Amber1867

Hello everyone,
I've been doing my research (and reading threads) and want to know which bike people prefer. I've narrowed myself down to two bikes: the Trek FX 7.1 or a Giant Cypress. I'm training for a bike tour next year in Europe. Around my house there are a lot of dirt roads, paved roads which have a ton of pot holes, and literally no hills. I'm looking for something that would be smooth over those kinds of roads...but one that could also handle occasional trails. My funds are limited, as I just finished school. I'm thinking around the $500 mark. I'm also 5'2.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

David Bierbaum

Split the difference, and get a really giant Trek! (I crack myself up!)

Levity aside, rather than what "most people" prefer, you really need to try them out yourself, and find out which one you prefer.

Ideally, you should have a local LBS with bikes available for extended test riding, or a local bike club with members who have the style of bike (or bikes for sale) you are looking for, who can let you get a feel for that bike. In the end, there's just no substitute for hopping on, and pedaling through potholes, curbs, and unpaved surfaces, to find which one feels the best overall to you.

The Cypress seems to have more gears (which could be useful for touring with a heavy load), and it has an adjustable stem, which is a plus for fitting the bike more easily. They're both aluminum, and I'm a Cro-Moly kind of guy, but that's just me!

Edit: Oh, and if you're touring, prepare to be adding onto your bike no matter what you pick, with options like lights for evening/night riding, cyclometer and/or GPS (like Garmin) or smartphone with cyclometer/gps/maps apps, Bar ends, aerobars, or different handlebars altogether, racks on back and front for all your stuff (maybe even a trailer!) and fenders to keep off the "racing stripes" when your ride through puddles (when the weather doesn't cooperate with your extended tour), and rainproof panniers/luggage. So keep your budget headroom large enough to accommodate all the extras you'll be wanting over time!

Amber1867

Thanks for the fast response. Unfortunately the nearest place to try a Trek is an hour away. I've tried the Cypress and liked it. But I was wondering what other opinions are...and if I should make the journey to try a Trek. Also, the bikes have been donated for the tour next year by a Dutch company Batavus...so the bike I will buy will be for training and commuting. I plan to add chain guards and fenders outside of the $500. I already have a cyclometer.

David Bierbaum

Personally, I'd say, if the Giant is closer, with it's other two points in it's favor, I'd just go with it, slap a rack on it, and start commuting with rocks in the panniers for training!

Otter 718

For what it's worth, I don't think the Giant Cypress and Trek FX line are apples to apples. The Cypress is more similar to Trek's 7000 series. I think Giant's Rapid line is comparable to the Trek FX.

Amber1867

Would any of the bikes suggest be okay for winter riding? I'm new to biking...so sorry for all the questions.

goagain

Seconding Otter 718: The Trek 7000's, now called the Verve for the newest models, are more comparable to the Cypresses. Take a look at both the Trek and Giant websites to find comparable models for comparison, and to see which lines and features are suitable for your needs. Here's the Trek site: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/ (edited, had wrong link before)
Here's Giant: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bike-finder/

Just noticed the new Cypress even looks a lot like the 7000's now.

I agonized over this choice last year, just for some casual riding. I chose the Trek 7100 WSD because the bike shop was much more helpful and the Giant shop would never get a Cypress in my size, and I just liked the Trek's looks better. I think either would be a very good entry level hybrid, both are supposed to be good brands. The Cypresses and 7000's are what I would describe as a comfort style recreational hybrid, which is not to say they can't be ridden some distances if you like an upright riding position. Good for pavement and can handle smooth dirt, etc., paths, but nothing very rough I think. The FX's are a little more sporty or maybe more fitness-oriented or something. All you knowledgeable folks, pls correct if this characterization is wrong. Not sure which lines are what Amber needs. Maybe the FX's or the similar Giant model (Rapids or whatever)? I mostly just looked at the 7000's/Navigators and the Cypresses/Sedonas but your needs may be different.


I'd say just go with the bike that you like the best, but do take some test rides first. I don't know that either brand is much better than the other, apples to apples, that is. Good luck!

Fangowolf

Just a note on the Cypress. I ordered a Cypress St, which has a steel frame, 36 spoke wheels, solid fork and actually costs less than the other models. While it weights more I needed a more rugged bike.

jbooker82

I would make the journy to try the Trek. I bike is a pretty good sized purchase, and i would want to try as many as possible with in reason before I made a decision. That other bike store might have something else for you to try that you had not consided.

Amber1867

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your comments. So I went in the local bike store and tried a Specialized (it was out of my price range even with a deal), the Giant Escape, a Giant Cypress, and a Giant Sedona DX. They were okay, then the guy pulled out a Norco VFR 4. I loved it! But unfortunately I have to wait 3 weeks for the 2013 models as the 2012's are gone in my size.

Thanks for your help. If you have any negative comments about the Norco let me know as I have 3 weeks to decide.

fez_

Look into the Giant Escape City. Already comes with the rack, fenders etc.

Or Perhaps a Giant Rove. Comes with a lockout suspension.

