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Old 06-20-14 | 03:11 PM
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Tim_Iowa
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,642
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Bikes: 1997 Rivendell Road Standard 650b conversion (tourer), 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10 (gravel/tour), 2013 Foundry Auger disc (CX/gravel), 2016 Cannondale Fat CAAD 2 (MTB/winter), 2011 Cannondale Flash 29er Lefty (trail MTB)

Between the two, the Giant has basically the same components for $180 less (retail). The Draco brakes on the Specialized are the next step up from the brakes on the Giant, but I don't know that you'd notice much difference.

If it were only between these two bikes, I'd buy the Giant and spend the $180 on accessories.

HOWEVER... I wouldn't buy either, because I believe a front shock on a hybrid is worthless. The marginal shock absorption from a cheap fork doesn't make up for the weight and handling penalty. Front shocks are for absorbing big hits, like when you jump something on a MTB. A rigid fork is fine for hopping curbs; BMX and rigid MTBs have done it for years.

I'd check out a hybrid with a rigid fork, like the Giant Escape, or the Specialized Crossroads (not Trail), Vita, or Sirrus. The bike will be lighter and easier to pedal than one with a front shock.

Buy the one that rides the best!
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