grizzy

First let me say THANKS for all the info! I've been lurking for a few weeks, and I also posted a thread a couple days ago.

I've tested over 10 bikes in the last week and I've liked just about them all .

I've got a herniated disc and while the speed of a true Hybrid would be nice, I'm thinking more of the Comfort/Hybrid instead. I'll call it Sport Comfort . This knocks the Trek FX, Trek 8.2 DS, and Specialized Crosstrail off the list as an upright position is mandatory.

I'm not crazy about how the front suspension feels when I try to rev up to speed. That knocks off the Raleigh Route 3.0, Venture 3.0, and Trek Verve 3 as they don't lock out.

So, I think I'm down to the:

Specialized Crossroads $440 - Specialized Bicycle Components

Giant Sedona DX $419 - Sedona DX (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

Cannondale Adventure 3 $519 - Adventure 3 - ADVENTURE - RECREATION - RECREATION & URBAN - BIKES - 2014

Any insight on picking one of those three? Any components that make the decision a little easier? Wish they weren't grip shifters but I live in flat Florida anyway. The Cannondale felt the most comfortable but only very slightly. (and not $100 more comfortable). The Specialized felt the quickest but I foolishly didn't lock out the Sedona DX...that was maybe the difference. The specialized was also probably the least comfortable but only VERY slightly. These are at two different shops both the same distance from me.

I'm just under 6', 188 lbs, and mainly looking to get some exercise on paved trails, as well as towing our two on those trails (in a Topeak Child Seat).

Thanks!

fietsbob

Dodge ford and chevy ..

dont want the sus fork? get a model without one .

Trek its the FX7.xx line [no dealer for the other 2 in my town ]

other brands compete on features and cost ..

mwl001

I ended up going the opposite direction you did -- liked the comfort hybrids a lot, but ended up with a sport hybrid (Giant Roam, cross shopped Trek, Spec, and Cannondale). So I rode the Verve 3, Crossroads, Cypress, and Adventure. Would say I liked the Verve 3 best, but they were all very similar with 700c tires. If no lockout fork is a dealbreaker, just be sure the Adventure 3 comes with one. From what I can see, the Trek and Cannondale are still preload adjustable only, not full lockout. Can't beat the value on the Sedona/Cypress from Giant, from what I remember.

practical

I you're going to stay on paved trails, then go for lightness with a narrow tire (28mm). Forget about suspension forks, etc. The bikes you have selected look like comfort bikes but I'm guessing you're soon going to want a little more performance for going on longer rides.

Pendergast

I'd probably get the Crossroads. I'm not a fan of suspension components on anything other than mountain bikes. I also prefer the 700c wheels of the Crossroads vs. the 26" wheels of the Sedona.

grizzy

So is the main difference between the Giant Sedona and Giant Cypress a narrower tire? Sedona is Kenda Multi-Surface, 26x1.95 while the Cypress is a 700x38.

As for "more performance". Yes, I'd like to get something faster. But, and this is a big BUT, I unfortunately have a herniated disc that makes anything other than upright very problematic.

practical

Go with the Giant Escape 3 for $350. The bikes you have picked will feel comfortable for leisurely rides on rather level terrain, but if you want to longer or faster, you'll want a different bike. I have had a bulging disk too. I had sciatica and "drop foot" so I understand the issue with the back. The Escape 3 has an upright position that will fit you. The 2015 Escape 3's are $350, you might be able to find a deal on a 2014 model. Good luck.

grizzy

I'm confused.

You know exactly what I'm dealing with back wise (sciatica, numbness, drop foot, spasms, etc) but then you recommended a bike that isn't upright.

The Escape has the fit that I'm trying to avoid. I need an upright position (comfort) like the Sedona, Cypress, Raleigh Route, Trek Verve, Specialized Crossroads, etc.

I'd love to be able to put tons of miles on a road bike but I like being able to walk, play with my kids, have fun with my wife , even more.

Wanderer

I know bad backs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, get the one that feels the best when you ride it...............

mwl001

Not just width -- the Cypress has larger diameter tires -- 29" vs 26". They will ride differently, it was a dramatic difference to me. I would think the only reasons you would prefer 26" would be for a true mountain bike, or for frame size/standover fit. 700c tires have lots of options for width and tread, and to me they roll easier as well. Ride both and see what you like.

FrenchFit 

I have heard from multiple riders how much they appreciate the susp forks on their comfort bikes to elmiinate road chatter. Personally, I would pick the Specialized with steel fork, but otherwise I would pick the lighter of the Giant or Cannondale. Giants I've seen look bloated..like they have beriberi, yuk.

gpo1956

I ought the Crossroads Sport and am very happy with it. I didn't like the twist shift of the Cannondale, and I also like the 700C wheels on the Crossroads.

george25923

Did you look at the Trek Shift series? I looked at a Shift 2 and a Shift 3 and I am leaning toward the Shift 3 because of the additional features. I had decided on the Giant Sedona DX but the nearest dealer is about 20 miles away and the Trek LBS is about 2 miles or less.

ColonelSanders

This might not suit because it is twice the price of the bikes you have listed there, but the Trek Verve 4 seems like the closest to something I would be happy to live with if I had your back condition.

Acera & Alivio components, proper gear shifters, lock out fork.

Actually I just looked at Specialized's site and rather than get the bottom of the range Crossroads, I would look at the Crossroads Elite.

Deves

Ok owning a Giant Sedona comfort bike for the last couple of years I thought I'd add my two cents.
I bought it because I could ride a local dirt trail or on pavement. I like the upright riding position as well as the adjustable handlebar angle. You can adjust the tension in the front forks but they don't lock. The seat post has a spring in it with adjustable tension. Even though the bike is a hardtail the suspension helps with bumps and driveways. I changed the tires on mine to a road tire 26" x 1.5 for less rolling resistance. I recently changed the twist grip shifters to rapid fire shifters. ( I wonder why I didn't do this earlier).

inkedobiwan

This thread is old .... just wondering what you ended up getting...

NormanF

Thread back from the dead. Its three years old!

coominya

My advice would be to see a chiropractor and get your back sorted out, then buy whatever you like. Cycling with a herniated intervertebral disk is a recipe for pain and further injury.

grizzy

Hey everyone.

I ended up getting the Giant Cypress DX and I LOVE it.

In the past 6 or so months I've put over 1,000 miles on it (needs a tune up!).

With all the riding I'm doing (typically 20 miles a ride) I recently tried an Escape (to get more "efficient" if you will), but didn't like the feel of it at all.

I think I've gotten too accustomed to my comfort bike. I still keep a decent Avg. pace (love the Strava app)...usually around 16-16.5 mph on my 20 mile rides. I know I could be faster with a road bike but feel I wouldn't ride it as much due to the comfort.

Thank you so much for all you insight...it was a big help throughout the purchase.

Oh, and my back is better.

inkedobiwan

Im gearing towards the Sedona since I have shorter legs - going today to test ride

churnman

Suspensions are a waste of money when you are on a budget. The same money will buy a bike with premium components.