Giant Escape 1/2 vs Trek 7.1/7.2 or 8.2 DS - thoughts?

[Vivi]

Hi good folk of BikeForums.

I am finally getting back into cycling after a long hiatus. I used to be a very avid cyclist when I was younger in highschool and really enjoyed going places with my mountain bike. Circumstances are a bit different now and I'm in a much more urban environment (Toronto)

I've spent the last few months doing research on what bike would be best for me and I've come to the conclusion the answer is a Hybrid.

Narrowed it down to a few options :

At store 1 : http://gearsbikeshop.com/
Really nice bikeshop. Has lifetime tuneups and also is quite close to where I live. I'm really leaning towards one of these options as a result.
Sadly they are not getting the men's version of the bike in till next week so I could not test ride.


Giant Escape 1 - $539
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/...1/10764/53002/

Giant Escape 2- $439
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/....2/9775/49365/


At store 2 - Trekbikestore toronto
Very nice store as well however maybe double the distance from where I live. 2 year warranty/tuneups

These 3 were on sale which I liked

Trek 7.1 FX - $489
http://trektoronto.ca/product/12trek...x-131009-1.htm

Trek 7.2 FX - $589
http://trektoronto.ca/product/12trek...x-123180-1.htm

Trek 8.2 DS - $549
http://trektoronto.ca/product/12trek...on-94391-1.htm

My use for this bike will be mainly for fun . I plan to avoid commuting and major roads for the most part and use the bike to enjoy bike trails as well as explore residential quiet areas of the city. Chances are I will do little to no off roading as it would be quite a process to get to somewhere with such trails.
I'm thinking the DS would be unnecessary for such a case then?
I'm wondering how the Giants compare to the treks. Also is the Step up in price from a Escape 2 to an Escape 1 worth it?
Also the 7.2FX is really at the high end of my price range so only if it was really leaps and bounds better than the others would I get it.

Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

-Thanks for taking your time to read this.

[a1penguin]

Welcome Vivi! You've selected some popular choices. I agree with your comment about the DS. Suspension bikes are heavy. And as the suspension fork is more costly than a regular fork, suspension bikes at the same price point as fixed fork have to cost costs elsewhere. And hybrid bikes often have tires a bit wider than road bikes and are a bit more versatile for light offroad riding.

The Giant Escape 1 has really nice component level and I think it's worth the extra $100 over the Escape 2.
The Giant Escape 1 has better components than the Trek FX 7.2. It's 9 speed vs 8 speed.
Both have triple rings on the front.
Both have pretty wide tires (32 on the Giant, 35 on the Trek) and you should be able to do some riding on non paved roads.

Of course, fit is most important. If the bike doesn't fit, riding won't be fun and you will ride less.

So.... I think the Giant Escape 1 is a great bike for the price.

[SlimRider]

Welcome Vivi! You've selected some popular choices. I agree with your comment about the DS. Suspension bikes are heavy. And as the suspension fork is more costly than a regular fork, suspension bikes at the same price point as fixed fork have to cost costs elsewhere. And hybrid bikes often have tires a bit wider than road bikes and are a bit more versatile for light offroad riding.

The Giant Escape 1 has really nice component level and I think it's worth the extra $100 over the Escape 2.
The Giant Escape 1 has better components than the Trek FX 7.2. It's 9 speed vs 8 speed.
Both have triple rings on the front.
Both have pretty wide tires (32 on the Giant, 35 on the Trek) and you should be able to do some riding on non paved roads.

Of course, fit is most important. If the bike doesn't fit, riding won't be fun and you will ride less.

So.... I think the Giant Escape 1 is a great bike for the price.

+1 ^This^ Is excellent advice!

[10 Wheels]

A Friendly bike shop is as important as the bike your buy.

[Gruvy Girl]

FWIW - 3 weeks ago I purchased a Giant Escape 2 for riding around town and on paved bike trails, and I absolutely LOVE it. The Escape 2 might have cheaper components, but it's got 100 miles so far and no adjustments needed, still shifts perfectly.

