eni22

Beginner here. I didn't find the answer to this specific question anywhere else, I am sorry if this is a double.

I am looking for my fist entry level hybrid bike. I was kinda set on the Giant Escape 1 even though I only had the opportunity to test drive the 3 (my Giant local shops is sold out!). Today I was looking online and I figured I can afford the Trek FX 7.4 which is about $100 more than the escape 1.

I don't know anything about components so I am not sure which one is better.
I can just wait until next week when, supposedly, the shop will get the new Escape's, or I can go and see if they have the Trek somewhere else.

Any advise?

I am sorry about my english. It's not my first language.

Thanks

SB739

* removed as incorrect * lesson learnt for future! Giant owns Trek and many other brands!

NormanF

What bike do you want to ride?

A dual sport bike or a flat bar road bike/fitness hybrid?

One you know, you'll be in a position to select a bike that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Slow Bro

Since when? Giant is the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world. They also manufacture bikes for Specialized, Schwinn, Bianchi and wait for it................ Trek
Giant Bicycles - Manufacturer Profile | eBicycles

badger1

Correct on the components, but ... Trek v. Giant? Really?

As it happens, the Trek the OP refers to was/is in fact almost certainly manufactured (frame and fork) for "Trek" by Giant.

eni22

How big is the difference in terms of components? Again, I don't know anything about it but I want to understand a little bit better what I am getting with both. Thank you for all your replies.

eni22

A flat bar road bike/fitness hybrid (budget $600/700).

NormanF

Perfect!

BD's Windsor Rapide Disc at $500 compares to Specialized Sirrus, Cannondale Quick and Trek FX up to $1200.

badger1

OP, you say in your original post you are a "beginner". To me, that suggests at least two things: you are not all that familiar (if at all) with sizing (fitting) yourself onto a bike based on numbers alone, and that you may be a little hesitant to assemble a bicycle out of a box.

For those reasons, I would strongly suggest that you purchase your bike from a local bike shop (LBS), and that you stick -- at least for this purchase -- with one of the established mainstream brands such as Giant, Trek, Specialized.

All three (there are others: Cannondale, Felt, Devinci, Norco ... depends where you are) make good flat bar road/fitness bikes in your price range. Set your budget, try them out, choose the one you like best and ensure that it is properly fitted to you.

SB739

I'm an idiot! Haha

eni22

Yes, absolutely. I will buy from a local dealer. I have a Giant dealer very close to my house and a trek dealer about 10 miles away. That is why I am asking about these two specific bikes.

badger1

Smart decision! You really can't go wrong with either brand; Giant Escape, or Trek FX series ... either would be a good choice. If you end up liking both bikes equally, decide based on which shop you like better. I am serious -- if you get into cycling, having a shop you like/trust really is worth something.

eni22

Is there any way you can take a look at the two bikes I posted and highlight the main differences in components? Basically what the Fx 7.4 has that the escape 1 doesnt'?

Thank you!!

FrozenBiker 

The 7.4 has Deore & Acera components instead of the Altus crap on the Escape.
But, if you take it easy on the Escape, they should last you quite a while.
I rode the Escape 1 a couple weeks ago and it was a smooth riding bike.
The handlebars are very wide tho, which I found a bit odd..
I also owned the 7.4 for two days - returned it due to defects.

RickGr4

Say what? Trek has a better much better reputation than Giant? I am looking forward to you providing your supporting information to back up that statement...

NormanF

Let's see:

Giant Escape @ $670:

Alloy frame, carbon fork, Shimano Altus derailleurs, Tektro side pull brakes, front crankset 26/36/48, 11-34 cassette, Giant tires 700 X32 c

Trek FX 7.4 @ $770:

Alloy frame, carbon fork, Shimano Acera front derailleur, Shimano Deore rear derailleur, Tektro side pull brakes, front crankset 26/36/48 11-32 cassette, Bontrager 700 X32 C

Now let's compare them to the BD Windsor Rapide Disc @ $500:

Alloy frame, carbon fork, Shimano Claris derailleurs, Tektro Novella levers with disc brakes, front crankset 30/40/52, 11-32 cassette, Kenda 700 X32

The Windsor Rapide Disc beats Trek and Giant not only on price but on the component levels: you get a road crankset, full Shimano Claris derailleurs, Tektro disc brakes and Kenda tires!

You get more with BD for less and the Giant Escape and Trek FX 7.4 don't come with disc brakes even though they charge more for components of lesser quality.

Decide for yourself.

eni22

Norman, my understanding is that the buy you are suggesting is from bikesdirect (I may be wrong). I really don't want to buy my first serious bike online as I already said. I just prefer spending $200 more knowing I will have a full year of support and accessories included. Thank you though!

eni22

what do you guys think of the specialized sirrus elite. I will test drive it tomorrow if I can. Is it too much for a beginner?

RickGr4

Sirrus Elite is a good bike.

Please don't buy your bike on line unless you have 110% confidence in your ability to set up and work on bikes. Even if you do have 110% confidence, in the three months I have owned my new Giant, my LBS has MORE THAN MADE up for any discounts I may have received if I bought my bike on line.

I paid regular price for my new bike from a local bike shop. The dealership has EASILY made up for the lack of any discounts I may have receIved if I bought the bike on line.

badger1

No, it is not; the Sirrus Elite is a very fine bike -- excellent frame/fork.

badger1

+1, and even more important (as I've said earlier) is the ability to test ride and get properly sized/fitted to your bike. No false 'saving' buying online can make up for mistakes in that department.

NormanF

I understand. Its really a value comparison and different people want different things in their budget. I've bought my bikes online and I'd rather decide what I want instead of a pushy salesman picking my bike for me.

That said, I hope you're happy with whatever you do decide to buy and enjoy it for many years to come. You're welcome!

NormanF

Give it a test ride. If you like it, you can see if you're able to get it in your budget.

NormanF

I have a local dealer for the bike I bought online. I just don't want to be forced to buy it from a local shop. Given that I'll go to him anyway, bike company policies prohibiting consumers from shipping their bikes to where they live don't even protect dealers because dealers have to pass up a sale due to those policies.

RickGr4

I have issues with this thinking unless you are paying FULL PRICE for the services your local bike shop provides. I run retail businesses. I know how tough it can be.

I COULD NEVER walk into a local bike shop with a bike I bought on line and expect free or discounted service. Even if the LBS is able to make a warranty claim to the bike maunfacturer, they still aren't making as much money as a cash repair.