Znewbie

Hello (new) friends,
I'm looking to buy my first bicycle (not counting the ones i rode as a kid). I live in NYC and would love to use it to commute around the city, but also hope to take it out for longer (thinking ~30ish miles) rides out. Also only counting on being in NYC another 2 years or so, so hopefully should be able to ride around lots more in the future.
SO... i was thinking of getting a hybrid. Visited three LBS's this past week, and the two bicycles that seemed to fit my goals and ride well are the Bianchi Cortina and the Giant Escape 2. both were a good feel when i tried them out.
Hoping for some thoughts and help about these two, or any others that might seem similar, please!

Znewbie

ps I am a petite female, if that helps

TomCat_Ford

I bought my wife a Giant Escape 1W last year (2012 model), and she absolutely loves it. For her, it was down to the Giant and a Specialized Vita. She went with the Giant after riding both (even though she liked the pink accents on the Specialized better). While she hasn't put a ton of miles on the bike (200-300 last year I'd guess and dozens of hours mounted in a trainer this winter), it has been a great and comfortable bike for her.

Cfiber

Thirty miles sounds like a long haul on a hybrid to me. I'd get a road bike with cross levers. Otherwise, if you must get a hybrid, the Giant Escape 1W seems much better than the 2w. At any rate, get the Escape to quench ur hybrid thirst.

Wanderer

I do 30, 40, miles every day, sometimes carrying groceries, sometimes carrying lunch or supper. It's a great bike for those kind of miles. Kind of like a tourer for the city....

DocsDad

Agreed... My wife and I ride 30+ miles as the norm. Quick, comfortable and versatile. Ride the bikes and see what feels best to you.


Here's my wife's bike on a grocery run.


Here's mine on a 30 mile commute home from work.