[Evgeny]

I don't think Giant Escape 1 will be available with these components http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/...1/10764/53002/ .
Rather it will be this model http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/8910/48613/ .
I'm not sure, but i think Escape 1 with 27 speed and Deore rear derailleur exist only on Giant internet site (by the way, on every official photos Escape 1 2012 have Sram X4 rear derailleur and Shimano M191 front derailer, not a Shimano Deore/Acera)
I ordered Escape 1 in my LBS and expect 27 speeds and Deore rear derailleur model (this components was listed on LBS internet site for Escape 1), but when I came to by it, it was simpler model with 24 speeds and Sram X4 rear derailleur (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/8910/48613/). Sellers told me that Escape 1 2012 with Deore 27 speeds configuration not available on the market in my country (and they don't know if this model available on any market) and in few days they made changes on their internet site.
PS. Despite this I bought Giant Escape 1 even with it more simpler components and I think Giant Escape 1 still is a good bike for the price.

PS2. Escape 1 on Canadian Giant site http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/....1/9775/49364/

[Vivi]

I don't think Giant Escape 1 will be available with these components http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/...1/10764/53002/ .
Rather it will be this model http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/8910/48613/ .
I'm not sure, but i think Escape 1 with 27 speed and Deore rear derailleur exist only on Giant internet site (by the way, on every official photos Escape 1 2012 have Sram X4 rear derailleur and Shimano M191 front derailer, not a Shimano Deore/Acera)
I ordered Escape 1 in my LBS and expect 27 speeds and Deore rear derailleur model (this components was listed on LBS internet site for Escape 1), but when I came to by it, it was simpler model with 24 speeds and Sram X4 rear derailleur (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/8910/48613/). Sellers told me that Escape 1 2012 with Deore 27 speeds configuration not available on the market in my country (and they don't know if this model available on any market) and in few days they made changes on their internet site.
PS. Despite this I bought Giant Escape 1 even with it more simpler components and I think Giant Escape 1 still is a good bike for the price.

PS2. Escape 1 on Canadian Giant site http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/....1/9775/49364/

Hey ,

Thanks for all the replies.

Double checked and yes you are right.
This is what I was shown from the bike shop. They only had the women's escape 1 which was 24 speed.
How do you like your Escape 1 ? They said they hope to have it in this weekend hopefully so I can have a test ride and try it myself.
I imagine 24 speeds should be fine for regular bike trail use for the most part? There aren't that many really steep hills where I live.

Frame
Sizes S, M ,L ,XL
Colours Silver
Frame ALUXX-Grade Aluminum
Fork ALUXX-Grade Aluminum
Shock N / A

Components
Handlebar Giant Sport, Low Rise 25.4
Stem Giant Sport, Alloy
Seatpost Giant Sport Alloy, 27.2
Saddle Giant Sport
Pedals Comfort Platform

Drivetrain
Shifters SRAM X4,
Trigger Front
Derailleur Shimano M191
Rear Derailleur SRAM X4, Trigger
Brakes Tektro Direct Pull
Brake Levers Tektro
Cassette SRAM PG-830 11x32, 8-Speed Chain KMC Z72 C
rankset Shimano M361 28/38/48 Bottom Bracket Cartridge

Wheels
Rims Alloy Double Wall
Hubs Alloy 32h
Spokes Steel, 14g
Tires Giant S-X2, 700x32, Flat Guard

[no1mad]

As 10 Wheels pointed out, a good LBS that you feel you can trust is almost as important as the fit of the bike. So go with the shop that gives you the biggest warm and fuzzy feeling, which sounds like the one that sells the Escapes. The geometry is ideal for your current purposes, but could be readily pressed into service as a commuter or tourer in short order. Is the price difference between the 1 & 2 worth it? Of course. But as a recreational rider that hasn't been on a bike in a long while, will you notice the difference? Probably not.

[Evgeny]

How do you like your Escape 1 ?

