintenance. I had an older RST 381 fork, and once the elastomers wore out, it was PITA.

thdave

Test drive the Trans Send--that sounds like a great bike for the money. I'd prefer a suspension fork for the winter, if it wasn't too loose for climbing hills. My folder has a suspension fork and it slows me down climbing hills. I wonder if it takes something away from each pedal stroke on the flats, too. I just don't know, although my travel times to work aren't much different that that on my Breezer.

That said, it is a comfortable ride.