ItzMeJoey

Hey guys. I am getting back into cycling after a 20-year absence, and I'm pretty overwhelmed by the choices available today. I suppose I should have posted here first, but I went to my LBS last weekend intending to buy a Trek 820. I was thinking with my large build (6' 2", 230lbs) that I should probably get a bike with some sort of suspension (I remember how beat up I used to get on my old 10-speed going over the tiniest dent in the pavement). The sales guy insisted that for my needs (road and light trails), I would not be happy with an MTB and to get a commuter/hybrid instead -- so he pointed me to the Giants, and given that this LBS has a great reputation, I trusted his advice. I figured since it's been so long since I rode for any real amount of time, I would stick with the low-end stuff, so I picked out a '12 Giant Escape 2. I tried it out, compared the ride to the Trek 820 and it seemed smooth enough for me, so I said I'd take it. Only thing was, the frame (Large) was just a tad small, so he said he'd go in the back and get me an XL. I sat on the XL and it seemed perfect, so I went straight to the checkout. He said that since it was late July and they were expecting the '13 models soon, my bike was on sale. No complaints from me.

When I got home, I looked at the receipt and it said "Giant Escape 3". I looked at the bike and realized that the coloring was slightly different than the one I picked out, namely the "Giant" on the frame is solid white lettering, as opposed to outlined in white, and the cable housing is white instead of black. Also, the pedals are metal instead of the anti-slip resin ones I tried, and the shifters are different. I really should have looked more closely in the store. So I called them up and asked what the difference was, and they said "none, it's the same bike." Looking online, though, it seems that the Escape 3 isn't even available in the US market (Europe model), so I'm wondering a couple of things:

• How did they even get the Escape 3?
• Since I am a noob and all, is it even worth saying something to the LBS about this and trying to get something worked out to where I can get the things I want? (namely the pedals and the cable housing -- I'm one of those guys who's picky about colors)
• If I'm going to go the route of talking to them about this, should I just revisit my choice of Commuter/Hybrid vs MTB and give the Trek another try? I rode them both and honestly didn't see much difference between them, other than the Trek is heavier due to the frame. If I will be riding this mostly on the road, should an MTB even be an option?

I'm fairly certain at this point that they were taking advantage of my noobness to get rid of something no one else wanted ("it's on sale" = "we're selling you a cheaper model"). It's true that I bought one of the cheapest bikes in the store, and I'm sure they have very little incentive to cater to my needs, but I have a problem plunking down nearly $500 (after accessories and tax) for something that's not exactly what I intended to get. Any advice?

okane

For me, a great bike that doesn't fit is useless. I've had some really nice ones that I just hated to part with, but they became uncomfortable to ride after a few miles. If yours fits YOU just right, who cares about the color of the lettering or cables. The only thing that would concern me is the shifter switch if you got grip shifters instead of speed/rapid type. (I hate grip shifters).

ItzMeJoey

The bike itself feels great. Feather light compared to my old bikes, and the ride is really smooth. The color of the cables isn't as much of a concern as the pedals -- I don't seem to get a good grip with these metal ones, and even the slightest amount of moisture means my feet constantly slip off. I'm not ready for clipless yet, so what I'll probably do is just buy a $15 set of resin or plastic anti-slip pedals and be done with it. I really hated grip shifters when I tried them, so luckily these are Shimano ST-EF51 trigger shifters, which I really like.

JonathanGennick 

So, there are two issues: a) style of bike, and b) the model they sold you.

Generally, I agree that a mountain bike is suboptimal for pavement and path riding. Suspension on pavement is heavy and sucks away your pedaling energy. Inexperienced riders are sometimes convinced that more technology (i.e. suspension) = better, but such is not the case and I would tend to agree with your bike shop sales guy.

As for the model, I checked bikepedia.com and could not find a Giant Escape 3. IMHO, your sales person was right to get you an XL size that fit well, but should have pointed out to you that the bike he grabbed was a different a build, having different level of parts. (An Escape 2 would have a higher level of parts than an Escape 3). It is wrong of him to give you the brush-off and say it is the same bike. It is the same *frame*, but the parts are different.

You can easily get the pedals you want.

I would leave the cables alone. It's not worth swapping out perfectly good cables just over color.

I can see why the experience would leave a bad taste. You may have even gotten a good deal on the bike, but that doesn't alleviate the disappointment of getting home to find that what you bought wasn't what you thought you bought.

JanMM

MTB would be complete overkill for the streets and roads of Indy.
Mini-toeclips/half-clips would keep your feet securely in place on the pedals, if your pedals allow for their attachment.

Enjoy your ride!

10 Wheels

Why don't you take it back?

ItzMeJoey

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. I talked to them about a return, and they're fine with giving me a refund, but they don't have anything in that size/style in stock for that price range. They could special order something for me, but it would take a while. I could always go somewhere else, but frankly, other than those couple of minor gripes, I really do like it.

Mithrandir

If you are still concerned with road bumpiness, try some bigger tires or a saddle with springs.

LesterOfPuppets

If you like the bike I would roll with it. I'm sure they'd be happy to swap in some crappy plastic pedals for your metal ones.

What was the price for just the bike?

What's the price for the Escape 2 there?

I dunno how they got a hold of a 3 but I don't think they were taking advantage of you, just getting as close as possible to what you wanted.

AND, you might even be able to talk them into putting some nice plastic pedals on your bike. I really like Odyssey Twisted PC pedals for riding sans clips, solid platform and better bearings than most placeholder plastic pedals that OEMs put on:

Retro Grouch 

If the Escape 3 is a European spec bike, I suspect the LBS bought it on close out from Giant. That doesn't mean nobody else wanted it, it means that Giant no longer has all of the sizes available so they're closing out the sizes that remain. Needing an XL size may have worked in your favor.

I wouldn't assume it has lower graded parts. As a general rule, I'd think that metal pedals vs. plastic and Rapid Fire vs. Twist Shifters would be an upgrade.

If you're really stuck on wanting plastic pedals, check with the folks who sold you the bike. My bet is they'll hook you up.

rebel1916

I can't imagine a scenario where metal pedals would be lower spec than plastic pedals. Unless the plastic in question was carbon fiber.