kizen

Hi all,
I am 59, ok shape, ride in the city to shop, explore and exercise. Had 2 older hybrids stolen in the last 3 months! Need to buy a bike, looking at Trek 700 as it inexpensive but looks like it can handle the city. But also looking at giant escape 2, as it may get me more excited to ride farther for exercise, say up west side highway and back. What do you think of the trek 700 vs giant escape 2?

Daddy Wags

My wife, who is 60, is coming off a comfort bike and wants something quicker that puts her in a more efficient pedalling position. She wants something between a comfort bike and a performance hybrid to do alot of the things you are talking about. We found the Giant City Escape W.....it's the Escape with fenders, rack, kickstand, and bell. We are heading for a nearby bikeshop to give one a try in the next day or two. I would like to hear some feedback on this particular bike or others that would mirror it.

Capecodder

I was in the same boat for a few months trying to decide which bike to buy...... I was looking at the two you mentioned as well as the Scott Sportster, Specialized Cross Trail, Trek 7200, and the Trek Fx 7.2... Well, I ended up walking out with none of the above, but with this one instead. It's a Trek/Gary Fisher (Kaitai) and it is absolutly wonderful. It is very comfy with an upright seating position, and the front shock is great over the bumpy roads. Don't be fooled by the mountian bike look, it has 700C wheels and rolls fast and smooth, and is fantasic on the dirt roads. It's a great all-around bike at home on the street or dirt roads. If I were you I would give one a test ride, and you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. I would have never even tried this bike, but a friend of mine at the bike shop suggested I give it a try, and he was right. BTW, I'm 50 years old and by no means a youngster.

kizen

Hi,

Kaitai looks good, but going the wrong direction on price:up. The Trek 700 is the least expensive, but I wonder about its durability. I don't think there is a cheaper giant than the escape, thus the comparison. Is it an apple to apple comparison?

rkerider

When I was shopping I was deciding between the Trek 7.3FX and Giant Escape. I rode the Giant on two seperate occassions and it didn't feel right. It was a 20" (large) frame but felt to big for me. I went back and rode the Trek which also had the 20" frame and it just fit perfectly. I was using the Giant as comparsion since it was selling for $400 and the Trek was $650. I shopped Craigslist last year and found a barely used 2009 Trek 7.3 FX with 20" frame and picked up for $350. It was a great purchase and I'm still enjoying commuting with that bike.