Man, third hybrid in two months! Flip flop much?
I bought a 2013 Quick 4 several days back, and have had a very hard time liking it. The biggest problem was that although it was a large, Cannondale sizes their bikes much smaller than other manufacturers, so even with a long stem, I couldn't fit it well. The other issue I had was the derailleurs sucked (especially the front one!), given the price of the bike. I got it for a sweet deal and was able to sell it for very close to what I paid for it.
I hate that I have changed my mind so much, but I feel like I really need several miles and many hours through different riding to decide if I like a bike or not.
I ended back up where I started, with what I should have taken home in the first place: A Giant Escape 0. I had ordered this bike in, but passed on it before. I went back to the shop to pick up a warranty saddle for my wife, and noticed all remaining 2012 bikes were marked 20% off. I went ahead and picked it up.
The good:
-SRAM X5 drivetrain is fantastic! It just humiliates whatever was on the Quick in operation speed, quietness, and precision. I'd say it shifts as nice as the Apex stuff on my road bike.
-Geometry and fit are great.
-Brakes are a little better than what was on the Quick.
The bad:
-Grandpa saddle isn't comfortable
-Worst grips I have ever used on any bike in my life. Center of right thumb completely numb in five miles.
I rode this bike for a few hours, and decided that I'm keeping it and modding it based on the fact it has nice components and gearing for pulling my son in his trailer.
I took it to my favorite LBS, Moab, and asked them to address my concerns.
Let's get the embarrassing one out of the way first, I put a kickstand on it. I have my road bike in a Rakk Feedback, but it seemed like a waste of money for the hybrid because my wife and daughter are tired of holding my bike up when I'm attaching the trailer to it. The shop had a nice black one for $9. Plus I can run errands on it now and not have to lay it down.
Next was the saddle. My road bike has a Bontrager Affinity, which is great because I have narrow sitbones. The stock saddle was wide and way too soft, creating pain. The Affinity colors match the Escape 0 well, and I already know I love it.
Then, a velcro Bikase for my iPhone in case of emergency, Waze if I get lost while roaming, and Strava if I'm wanting to check speed and distance.
Last, grips. I sprung a little on these, because this was the biggest flaw with the bike. I got some large Ergon GP2s.
After set up, I took the bike outside the LBS, and could not believe how much the bike was improved. It went from good to pretty much my ideal hybrid. I rode it for like 30 minutes through a nearby park there, and just left my car in front of the bike shop.
I am so happy with everything, and intend to keep this bike for years. Fourteen miles on these grips today, and the numbness is gone. I highly recommend these grips!
Here's a pic, and I'm putting a nail in the coffin of my flip flopping, as I have two bikes I love now! Thanks for reading.
