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Please help me as I work out my next bike for commuting

Old 11-17-12, 03:45 PM
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Please help me as I work out my next bike for commuting

I have been looking at a bike for commuting to free up my CX bike for CX riding.

I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/

I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?

I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.

I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
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Old 11-17-12, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by david58
I have been looking at a bike for commuting to free up my CX bike for CX riding.

I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/

I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?

I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.

I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
FWIW, Changing to a hybrid/flat bar will not alleviate the need to take a shower, and a drop bar bike does not require one to ride harder. I ride pretty hard, regardless of the bike I'm on, and I'd imagine it is pretty much the same for many commuters.

I'd say take the hybrid out for a spin and see how you like it. It is nice to have a bike with fenders and all the goodies that you can count on in any weather. If your terrain is relatively flat to moderately hilly, consider a 3-speed. One of the regulars here bought one of the Bikesdirect English roadster-style 3 speeds, mounted drop bars on it, and it was a great looking bike that he said rode really well. Here's the bike in its standard form: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ord_deluxe.htm

They also have a Nexus 8-speed for a little more. Spend $100 or less on a drop bar swap, and it would be a great riding bike.

Alot depends on your distance and terrain, as well.
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Old 11-17-12, 04:36 PM
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I work at a Giant dealer, and I've been really impressed with those Escape bikes. They are more of a "fitness" bike instead of a true hybrid. They ride really nice and the parts kit for the money is pretty impressive. I think it would make a great poor weather/winter commuter/grocery getter.
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Old 11-17-12, 04:47 PM
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I like that style of bike a lot.

I ride on very uneven surfaces and in a lot of foot/vehicular traffic so I don't like drops.

It looks like a standard German city bike minus the front suspension (which is a must over here for commuting as you have a huge number of 2-5cm (1-2 in drops/bumps) everywhere.)

It looks like a nice CUBE bike that a fair number of people use as a commuter (CUBE LTD CLS PRO)



which runs the same price but gives up fenders (retains eyelets) for the disc brakes and suspension.

can you post the geometry of the GIANT?

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Old 11-17-12, 04:59 PM
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The flat bar first really turned me off - but I ride in the hoods 95% of the time as I commute. The days I stretch the ride would just be days I ride the road bike or the CX bike, but most of the year would qualify as "foul weather."
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Old 11-17-12, 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by david58
The flat bar first really turned me off - but I ride in the hoods 95% of the time as I commute. The days I stretch the ride would just be days I ride the road bike or the CX bike, but most of the year would qualify as "foul weather."
To be honest, flats are awesome. Not really flats but something with a slight angle like a Satori Horizon with some Ergon GR2s.

I'm still confused as to why America is really infatuated with the drops. If they were that great, the rest of the world would use them on non-race, non-timed bikes.

Here's a blog in English with a set-up I am referring to:

https://euphoriabeforetotalimplosion....p-rmm-may.html
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Old 11-17-12, 05:09 PM
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IMO, buy another CX bike and mount up some slicks.
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Old 11-17-12, 05:11 PM
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it really donst matter what type of bicycle. the gearing and cadence is what keeps the sweating low.
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Old 11-17-12, 06:21 PM
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That frame looks remarkably similar to my 2010 Trek 7500. It's been great for city riding, commuting, and with two trailers and front & back racks I also use it as a utility cycle. I've been very happy with it, although I changed the flat-style bars for a pair of butterfly-like trekking bars. This was due to hand numbness on long rides, which I am especially prone to experience, and because for city riding I like a very upright style. But all in all, I have been very satisfied with the frame type and I've gotten my money's worth out of the bike several times over.
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Old 11-17-12, 09:00 PM
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I commute about half the time on a high end '90's mountain bike with 26 x 1.5" slicks and fenders. It is a good commuting bike. I reckon that Giant won't be quite as good because (1) flat bar means only one hand position, at least add bar-ends so your hands/wrists don't get tired, (2) high head tube and stubby stem, can't get any saddle to bar drop and probably can't get stretched out, so you'll be sitting fairly upright the whole time. More air resistance, less powerful body position.
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Old 11-17-12, 09:48 PM
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Escapes are awesome riding bikes. I test rode one last summer. The ride kinda reminded me of my Trek 7.5FX..
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Old 11-18-12, 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by JAG410
I work at a Giant dealer, and I've been really impressed with those Escape bikes. They are more of a "fitness" bike instead of a true hybrid. They ride really nice and the parts kit for the money is pretty impressive. I think it would make a great poor weather/winter commuter/grocery getter.
What's the difference between a fitness and hybrid bike?
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Old 11-19-12, 05:58 AM
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I was riding an older steel MTB with flat bars and 26 x 1.5 slicks on a 29 mile round trip commute. In short, I missed the varied riding positions that a drop bar road bike affords. Some of the really windy days can really beat you up out on the open roads. And, I really hated the limited hand positions even with bar ends.