I didn't ride this bike yet

[Igo]

I just bought an Escape 2. I pick it up Saturday. I already have Topeak Rack and ex MXP trunk and lights so it will become my commuter. My Giant Defy goes back to being a full endurance road bike.
I really can't wait to pick it up.
First post in the Hybrid department.

[Igo]

OK. So I came home with the Escape 1 instead. 8 speed 11x32. I liked the silver. The aluminum fork was surprisingly lighter than the steel fork on the 2 and the Escape 1 came with flat resistant tires which can be important on Las Vegas bike paths. I'll have to let you know how it goes after the weekend after I install the rack and lights and get the gears better synchronized.

I just bought an Escape 2. I pick it up Saturday. I already have Topeak Rack and ex MXP trunk and lights so it will become my commuter. My Giant Defy goes back to being a full endurance road bike.
I really can't wait to pick it up.
First post in the Hybrid department.

[Vivi]

Ok. Sounds good !
I am hoping to test ride them on either Friday or Saturday and hopefully buy one of them .
My friend is also gonna buy one ...just the women's version.

[Evgeny]

Today I made my first run on my Giant Escape 1. Surprisingly, the ride was very comfortable. I put some photos in the relevant subject http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post14011333

[Igo]

Today I made my first run on my Giant Escape 1. Surprisingly, the ride was very comfortable. I'm not taking photos until the rack and trunk are on this Tuesday.

So let's hear it partner! I did a fine little 24 miler with some 18% grades and a 20 mph headwind and the bike punched right on through it all. Kinda sad to be home in fact.

[Vivi]

Lol you guys are lucky!

I really wanna test ride it before I order it but I've checked 4 stores and it's not in stock in any of them!
Gave them my number and to call me when they have it in stock.

[Igo]

I'm a nut case. I bought mine Thursday and coasted it downhill 5 miles. Didn't touch it again until this morning when I added bar ends, new seat, tool bag, front and rear lights, tools and bottle cages. It was looking mighty sharp for having only 5 miles on it. Trunk and rack on Tuesday. Then I find I'm fresh out of GPS mounts so I have to order a couple of those. I MAY put some stiffer tires on it. Lots of roll resistance with 60 pound max inflation. Need 85+. I'll probably take some pictures tomorrow or I won't get to it for a few weeks. I've got a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon first of April.
Ask one of those stores if they intend to stock one of these bikes. Your inquiry may be just enough to tip the scales. BTW, I paid $450 for mine and they tossed in both bottle cages and all the tuneups I'll never need.

[JC1977]

Igo, a question...I've been looking into bar ends for my Escape 1...Can you tell me what kind you got and where you purchased them?...It would really be appreciated...

[Igo]

I know nothing about bar ends except that I needed to change hand positions from time to time to keep the blood flowing in my hands. I picked a simple $20 set off the rack at REI this morning. They are called Profile Design. Took 20 minutes to install. Solid as a rock. Not overkill. Did the job and look nice.

[JC1977]

Thanks for the response....Are these them? I don't have a REI near me, so I found them on the website...

http://www.rei.com/product/837363/pr...bar-ends-black

[Igo]

Yes they are. They work just fine. I'll get some pictures of them installed tomorrow.

[JC1977]

Great, thanks Igo...I''ll probably get some bar tape to put on them as well to make the grip more comfortable...I look forward to seeing your pictures...

[kochise]

dude at my LBS said giant frames are superior to trek, he is dealer for both companies.

[Igo]

OK, are you ready? Here is a picture of my new 2012 Giant Escape 1 Hybrid!!!!!





OK ok ok, check the link below. I put them in the Hybrid picture thread, all except this one :

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...9#post14015059

[fez_]

Hey I have the same bike! Bought it last october. I love it. What kind of bar ends are those?

[Igo]

Hey I have the same bike! Bought it last october. I love it. What kind of bar ends are those?

Profile design. I bought them at REI yesterday. $20
http://www.rei.com/product/837363/pr...003-_-10456937