Beginners questions
04-21-17 | 01:27 PM
#101
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One small secret is that there is almost no difference between each manufacturer at each price point.
An entry-level hybrid from almost any reputable manufacturer will be almost identical. They have the same budgets, the same component and manufacturing costs, the same shipping and sales costs .... Giant makes most of the frames for several manufacturers, and a couple other huge factories make the rest.
Some will offer a little bit more somewhere and less elsewhere---maybe the wheels, or the rear derailleur, or the cockpit parts will have a couple flashy names and some other part will be a little cheaper but overall, they are all the same.
Giant has a reputation for offering decent frames and Slightly better value---same gear, marginally lower prices---at some price points. Not at all of them.
That's why so many people will tell you pick a shop, not a brand---the shops vary a lot, the brands hardly at all.
If you like the Giants ... and you pretty much know the competition only varies in paint scheme and decal placement ... don't kill yourselves trying to see a dozen different iterations of exactly the same thing.
The majority of riding is the rider. Don't tell the multi-million dollar bike marketing industry, but if you like to ride, you can like riding almost anything, and the most expensive, exotic, high-tech bike in the world is a doorstop if you don't like riding.
Buy your Giants. Everyone here including myself can Absolutely, Positively, Without Equivocation Assure you that they are the best bikes you could buy. Unless you buy something else---in which case those bikes will be the Absolute ... etc.
So ... once you buy them, never think about it again. Just go ride.
An entry-level hybrid from almost any reputable manufacturer will be almost identical. They have the same budgets, the same component and manufacturing costs, the same shipping and sales costs .... Giant makes most of the frames for several manufacturers, and a couple other huge factories make the rest.
Some will offer a little bit more somewhere and less elsewhere---maybe the wheels, or the rear derailleur, or the cockpit parts will have a couple flashy names and some other part will be a little cheaper but overall, they are all the same.
Giant has a reputation for offering decent frames and Slightly better value---same gear, marginally lower prices---at some price points. Not at all of them.
That's why so many people will tell you pick a shop, not a brand---the shops vary a lot, the brands hardly at all.
If you like the Giants ... and you pretty much know the competition only varies in paint scheme and decal placement ... don't kill yourselves trying to see a dozen different iterations of exactly the same thing.
The majority of riding is the rider. Don't tell the multi-million dollar bike marketing industry, but if you like to ride, you can like riding almost anything, and the most expensive, exotic, high-tech bike in the world is a doorstop if you don't like riding.
Buy your Giants. Everyone here including myself can Absolutely, Positively, Without Equivocation Assure you that they are the best bikes you could buy. Unless you buy something else---in which case those bikes will be the Absolute ... etc.
So ... once you buy them, never think about it again. Just go ride.
I kinda feel that way a out the shop too, they were really great. I've been in sales for years so I can spot good service, the guy that helped us was the owner's son he was awesome.
Will let you guys know how it goes tomorrow, I wish we didn't have to wait for them to come in but it should only be a couple days.
04-21-17 | 01:42 PM
#102
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Bikes: Cannondale Slate; Crust Evasion
04-21-17 | 04:51 PM
#104
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I live in Vegas and have bought more then a couple of Giant bikes here. I've had nothing but positive experiences with the shops here. Which did you end up going with?
Also, i think the roam will be a great choice for your needs.
Also, i think the roam will be a great choice for your needs.
04-21-17 | 06:13 PM
#105
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,628
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Hi Everyone, new here.
I have some novice bike questions.
My husband and I want to do some light bike riding together, lots of paved trails where we live and maybe a dirt path occasionally.
We don't know what kind of bike to get, I read that hybrids would be good for this kind of riding but when we went to a shop they suggested for us Giant Roam and Rove. My understanding is these have front suspension as opposed to none that you would lock it out on pavement and unlock for mild terrain. Some of the threads I read were talking about the extra weight and people suggested the suspension was mediocre/unecessary for light dirt paths, grass, etc. and that upkeep was more.
Can I get some thoughts on this? Should we consider a regular hybrid without the suspension?
Our price range is at the entry level, we are comfortable in the $400 range (each)
Thanks
Edit: maybe I am confused, the Rove 3 it says LIV? Is that the same as Giant?
I have some novice bike questions.
My husband and I want to do some light bike riding together, lots of paved trails where we live and maybe a dirt path occasionally.
