Giant and Specialized
 

I visited one of my LBSs yesterday and he sells Giant and Specialized.

We talked and I was not entirely excited about his recommendation, Specialize Sirrus. He says I really do not need what I think I want, and that I should think about it. I went home and went through both websites, Specialized is a pain as they sell so many bikes!

I want suspension and disc brakes, this will be primarily an urban jungle bike, that I will be commuting on, and hitting the trails on the weekends. I was looking full suspension but realized that was a waste....

This is my list:
Giant
Cypress DX - Disc/Front&Seatpost Suspension Lifestyle 440 Road Tire
Cypress - Front Syspension Lifestyle 360 Road Tire
Sedona DX - Disc/Front&Seatpost Suspension Lifestyle 440 MTB Tire
Cypress - Front Syspension Lifestyle 360 MTB Tire
Boulder SE - Front Suspension MTB 330 MTB Tire
Rincon - Disc/Front Suspension MTB 420 MTB Tire

Specialized
HRXC Disc - Disc/Front Suspension MTB 420 MTB Tire
HRXC - Front Suspension MTB 360 MTB Tire

Those are the Manufacturer prices... I am open to suggestions and input. I am 6'6" and about 205 lbs.

Thanks in advance,

John

You definitley don't want the Sirrus, it does not look like it will mount fenders with those brakes.

edit: on a closer look it seems to have eyelets for racks

How serious are the trails you're riding? If you need the suspension and knobbies you will pay the price for that on pavement for your commute. You can ride hard earth/crushed gravel just fine with just 38 slicks (80 psi).

I was leaning towards the slicks, as the trails I ride are pretty easy...

I am not really excited about the Sirrus, too road bikey for me...

The Sirrus has mounts for racks and fenders. It's a great street bike with relaxed riding position, but as it comes stock it's way more on the road bike side than the hybrid side.

Equipped with slightly more burly rims as would be found on a cyclocross, and more aggressive tread on the tires, the Sirrus would be a solid choice for a fast street bike with some burl left for a little of the rough stuff.

well, all I can say is I bought a Giant faced with a similar dilema last year. I went more road/touring but I love my bike. Giants are great bikes as they are the worlds largest frame maker, so everything basically fits right up. Take them each for a ride around the block and pick which one you like best. Don't worry about what the guy at the shop says unless it's recall information. Pick whichever one you feel most comfortable and ultimately makes you most happy.

Plus the price on the Giant models is much better than the Sirrus. The pricing on the MTBs is similiar between Giant and Specialized. I really think the MTB setup is overkill for me.

Anyone have experience with the Cypress?

Thanks so much guys and gals!

The Cypress is the first bike I got as an adult, and it got me into cycling, but I outgrew it. I had the 2005 bottom-of-the-line model. Its too "comfort". The seat position is too upright (I ended up flipping the riser bars down). The stock saddle is crap (comfort saddles are horrible for any real riding). The wheels came out of true pretty quickly. The seatpost nut kept coming loose causing the seat to rotate. I don't know how much things improve as you go up to better models.

Ask your LBS if they have closeouts on last years models. I snagged an '07 Hardrock last month for around $300. Wasnt' disc, but could have gone for disc for $100 more.

I would definitely change the saddle....

I don't know if they have any closeouts, I would have to check with them, I know it will come down to going in there when it is time to pull the trigger...

I think if I go hybrid bike it will be Giant and if I go MTB it will be Specialized...

Both are decent brands of bikes...I have several Giants and have always felt they were an excellent value for the dollar. Get what YOU want, set up the way you want it.

Aaron:)

BTW Emerson Hart from the "Tonic" era rocks. Used to see them every year they came in for the local music festical.

There should be some closeouts or leftovers. I got mine as an 06 Leftover in 07 and saved like 200 bucks.

I've been happy with a 2005 Giant Cypress DX. It's great for crushed limestone trails and gravel roads.