Maybe test ride a bunch of bikes and see what you prefer.

Here's a bike I was looking at locally.
https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...-metro-classic
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Old 11-19-12, 12:01 PM
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Who's your LBS, David? Do you go to Corvallis?
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Old 11-19-12, 12:20 PM
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Personally, I'd just buy a decent second wheelset and put some nice fat slick tires on them for commuting.
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Old 11-20-12, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by jsdavis
What's the difference between a fitness and hybrid bike?
Fitness bikes: Skinnier tires, more aggressive body position, usually no suspension, efficient. Similar to a flat bar road bike. Can be ridden long distances.

Hybrid bikes: Wider tires, upright seating position, usually suspension forks/seatposts. Ideal for rides under 10 miles.
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Old 11-20-12, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by caloso
Personally, I'd just buy a decent second wheelset and put some nice fat slick tires on them for commuting.
Me too. Maybe with a different cassette to provide lower gears than what you have.
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Old 11-20-12, 03:01 PM
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Schwalbe marathon unless you like road side puncture repairs in the Rain.

What's the difference between a fitness and hybrid bike?
Hybrid, a 35 wide 700c tire, sturdy frame , models at several price points

Fitness bikes, are using narrower wheels, like race bikes,
with a component kit that pushes the price point up, significantly.

Last edited by fietsbob; 11-21-12 at 10:38 AM.
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Old 11-20-12, 03:20 PM
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my 2 cents... get a fixed gear, or a folder... I commute 24 miles each way and the three bikes I tend to rotate on the commute are the fixie (my favorite), a folder--good for days when I want to bail and take the metro with the bike during rush hour) and a flat bar cross bike (Bianchi Volpe). I will on occasion ride the road bike in, but that is rare. These are the three that get the most mileage.

train safe-
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Old 11-20-12, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by enigmaT120
Who's your LBS, David? Do you go to Corvallis?
I take my road bike to Corvallis Cyclery. Most of my this-s and thats I get at Bike n Hike in Albany, and I take my cross bike in to them. Found that the roadies at CC help me the most with my BMC, and I get a bike club discount on parts. Bike n Hike folks are nice, helpful, and just "regular." There has been some change in their mechanic staff, so I feel even more comfortable with taking my bike there.

Actually bought TWO Escapes in Albany last night. Had eyed the Escape for me, but as my wife and I talked about a wedding gift for our son and his bride we decided on bicycles. We'll put racks and fenders on them (didn't spend the $$$ for the City). Seems the geometry and gearing will work well for them in Portland, much better than a comfort bike. Toss in a rack for their car, pumps and such, and they should be good to go. Bride's folks live in Portland, and are recreational riders, so they can ride together easily, and my wife and I might join in on occasion to make it a crowd.
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Old 11-20-12, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Schwalbe marathon unless you like road side puncture repairs in the Rain.
Lost a Conti Security a few weeks ago, installed a Marathon Plus on the rear to replace it. I remember when car tires were under $50....

Heavy tire, but rolls very well. Much less rolling resistance than the Conti. I really like the tire - am a believer!
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Old 11-20-12, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by buelito
my 2 cents... get a fixed gear, or a folder... I commute 24 miles each way and the three bikes I tend to rotate on the commute are the fixie (my favorite), a folder--good for days when I want to bail and take the metro with the bike during rush hour) and a flat bar cross bike (Bianchi Volpe). I will on occasion ride the road bike in, but that is rare. These are the three that get the most mileage.

train safe-
My goal is eventually a single speed (a fixie would be my death...), but ain't got the engine for the hills today....
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Old 11-21-12, 08:53 AM
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I wouldn't get a flat bar bike personally, though I do have one similar to that Giant. I have 3 bikes with drop bars and prefer each of them every time.

I also wouldn't bother with a triple unless I'm hauling something (my flat bar bike has one). I just wouldn't use it, and it would not encourage me to go slower. I have 3 bikes with single or double chainrings and prefer each of them every time.

I'd say get a single speed cross bike! Less maintenance, usable as a spare, can fit wide tires, and it's a different/fun style of bike. And if you ever race CX you have an emergency pit bike.

Edit: Guess I'm too late, you already pulled the trigger. Twice! Congrats on the new bikes.
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Old 11-21-12, 10:05 AM
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I commute on a converted quality Al MTB half of the time, it's a very nice ride. Around traffic and hazards the more upright position and steering stability is a plus. But, if I were buying new, I'd take a hard look at the new steel Specialized TriCross with disc brakes, a pretty sweet all-arounder.

One thing to consider, if you are a racer then riding routinely on a more upright bike is going to mess with your riding position. I know if I ride on my MTB commuter all week jumping on a fast bike Sat morning feels very weird, it takes too much time to feel good fully rotated and in the drops.
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