LamDragon

Hi all,

I'm new to riding and i'm looking to purchase my first hybrid in over 10 years! I've done some research and narrowed down my options to 3 bikes. Cannondale Quick 6, Giant Escape 2, and the Giant Roam 3. I plan to do most of my riding on the road, but also take it out to the occasional dirt trail when camping. I also have some nice bike trails by my house, so I don't want to limit myself to just the roads.

Would anyone be so kind and to look at the parts of these bikes and offer your suggestions on the best bang for my buck? My price range would be around $450-550 as I am on a budget. Below are the links to each bike and their specification. Your thoughts and comments are welcome, thank you all!

Cannondale Quick 6
Quick 6 - QUICK - FITNESS - FITNESS & URBAN - BIKES - 2015

Giant Escape 2
Escape 2 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States

Giant Roam 3
Roam 3 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States

squatchout

What are the trails like that you'll be riding? If you're doing mostly on road stuff and the occasional smoother offroad trail then the Quick or Escape should do well. If the off road stuff gets bumpier then you're probably going to want the Roam. I think the Giant models listed are probably better bang for your buck than the Cannondale, but all are good bikes. I would recommend riding them all if you haven't yet and seeing what you think.

pelletan

I can't speak for the Quick 6 and the Roam 3, but I purchased a 2015 Escape 2 last week and love it so far. I do mostly road and paved bike trails but it performs well in light dirt trails.

LamDragon

Thanks guys, I think i'm leaning towards the Quick 6 or the Escape 2. I don't know too many bumpy dirt paths, so I don't think the front suspension on the Roam 3 is that important for me. I'm gonna go to my LBS this Friday and try them both.

Krevra

I went to see a Escape 2 yesterday and talked to the LBS about changing tires, said you can put some 38c or 40c tires on it, just not super knobby. But He also said Giant just makes great bikes all around. Chances are ill get the Escape 2. Also the price at my LBS was 450. Though i kinda worry about the quick release tires and seat, them thieves op.

squatchout

You can always swap out the quick release stuff for locking skewers for the wheels and seat if need be. You can also get a good u-lock and cable and lock the rear wheel and seat stay with the u-lock to the object you're locking to, and run the cable from the u-lock through the front wheel and/or seat. Or you can even take off the front wheel and put it beside the rear wheel and lock the u-lock through both of the wheels and the seat stay and to the object you're locking it to.

MikeinBuffalo

I have the Escape 2. It is a wonderful machine. Just my 2 cents.

GZ99

I was looking at the Giant escape when I was still deciding which bike I wanted to buy. The local dealers had a few in stock. I decided I wanted to get a bike with a fork suspension for when I occasionally ride rough trails. I am not getting younger, and my old Schwinn MOAB was HELL on my hands and arms when roughing it. I have ridden a few Giant bicycles recently. My best friend and riding buddy rides a Giant comfort MTB along with his fiancée. My neighbor and new riding buddy also has a Giant MTB. As far as I can tell the Giant bikes are well built (good welds, good aluminum) and look solid.

In short... I would buy one for myself.

Imabmwnut

I have a Roam 3. I like the shock fork. Lock it for paved,unlock it for dirt.