David Bierbaum

My only negative comment on Norcos is that I have never heard of the name. If you've fallen in love, and the bike doesn't have totally cruddy components, then there's nothing for it. You have to buy it, even if you have to sell you and your family into eternal servitude to buy it!

I for one, fell in love with my Specialized Crossroads way back in 1992, and I still love it today, even though I'm going to have to spend a boatload replacing all the worn stretched 1992 original components. The chain and chainring, in that order, need to be replaced, and I'm sad, since I'll have to let go of my biopace chainring relic of the past.

The specs on that bike look promising, especially to a chromoly fanatic such as myself!

GeorgeBMac

My feeling is that the major lines (Trek, Cannonodale, Giant, and so on) all carry a fairly wide range of bike models and types. And, unless you have some very specific needs, there is a good chance (but not a guarantee) that you will find something that you like and will enjoy in any of those lines.
... But I would still encourage you to take that hour ride to the Trek shop. Otherwise, how will you know that they do not having something absolutely perfect for you?

But, that said: for a novice or even average rider, the LBS can make or break the bike. They can advise on which bikes are most likely to fit you and your needs -- and then fit each bike to you. They can also help choose which components to add And they can support you after the purchase with help in how and where ride, mechanical adjustments to the bike and simply by answering your questions and concerns...
... Some LBS's do that VERY well. Others just want to sell bikes. Choose your LBS carefully and treat them well. A good partnership there can make the difference between a happy cyclist and a former cyclist.

But: be very sure you leave money for the extras: helmet, car carrier, spare tubes, pump, water bottes and cages, racks, trunks, computers, lights, etc... The list is seemingly endless. And, cumulatively, they can cost as much as the bike.

Gravity Aided

I've had a Cypress for some time, and I'm very happy with it for light touring and commuting . I wouldn't use it for longer tours because the upright position wouldn't agree with my back after long days in the saddle . But I have a Schwinn Passage for the longer rides .

GeorgeBMac

Wow, I thought I was the only one like that! I have scoliosis and can do pretty much anything except sit upright Or standing still).

I had been riding a drop bar road bike and, when I got my new hybrid, one of the things the LBS did was lower the flar bar so I didn't have to do the upright thing. Stretching out and down allows me to support my back with my arms so the back muscles don't have to do all the work and start cramping up.

Ozonation

You're in Chatham-Kent, eh? I'm down the road from you here in Windsor-Essex. As others have said, you really owe it to yourself to test ride some of the bikes. I don't know how many dealers there are in Chatham, but it's worth the time to try out different brands. You might be surprised. For example, I test rode a Giant Roam, thinking that it would be ideal, but I found it rode "high". I then test rode a Trek DS and found the height and geometry more to my liking. I didn't end up buying either, but you would be surprised how different one brand compares to another eventhough they are supposedly in the same category.

I've dealt a lot with Courtesy Bicycles in Windsor: very good reputation and a lot of my colleagues who are serious cyclists go there. They carry Norco and Giant, and a few others.

Then there's Ambassador Bicycles that carry Trek exclusively.

Also consider Maximum Edge in Tecumseh. They carry Opus, Marin, and Kona brands. My wife bought an Opus comfort bike - very good ride and value for the money. Both Opus and Kona are Canadian lines if that's important to you. Kona has some very well regarded bikes, including their Jake cyclocross line - something you might want to consider if you're looking to do some touring/racing/moderate trail riding.

And then there's Bicycle World in Windsor. I've not been there a lot, but they seem quite knowledgeable. I think they have Specialized and a few other brands.

If I were you, I'd outline your needs, call up each shop, and see if they have a bike for you to try and if not, maybe they can suggest a similar bike or even bring one at no obligation to you. Since you're coming from Chatham, try to get as many rides in at the various shops. Try to ride for more than a few minutes as well. If you do go, try to go on a weekday: Saturdays are usually very busy.

I know it's a chore to get down to Windsor (or I suppose you could go to London too), but I can guarantee it will be well worth your time! Nothing can tell you how a bike will ride until you get a chance to test it.

jbandt

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking at the trek 7.2 and the giant escape. I've decided on the trek. I've test ridden several different brands all at similar price points. Personally, I like the shifting of the trek the best. I use the gears a lot and trek just seemed like it was going to work the best. Even without having actually purchsed the bike yet, I'm already a little biased. As others have said try out as many.as possible.

Duodecim

From what I can tell, that Norco bike more closely resembles the Trek FX series than the Giant Cypress series. (I myself own a Trek 7.3 FX.) Based on the pictures, I can tell that the Cypress line features a more upright riding position as well as front and seat suspension. The FX bikes, on the other hand, have rigid forks and a more aggressive riding position. Like Otter 718, I'd definitely say that these bikes aren't quite equivalent to one another. I'd agree that the Cypress is more equivalent to the Trek Verve series while the FX series is more comparable to Giant's Escape models.

If you like the Norco, I think it's safe to say you'll favor the FX.

For what it's worth, I'm absolutely in love with my FX. It's a fantastic bike.