Very specific question.

Which one do you think is faster

7.4 FX - Trek Bicycle

or

Escape 1 (2016) | Giant Bicycles | United States


All stock components, tires included.

I really like them both, it has been two weeks now and I am still undecided. I am trying to find a reason to pick one over the other (the better shimano components on the trek are not enough of a good reason apparently).

Honestly you're going to have to decide that subjectively. They have the same "top gear" so you'll spin out at the same speed on both bikes. It just comes down to whether one fits you better or if you just feel more efficient on one vs. the other. Only two "major" differences I can see:

Trek has tighter gearing (11-32) than the Giant, which has a granny 34t chain ring so wider spacing between gears.
Trek is $100 more.

Interesting, can you explain me what it means in practical terms? I am completely new to this world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_inches
You can read this for background, it also links to the Sheldon Brown calculator which is fun to play around with. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but if you find that the difference between gears on the Giant is too wide (you have to work too hard when upshifting, feel like you're in between gears) then maybe the Trek would be better. Not that you can't change out the cassette cheaply but it does bring the cost closer together between the bikes. Like I said sarcastically, not a major difference.

They'll be functionally the same. Any real difference in "speed" would come from tires, but a) it would be largely insignificant and b) easily corrected. Same with differences in gearing: largely insignificant and easily corrected.

Broadly speaking, a given rider correctly fitted and positioned on both these bikes will notice no difference in "speed". They have similar geometries/set ups, so the rider position will be roughly the same: a typical flat-bar position, semi-upright, not too aggressive. Consequently, aerodynamic (the rider's) resistance will be about the same, and that is the limiting factor.

Putting this another way, if Rider B is a stronger cyclist than you, he/she will ride away from you on either bike (with you riding the other one). The converse would also be the case.

Agreed, from what I see, I wouldn't expect one to be faster than the other... Unless one were to come in red... Then, you need to remember that red is always fastest.

I personally don't like the matte black trend, so I know what I would choose, but buy whichever one makes you smile...

The one with the faster rider turning the pedals ..

Tighter gears mean each of the 9 speeds on the rear cassette are closer to each gear sizes, meaning for smoother shifts. Where as larger gear sizes like the 34t, will help you pedal up hills, but the shifts will be a bit harder.

I personally chose the 34t chain ring for help on going up the hills. There are a few times I hear a clunk when switching some gears, but to me it's worth it when climbing. Now if you don't have that many hills, or strong enough, you may not need it.

Unfortunately I live in Flatland Florida.....

I really like them both. I was really into the black matte thing until few days ago and I was kinda set on the Escape. Lately, the white 7.4 is slowly getting more interesting. I will definitely decide this weekend!

Just to help you feel better. Whichever one you get, I am sure you will be a great bike.

Thank you. I am not sure why I am so stressed about this purchase. Buying a car was an easier process...

You have a choice between 2 great bikes. I have 2 Giant bikes, one silver, the other grey and blue.
Both bikes have beautiful shiny paint finishes.

I'm not a big fan of the current matte finishes. The speed thing will all depend upon U.
Do U pedal faster on Monday or Tuesday ?? Besides, how often will you be pedaling faaaaaaaaaaaasttt ??


Just hop on each one and see which one generates the biggest smile.

Another, probably, stupid question. If I read the specs of the Escape it says it has a carbon fork w/ alloy steerer which I believe is a standard for bikes in this price range.
However, the FX 7.4 doesn't specify the steerer. It just says carbon fork. If I look at other brands they are all very specific.

Can you guys clarify a little bit better?

It's the tube portion that goes into the bike frame. I'm fairley certain the FX 7.4 has this as well.

Some information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_fork

Aluminum steerer. Don't need to see the specs; the chances of the Trek 7.4FX having a full carbon fork are zero-to-none.

The Giant looks faster.
So there you have it!

X2

RickGr4, sorta wondering................ What was you bike shopping experience with Fuji ???

I will give you the short version of the story. When I started shopping for a new bike last January, on paper I really liked the Absolute 1.1 Disc. I thought it really stood out from the pack, at least on paper. I went to SIX local bike shops that were listed as Fuji dealers. None of them had any current Fuji bikes in stock. I asked ALL SIX to check on availability of the Absolute 1.1 disc and NONE OF THE SIX got back to me. It seemed like the second I mentioned Fuji I got the rolled eye look. It was almost like Fuji was a dirty word. In the Twin Cities at least, Fuji appears to be a non-entity. I called the USA importer/distributor for Fuji bikes just to see if they were aware of how poorly their product was being represented in the Twin Cities and how poor their dealer network was here. They were nice to talk to but they didn't really care.

I realize this is not directly related to what I mentioned above but to add insult to injury, I found a bike shop in Naples, FL that claimed to have the Absolute 1.1 in stock. I decided to take a chance and order one. They took my credit card info, charged my card and then the very next day they shut their business down. Of course I never received a bike. My credit card provider eventually covered it but the entire situation was a hassle. Once again, I spoke with the Fuji USA importer/distributor and as before they were nice to talk to but they offered no real help. My situation should serve as a glaring example of why people should buy their bikes from an LBS.

I ended up spending more and buying a Giant Fastroad SLR 1 from an LBS. I am very happy with how things worked out in the end. I love my new bike and my LBS (Bike King in Inver Grove Heights, MN) has provided stellar service so far.

Today I got the Escape 1. Hopefully I will be able to enjoy it pretty soon (weather sucks now).