ocean123

Hello I am seeking a new bike and would appreciate some expert advice. I need a bike that is versatile and most importantly as comfortable as possible.

I have arthritis in my wrists, knees and back. I can no longer ride my current bike which is my grandpa’s old rigid-fork hybrid. I am a guitar player and most importantly I do not want to put any extra weight or strain on my wrists. Also I injured my back snowboarding a year ago and my physical therapist told me that I should ride an UPRIGHT bike. I recently rode a Comfort bike Giant Sedona DX with an upright seating position and it was GREAT. I was able to go all day (on a paved bike path) I had no issues with my wrists or back.

I want a Comfort or Hybrid upright bike that can ride some EASY level dirt trails. I’m not talking about hardcore mountain biking but I would want to take it out on easy dirt paths.

The Giant Sedona DX looks like the best choice and is listed under "x-road" category on the giant website. My hesitation about the Sedona is the 26" tires. The Giant Cypress DX model also looks appealing, still a comfortable suspension bike with the 700c wheels. However the Cypress DX model is only listed on the "on-road" category. A sales person at the Giant store said that the Sedona or Cypress really wouldn’t be able to go on dirt and suggested that I buy a hardtail mountain bike and get a riser for the front-end to make the riding position more like an upright bike. He said that adding the riser would only cost about $40 including labor. This seems tempting but I think the angle would still learn forward quite a bit despite the riser. I did not have a chance to try it out with the riser installed, as they did not have any built. I think I am still leaning towards the Sedona or Cypress model since they are much more upright.

Requirements:
* Budget up to 600
* Comfortable least amount of strain on wrist and back
* Versatility mix of paved paths and easy dirt trails
* Probably at least 27.5” wheels
* Upright riding position
* Hardtail front suspension fork
* Suspended seat

Questions: Can the Giant Sedona or Cypress go on easy dirt paths? Are there any other comfort or hybrid bikes that would meet requirements?

one4smoke

First of all, I have ridden a Cypress DX and loved it. Would've bought one but decided on the Roam 2 because I wanted less upright. I would think the Cypress DX would do just fine on a dirt trail. I suspect the guy is just trying to sell you more, I don't know. Without seeing the trails you are referring to, I would think that the only thing you may have to change is tires. Maybe go with some 40's.

ocean123

Ok cool! Thank you for the advice.

When you are saying "40's" are you referring to the width of the tire?

The Cypress DX has these tires

Giant P-X3, 700x38, Multi-Surface


So I would gather that 40's are the width 700c x 40c

What 40c tire would you recommend? Can I swap out the size of tires without having any issues on the frame?

Thank you!

NormanF

Yes. If you want a light all around tire, you can't do better than the now discontinued Schwalbe Dureme. Its as light and tough as it gets for a folding - not a wire bead - tire.

one4smoke

Or maybe this one:
wiggle.com | Schwalbe Land Cruiser Rigid City Road Tire | Hybrid & Touring Tires

ocean123

Ok cool! Would a wider 40mm tire fit on the bike properly? I need to get new rims? Or does that wider 700x40 tire fit on the same rim? Thanks again!!!

swoodjr1

40 vs 38? Why bother; they are basically the same width. 38's should be fine. Try the stock tires on the "easy" dirt paths and see what you think before dropping any coin on tires. Use any extra $ on a helmet, lights, and under seat bag, extra tube, multi tool, water bottle and cage, and pump--- the bare necessities for enjoyable, safe, and being prepared riding

one4smoke

I agree, as I did not realize the stock tires were 38's. But obviously you can get tires with better suited tread or more "knobby" for dirt.
But again, not sure what the stock tires are like. They may be fine for those conditions.