fishbyname

I am completely new to cycling and have spent the last month or so trying to research the types of bikes and what is going to be right for me.

At the moment I'm seriously considering buying a Giant Rapid 2 but before I take the plunge would really value any advice on alternatives that might be worth considering. All the reviews I've found have been positive but as I'm learning about bikes there are a million options which I'm not properly up to speed on yet.

I am planning on using the bike for keeping fit and training for sprint triathlons (first one in June), as well as occasional commuting. I think the Giant Rapid 2 might be a good choice as it has some of the characteristics of a road bike without the price or drop handlebars which I"m not really comfortable with. Happy to spend a similar budget to the Giant Rapid 2.

If anyone has any good advice or just other options that I should consider please let me know as you'll be really helping out a keen novice.

ikaika777

I test rode a Giant Rapid 3 a couple weeks ago and it was FAST! That was a great bike so I’m sure the Rapid 2 is just as great and probably better. The Rapid 3 was out of my price range so I got a Giant Escape 2. And that also is a fast bike and I love it and am happy with my purchase. I guess you have to ask yourself how much riding you plan on doing for the money. I ride my Escape 2 300-400 miles a month. If you plan on riding less than that then is spending that much money worth it to you? There are great bikes for cheaper, ( like mine ) so figure out your plan first. I can’t tell you about other brands because I’m sure you can tell by now I’m a Giant fanatic!

badger1

The Rapid is a bike I know pretty well, though I don't own one. Back in '10 when I bought my current bike (Spec. Sirrus), it was the other one I was considering, and I tested it extensively.

A couple of comments.

First, the Rapid is a 'road bike'; the only differences between it and e.g. the Giant Defy are the flat bars, and the fact that the top tube is properly lengthened a couple of centimetres for a given size (to accommodate flat bars vs. drops).

Second, given that, given your intended uses ("for keeping fit and training for sprint triathlons (first one in June), as well as occasional commuting"), given that you want flat bars as opposed to drops, and assuming it fits you/you like the way it rides/handles, you can't do better for the money.

fishbyname

Thanks for the advice. Will have a look at the Escape although I suspect I'll get greedy and go for something that's a bit above what I'd need now so that I don't find myself wanting a new bike in a years time.

Good to hear that the Rapid stacks up really well. Will take it for a test ride and see what I think.

DowneasTTer

Hi,

I just tried to do a comparison between a Rapid 2 and my new Escape RX 0. It doesn't look like the Rapid 2 is available for 2013 in the states only the 1 and 3. Are you looking at a 2012 model? But when looking at the difference between the top level Escape RX 0 and the Rapid 1 there isn't much difference other than the RX0 has more 105 parts. I love the raw Alum finish of the Escape vs most painted frames less likely to chip or scratch. And after putting about 500 miles on the two my wife and I bought a couple of weeks ago we know we made the right choice for us. Which ever model you choose will work for you. But as others have written take a look at the Escape series as well. Giant makes a great bike for the price.

Burton

Just a heads-up. I think you'll find your RX-0 has been clear coated. That shows off the natural aluminum color but is nothing more than a clear paint and will require the same care and attention as any other paint.

But you're right that Giant tends to deliver 'more bike for the money'.