Originally Posted by
DCvision
Can I ask for some more details re your Giant Transend? cost and where you purchased? Maybe some details on why you upgraded the rear derailleur... I am looking to upgrade my current commuter (see the clifford photo above) and have been happy with my Giant, and hadn't seen this model..
Thanks!
Douglas
I purchased it at my LBS. The manager there is a good friend. List price is $480, but he let me have it for $390 (just about 20%off). This includes lifetime tuneups and basic maintenance. It is a TranSend DX. If you look you'll find a thread that I wrote recently about how I don't trust Giant because of two parts failures on my bike (kick stand, and chain both broke). but apparently these are just not that big of a deal based on the replies I got in that thread.
On the plus side, I like the way it handles. the rapid fire shifters are nice, and I like the upright position for riding in traffic. It corners well, and is very stable even when loaded down. I don't mind hopping off a sidewalk or anything with it. It's pretty tough feeling. It has a very communicative ride because it's a rigid frame. I purposely wanted something with no shocks. I really like the rear rack with the wood panel. I think it has a nice, classy look to it. The Ergon grips are REALLY nice feeling.
I have had Panaracer Pasela TG tires on backorder with Nashbar since May (I bought when they were $14 each)!!! I really want them, and they can't seem to get them back in.
I upgraded the rear derailleur because I happened to have a set of Deore LX derailleurs around from another bike build. Unfortunately, I could only use the rear one. The FD was top pull and the bike is set up for bottom pull (or was it the other way around. I don't recall).
Here's one more for the road.