little.old.lady

I'm wondering about the difference between two bikes 1. The Giant Sedona W and 2. the Giant Flourish 2. .... although I have only test ridden the Giant Sedona W so far ... I'm still looking for a store that carries the Giant Flourish 2.

Just wondered if you all think it would be easier to ride the Flourish 2 up hills since it has a larger, thinner tire? But alas it might also be a heavier bike, I have not been able to have it weighed yet since I've not found one in a LBS. The Sedona W weights about 30.5 lbs, so it's not exactly lightweight.

I also test rode a third bike, a Trek FX 2, and loved that it was only 25.5 ish pounds, but it's not an upright bike really, and I love the upright position of the Sedona. I've been told I could get a stem extender and different, more rounded handlebars on the FX 2 or 3, but it seems it would still not make it as comfortable and upright to sit on at the Sedona. If I was only riding in flat parking lots, and not up hills sometimes, I'd buy the Sedona.

Any thoughts much appreciated! Thanks.

Oops - I tried to copy and paste the comparison of the two bikes from the Giant website below, but it appears that did not come out too well ... so... :

The Flourish - cassette = Shimano HG-31 11x34, 8 speed
The Sedona - cassettee = Shimano TZ31 14x34, 7 speed freewheel

The Flourish - Tires = CST, 700x38
The Sedona - Tires = Kenda K892, 26x2.1



Average Retail Price $580 $350 Frame
Sizes XS, S, M XS, S, M Colors Lilac Satin Greyish Purple/Silver Frame ALUXX-grade aluminum ALUXX-grade aluminum, Step-through Fork Chromoly Chromoly Components
Handlebar Alloy, low riser, 25.4mm High-Tensile Steel, 25.4 Stem Alloy, adjustable Steel, adjustable Seatpost Alloy Suspension, 30.9mm Alloy Suspension, 30.9mm Saddle Liv Comfort Giant Comfort, Women's Pedals Nylon/Anti-Slip Platform Nylon/Anti-Slip Platform Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Tourney SRAM MRX Pro Index, Twist Front Derailleur Shimano M191 Shimano M311 Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus Shimano Tourney Brakes Alloy, Direct Pull Alloy, Direct Pull Brake Levers Alloy Comfort Alloy Cassette Shimano HG-31 11x34, 8-speed Shimano TZ31 14x34, 7-Speed freewheel Chain KMC Z72 KMC Z51 Crankset Suntour XCC, 28/38/48 SR Suntour XCC, 28/38/48 Wheels
Bottom Bracket Sealed cartridge, Threaded Sealed Cartridge, Threaded Rims Giant Alloy, Double-wall Giant Alloy, Single Wall Hubs Alloy, 32h Alloy, 36h Spokes Stainless Steel, 14g Stainless Steel, 14g Tires CST, 700x38 Kenda K892, 26x2.1 Extras Front/Rear lighting, fenders, chaincover, kickstand, basket

Maelochs

Differences I noticed: The Flourish has a better rear hub/cassette--The Sedona has a freewheel/ccluster while the Flourish has a freehub/cassette. I am pretty sure you wont be stressing either enough for that to matter, but still ....The Flourish comes with lights and fenders. if you ever plan to ride in traffic or low-light conditions this could matter. The fenders only matter if you ride during or after a rainstorm--in which case the really matter.

The Flourish has Shimano shifters instead of a Sram twist-shift---my preference, either can work.

Both bikes should get up hills with 28x34 low gearing. The Sedona tires are ridiculously wide (2.1 inches, 55 mm) But I guess for comfort cruising those big balloons are fine ... but heavy. I cannot imagine taking that bike onto the kind of terrain where 2.1" tires would really make a traction difference.

The Sedona also has a suspension seat post. I guess some of them work, maybe--a little--but it is hard for me to imagine the kind of shocks it would take t make you need a suspension seat post on those 2.1-inch tires. it's not a mountain bike. (Hmmmm ....t eh spec sheet says the Flourish also has a suspension seat post but I don't see it in the picture.)

it looks like the Flourish has stronger wheels, but ... again, this is not a trail bike.

It looks like the Flourish has an adjustable stem, which should make it easy to dial in a comfortable riding position.

Both look to have rear rack mounts, and the Flourish seems to come with a kickstand.

is the Flourish twice as good for your needs, that it costs twice as much?

Which one do you like better?

little.old.lady

Maelochs, thank you so much for your answer! I don't know yet which one I like better, because so far I have only been able to find the Sedona W to test ride. I LOVED the Sedona W, size XS, on a flat paved parking lot. I'm 5' 1 1/2" tall. There was no where to try it going up hill. What I loved most about it was the wonderful fit for me and the upright position. I don't feel I need the larger tires for "comfort", I'm fine with the thinner tires. I mostly ride on pavement.

I do ride one bike path, about 10 or 12 miles long, that is uphill all one direction. Then I ride on one street that has a lot of uphill, plus around town with no hills.

I will call around tomorrow to see if I can test ride the Flourish somewhere.

I also test rode the Trek FX 2. It has 700 tires, weighs 5 lbs less, and I can feel the difference in weight. But one has to lean much further forward, and even if I got different handlebars and a stem riser I don't think it would be the same as the upright bike.

What I want is a 25 lb upright comfort bike with the thinner tires, not sure anyone makes that ... at least I can't find it.

Paul Barnard

I wanted one of those for my wife. You are right, one doesn't exist. I bought a Nashbar Flat Bar road bike, added a comfy saddle, stem riser and handlebars with a good deal of sweep and she has a 22 pound performance cruiser. Talk to the Trek shop about that. They probably have a bin of take-off handlebars and saddles that they will switch for a nominal fee. A $25 stem raiser and you have your performance cruiser.

Maelochs

LOL. I have been preaching the virtues of the Nashbar flatbar road bike as an entry bike for a few years ... now I have an even better reason.

Brilliant conversion.

Way better than the Giants ... and I tend to like Giant.

little.old.lady

Thank you! I will look in to that!