Bikexln

Hey I'm 26 and just moved to a new city, there is a 15 mile long bike trail that's literally about a minute walk from my house. It connects to 2 other bike trails which are 5 and 10 miles long each. So I thought what better way to check out the city and enjoy the outdoors, stay fit, etc. I haven't ridden a bike since I was 12, but I've been reading for about a month now and I think i'm almost ready to make a purchase. I want something that is going to last and do not want to regret this purchase a year from now when I will obviously be more knowledgable.

Budget is 500, i'll push to 550 if it's exceptionally better or if it looks exceptionally better. Right now i'm looking to chose between a Specialized Sirrus and a Giant Escape 1. From a component stand point the Escape 1 looks to be better, but I've heard the Sirrus is lighter and has a steel fork which should help improve ride quality. I want something more on the performance side of hybrids, not the comfort side. If anything else comes to mind that I should check into let me know, I just want the best for the price. I really like the looks of the Raleigh detour 4.5, but I don't think it's as much of a performance oriented hybrid.

I doubt I'll take it many other places than the trails, the trails are 100% paved to my knowledge.

I'm 5'8 ~140lbs 30" about a 30" inseem, if that helps.

Thanks for any info!

RollCNY

With Raleigh I think you would look at Cadent model for most similarity. I know nothing about them other than they have been mentioned on BF and look kinda nice.

I don't know as I would say the Escape is "better" component wise, just different. If you stay with those two, SRAM has a different feel than Shimano shifters, and go with the feel you like more. But they are both great bikes and neither would be bad.

teicher

Both bikes are great, get the one that feels the best to you on the test ride. If they both feel the same, buy the one from the shop that you prefer. If both shops are good, but the one that's cheaper and save the money.

You're gonna hear all sorts of other things to look for and evaluate, but I'm of the opinion that you don't really need to overthink/over research this one.

puckett129

Not sure how you feel about brand names, but I have had luck with bd. Here are some good all around bikes -

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...afe_sprint.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm

You're not getting a carbon fork or 9 speed for $550 with the Specialized or Giant.

mi77915

First off, welcome to the forum!!

My advise is to go to your local bike shop(s) and explain what your intended riding will be and your budget. They should be able to steer you in the right direction. Also, ride as many bikes within your price range as you can to see which bike "feels" right for your needs.

fez_

I was in the same situation as you recently, had to decide between the Trek Fx7.3, Specialized Sirrus and the Giant Escape 1. People tend to go with the Trek or Specialized more, because of the brand name I guess. They weigh almost about the same and the components are pretty similar. You should pick one which fits you the best and how the LBS treats you as well.
I went with the Giant Escape 1 and love it. Its a pretty solid bike.

Bikexln

thanks for all the info! are there any key differences between these 2 that a novice (myself) might be missing?

john_steed_uk

I just want to put in a word for the Sirrus. I have one and I love it. It is a great bike, and it is FAST. If you get one, you will not regret it.

ColinL

I'm good with BD as long as someone knows how to turn their own wrenches at least a bit. For a total bike newbie, BD is a terrible idea even though his budget is quite low and BD values are quite good.

EsoxLucius

If one can at least put on the front wheel, handlebars, pedals and seat, it really might be worth the $40 it would take a bike shop to fine tune it. A lot more bike for $600, or get a BD bike for around $500 and you are at the $550 with a bike shop tune.

Bikexln

Test road a Giant Escape 1 today, it's the first bike i've been on in 15 years and those back then were just Huffy mountain bikes, so not really sure what to compare it to, but i felt everything i rolled over. I told the guy i was still checking around for offers etc and left for the day. I called the Specialized store in town and they currently have an amazing deal.. a 2011 Specialized Sirrus for 300 bucks. It was ridden once for a charity event, maybe 5 miles, so it's basically brand new. The grips on the 2011 feel better to me than the 12, but it loses a gear - high and low ratio still the same though. I also love the geometry of the 11 compared to the 12. The only downfall is that it's red and not black/white/silver like I would have wanted, but for 200 bucks off the price I think I can deal with red. The guy said the frame is a life time warrenty, and free maintenance/repairs/adjustments for the first year. What do you guys think?

Oh, forgot to mention, they only had a medium in stock and they're getting the small 2011 for me tomorrow so I can test out both, the guy was the same height and build as me and said with the 2011 geometry i'll probably want a small.

goagain

I've no experience with the models you're considering, but as one who has agonized through a newbie purchase decision, I think Teicher (post #3) has good advice. You probably won't go wrong with either of your choices, get the one you like best when you test ride them. Both bikes have many fans here on BF. Bike shops vary too, as to helpfulness and perks, so consider that. Lucky you to have bike trails so near your home. Enjoy!