Nikachu

I've done so much research on trying to find a decent but not overly pricey folder and it has come down to these two - the Giant Expressway 1 or 2 (probably the 2014 models).

Problem is - I'm not a 'bike smart' person. I know what each part does but I have no idea (for example) if a Shimano Acera shifter is better than a Shimano Tourney shifter.

I would really love to have a bike know-it-all to possibly compare the specs for me and let me know what the difference is? (for example if one model of shifter is better or more durable than the other)

Thought I would come and ask here first before I ask the manufacturer or at the bike shop - people will be honest here

(specs can be found on Giant Bicycles | Offical site)

Any and all help would be very muchly appreciated!!!

Violinfish

the main difference is,Expressway 1 has a 11-30T 8-speed cassette ,and Expressway 2 has a 14-28T 7-speed cassette.
so expressway 1 has more gear combination, and theoretically faster max speed,and lower gear ratio for climbing hill.
IMHO,as a newbie to cycling you don't need to care about which rear derailleur is better. the difference between them may not affect your riding felling at all. but the difference of gear ratio will do.

smallwheeler

expressway 1 also comes stock with fenders and rear rack. the expressway 2 does not.

the best part is the weight:

"The most accurate way to determine any bike’s weight is to have your local dealer weigh it for you. Many brands strive to list the lowest possible weight, but in reality weight can vary based on size, finish, hardware and accessories. All Giant bikes are designed for best-in-class weight and ride quality."

that's another way of saying "if we told you how much this bike weighed, that spec might deter you from purchasing our product."

which is another way of saying 15kg(+/-).

Nikachu

That's actually quite helpful as it won't only be a commuter for me but it will coming on holidays with me too which will involve a fair bit boardwalk riding and slightly off trail (nothing like pothole roads but they will be flat dirt roads).
Thanks for the info!!

dynaryder

That's a freewheel,not a cassette. Cassettes tend to be more readily available in more ranges and with taller high gears(most freewheels top out at 13-14t,most cassettes are 11-12t).

browngw 

I understand some persons opinions about Giants weight statement which they seem to use on all their bikes, but in truth the weights are reasonable and the quality of the bikes are very good for the dollar. My wife has an Expressway2 that weighs 27.2lbs with lights and rack. My considerably more expensive Halfway weighs 26.5 similarily equipped. Both have gearing to cover any conditions we have found ourselves in. We use them mostly as travel bikes and the solidity and reliability are important. Both fit easily in our Focus Hatch or Campervan. I would decide whether I wanted racks and fenders and choose on that basis.

Nikachu

This is really good to know! Thank you! I am guessing with the Expressway 2 the rack and mudguards would be an extra cost on top of the bike price?

May I ask how it rides? And have you had any issues with it at all (as in maintenance, broken parts etc.)?

Thanks

browngw 

The bike was purchased in 2012 and has been trouble free. The wheels are ok for some gravel eg. campgrounds etc. and the ride is quick and stable. The rack in the pic works well and is after-market. I think we paid about $450 CDN for the bike but got a much better deal because I bought the Giant Halfway as well. It too has been trouble free, but the model is now discontinued.

Mervic

Wish I could have either a Halfway or Expressway!

smallwheeler

your wish is granted:


https://charleston.craigslist.org/bik/4482775969.html

bhkyte

A few good used or bargin buys and you can have several set ups. Ie a fast wheel set with slicks and a big apple for off road. Fit a suspension seatpost that fits, or telspocic that fits so as a short suspension seat can be inserted. Clip on bags for touring.

That way you have serval bikes in one
One way of spending the money from getting a mid range bike.

Looks nice the newer version.

globalexplorer

New guy here, what sold me on the Expressway 1 was not only the rack, fenders, the extra cog but the wheel skewers and the trigger shifter. Hate twist.

Mervic

Damn..my wish was granted..although it isnt an Expressway or Halfway, but an old Dahon model..believe its Impulse. Paid $175 Canadian, From Kijiji! Maybe next wish! Lol!

Nikachu

Well I'm pretty much sold on the Expressway 1. I'm guessing the only difference between the 2012/2013/2014 etc is just the color scheme? (specs were all the same from what I saw but you never know and I don't always wear my glasses haha)

The other thing I've been having a bit of trouble finding is whether both models have the double wall rims? The Giant website doesn't say (just says alloy) but I did find one site that said the Expressway 1 does have double wall, but nothing on the Expressway 2.

Does anyone have concrete knowledge on the rims?

Thanks

Violinfish

Expressway2 have single wall rims. in first glance,they are slimmer than double wall rims. easy to recognize.

Nikachu

I guessed as much just wanted to be double sure Cheers!

smallwheeler

hmm.

Violinfish

sometimes flesh-colored saddle is not a good choice. especially for ladies...

Nikachu

Well I went with the Expressway 1 in the end =) Happy with the purchase though very strange going from a normal sized bike to something so small haha. Another question I have is that I would like to - in the near future - get slightly wider and more grippy tires. Any suggestions?

tds101 

I'm using schwalbe big apples on my xootr swift, and maxxis 2.1" high pressure tires on my Lombardo Power2000. The schwalbe tires are excellent with grip and help with bumps. The maxis tires are grippy as well, but bumps are more noticeable.

Both do better, for me, than thinner tires. But both are a little slower rolling than the thinner tires. It's a bit of a tradeoff.

Nikachu

What sizing are your Schwalbe Big Apples? And what psi? Also were you able to stick with the stock rims with the tyre swap?
Sorry about all the question but if I do changed I want to know I'm doing it right haha

tds101 

My schwalbe's are the 2.0 inch, and I believe they max at 65psi. They're the Kevlar version.

As for the rims, they're custom WTB rims, since the Xootr rims were 36 spoke, and my Nuvinci hub is 32 hole (it was $150 for the 32 spoke hub). The Xootr rims are worth keeping though, so I have them on my Lombardo Power2000 now. They really kick butt!

I'll try to update with a photo or 2 later,... I can't post pics from my phone - and it's the only camera I use atm.

tds101 

Let's see how this works: Mobile Uploads Photos by tds101 | Photobucket

smallwheeler

when i saw this pic, i thought this looks like queens with the white-washed wrought iron fencing. then i noticed that you have queens village listed as your location

very nice bike. must be pretty plush with those big apples.

smallwheeler

when i saw this pic, i thought this looks like queens with the white-washed wrought iron fencing. then i noticed that you have queens village listed as your location

very nice bike. must be pretty plush with those big apples.