We don't know what kind of bike to get, I read that hybrids would be good for this kind of riding but when we went to a shop they suggested for us Giant Roam and Rove. My understanding is these have front suspension as opposed to none that you would lock it out on pavement and unlock for mild terrain. Some of the threads I read were talking about the extra weight and people suggested the suspension was mediocre/unecessary for light dirt paths, grass, etc. and that upkeep was more.
Can I get some thoughts on this? Should we consider a regular hybrid without the suspension?
Our price range is at the entry level, we are comfortable in the $400 range (each)
Thanks
Edit: maybe I am confused, the Rove 3 it says LIV? Is that the same as Giant?
The best place to have suspension when sitting on the saddle is in the rear somewhere. I'm 60+ years old and I ride a lot of trails and some of them are pretty rough although not technically challenging for an expert. the trails have a lot of partly buried rocks and exposed tree roots. I ride those trails on a rigid front and rear mountain bike with 1.5" wide non-knobby tires (but not slicks). If I want more suspension than what I can get by unweghting my saddle when riding then I'll use a wider tire. If a person needs a fair bit of suspension I recommend either a decent sprung saddle or a decent quality suspension seat post.
Cheers
04-21-17 | 06:20 PM
#106
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,628
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
I should also point out that I seriously have not owned a bike since I was about 10. Dont Laugh... I got on one about 10 years ago and I could still ride (I guess the saying is true) even though my friend failed to tell me there were no brakes... 
that was fun. But yeah, I will be taking it easy on whatever I try.
that was fun. But yeah, I will be taking it easy on whatever I try.Cheers
04-22-17 | 04:33 PM
#107
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Update! We're so exited, we ended up going with our original pick, we got a Roam and the Rove.
We went in today and they had two Giants very similar to what we were thinking, just the next model up. They set us up to take them for a spin, showed us how the gears work, we took a little spin and it was awesome.
Once I got going I was fine, boy are they trusting! LOL
So we ordered the ones we wanted, I talked him into a small discount and he threw in some rechargable lights for us (front and back) plus two water bottles, the holders (cage?) And one rack.
We are very pleased. Hopefully we will get them Friday.
We went in today and they had two Giants very similar to what we were thinking, just the next model up. They set us up to take them for a spin, showed us how the gears work, we took a little spin and it was awesome.
Once I got going I was fine, boy are they trusting! LOL
So we ordered the ones we wanted, I talked him into a small discount and he threw in some rechargable lights for us (front and back) plus two water bottles, the holders (cage?) And one rack.
We are very pleased. Hopefully we will get them Friday.
04-22-17 | 04:37 PM
#108
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I wonder what age you are.
The best place to have suspension when sitting on the saddle is in the rear somewhere. I'm 60+ years old and I ride a lot of trails and some of them are pretty rough although not technically challenging for an expert. the trails have a lot of partly buried rocks and exposed tree roots. I ride those trails on a rigid front and rear mountain bike with 1.5" wide non-knobby tires (but not slicks). If I want more suspension than what I can get by unweghting my saddle when riding then I'll use a wider tire. If a person needs a fair bit of suspension I recommend either a decent sprung saddle or a decent quality suspension seat post.
Cheers
The best place to have suspension when sitting on the saddle is in the rear somewhere. I'm 60+ years old and I ride a lot of trails and some of them are pretty rough although not technically challenging for an expert. the trails have a lot of partly buried rocks and exposed tree roots. I ride those trails on a rigid front and rear mountain bike with 1.5" wide non-knobby tires (but not slicks). If I want more suspension than what I can get by unweghting my saddle when riding then I'll use a wider tire. If a person needs a fair bit of suspension I recommend either a decent sprung saddle or a decent quality suspension seat post.
Cheers
I did not think about a spring saddle, so you can add that?
04-22-17 | 04:41 PM
#109
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Even basic bikes have advanced a long ways from what many of us remember s children/teens. Indexed shifting is a great thing. Be sure to get the shop to show you how things wrok on your bike. When I worked at a shop we'd often getthe customer onto a bike set up on a wind trainer so that we could show them how to use the gears and so the customer could try the shifting themselves. If it was a MTB we'd swap out the rear wheel for one with a smooth tire if the customer wanted to try a specific bike.
Cheers
Cheers
04-22-17 | 04:42 PM
#110
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What paths have you been on? We were thinking to break them in going to the wash just for a easy cruise, have you been there? My husband said he though it would be really easy riding.
04-23-17 | 09:01 AM
#112
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From: Wisconsin
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Even basic bikes have advanced a long ways from what many of us remember s children/teens. Indexed shifting is a great thing. Be sure to get the shop to show you how things wrok on your bike. When I worked at a shop we'd often getthe customer onto a bike set up on a wind trainer so that we could show them how to use the gears and so the customer could try the shifting themselves. If it was a MTB we'd swap out the rear wheel for one with a smooth tire if the customer wanted to try a specific bike.
Cheers
Cheers
04-23-17 | 09:22 AM
#113
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Bikes: 2015 Giant Roam 1 | 2002 Giant Sedona LX | 1980s Norco Monterey SL
As far as the saddle goes, yes, changing it is easy, takes <5 mins with a 6mm allen wrench.
Choosing a replacement saddle is another story. There are endless choices from too many manufacturers making too many styles and models, which paralyzes many (me, an experienced cyclist, included) when trying to pick one.
My suggestion is to give the factory saddle an honest try. Saddles are like shoes. What works for one person becomes another's torture device. You might find one of the following 3: that you like the one that is on there, or that you adapt to it in a few weeks, or that you hate it and need something different.
If the latter, then make sure you deal with a shop that: 1) can fit you properly to start with (they should measure your "sit-bones" as saddles come in different widths), and 2) offers return/trial periods on saddles. Most good shops should let you return a saddle for full refund in 14 days so you can take it for a few good rides to see if it works for you, or try another if it doesn't.
Cheers
TRJB
04-23-17 | 02:15 PM
#114
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From: Las Vegas, NV
That trail system after wetlands even connects all the way to Boulder City, so there no shortage of trail, only how far you want to go.
Enjoy the ride!
04-23-17 | 03:38 PM
#115
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Yeah I've been to the wash trail. The wash is a great trail to break your bikes in. It also connects to wetlands park and the wetlands trails which is a really nice place for a bike ride.
That trail system after wetlands even connects all the way to Boulder City, so there no shortage of trail, only how far you want to go.
Enjoy the ride!
That trail system after wetlands even connects all the way to Boulder City, so there no shortage of trail, only how far you want to go.
Enjoy the ride!
I was lucky, they only had one step through available in my size.
It's too bad that path is not a loop, I guess we will go a ways and turn around to get back to the car.
04-23-17 | 03:56 PM
#116
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Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
paddlers get friends to ferry for them. They drive your car and theirs to the far trailhead, leave your car and drive back together while you guys ride.
Buy them a couple bottles of wine, a baggie, or a good meal at their favorite restaurant ....
Buy them a couple bottles of wine, a baggie, or a good meal at their favorite restaurant ....
04-24-17 | 09:39 AM
#117
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From: Wisconsin
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
In my area, we have a network of paved trails. They usually follow old rail corridors, so they are not loops. You can do an up and back run, which is fine. Or maybe you can map out a ride that includes a mix of paths and roads.
04-28-17 | 04:13 PM
#118
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From: west michigan
Bikes: 15 Giant anyroad 1, 16 Trek farley 9.6, 15 Trek domane 5.2 c
IT'S FRIDAY bikes? ! ? ! Maybe ur out riding them def funner then posting
04-28-17 | 08:50 PM
#119
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05-01-17 | 03:34 PM
#122
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From: west michigan
Bikes: 15 Giant anyroad 1, 16 Trek farley 9.6, 15 Trek domane 5.2 c
Where's the pics? They are only new for a short time Take any rides yet? Be careful biking can be addictive. Most important is to ride smart and be safe. My first serious bike purchase just recently bit the dust after using it as my main bike for 7 years or so.
05-03-17 | 12:36 PM
#124
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We have ridden them every day since we got them, we LOVE them!!
05-03-17 | 12:51 PM
#125
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Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Just a hint ... you will enjoy riding more if you put the wheels on.
Is it white with a silver fork?
I recently found I like white and white/silver bikes with black parts .... my reaction to all the blacked-out bikes, i think.
Is it white with a silver fork?
I recently found I like white and white/silver bikes with black parts .... my reaction to all the blacked-out bikes, i think.