What does a high-dollar bike have going for it that mine doesn't?
 

Recently got the first new bike I've had since I was a kid - a Giant Cypress DX. 24-speed, twist shifters. Got it on sale as last year's model for $440. So far I've been really happy with it. Includes 30, 60 & 90 day adjustments on the bike.

The other bike I was looking at was a Cannondale - I believe one of the Adventure models. Other than the Cannondale being a little lighter, what seemed to be the biggest difference is the tool-free quick-adjust stem on the Cannondale. Intriguing but I couldn't see spending another $110 for a feature that it wasn't clear I'd really use that much.

Within the hybrid realm what would be quantifiably better on a more expensive bike than my Giant?

Your new bike represents good value. If you spent more on a hybrid, the most apparent changes would be components which are more durable, finely finished, and of better/lighter weight material.

A couple of examples:
Alloy chainwheels vs. stamped steel
Alloy pedals vs nylon
Trigger shifters vs. cheap twist grips which wear out quickly
All metal rear derailleur with smoother action vs. nylon/metal
Better/lighter weight grade of tire
Anatomic saddle with durable covering vs cheap vinyl covered saddle
Beefier alloy brake calipers
Polished metal finishes vs anodized black

OP, you've already received the correct answer over on the board-formerly-known-as-the-41.

Answer: if you are happy with and love what you have, no point in asking the question. Your bike is as good as any other bike. If you are asking the question, though, the answer is that "absolutely everything" is - or can be - quantifiably better. This applies no less to "hybrids" than it does to road, mountain, touring bikes.

Now, off to make some popcorn and watch the fun.

Buy a chevy or buy a cadillac. Both are gm products but one gets you there practically and one gets you there in style and comfort. More expensive gets you smoother lighter more reliable parts and bragging rights. Also a lot of times you get better paint choices when you spend more money.

oddjob2 pretty much coverd it. We need to define what constitues low-common-high end bikes. Seems to me the componente differences between the low end and mid-range of $1300 (msrp) bikes can be significant, and less so moving from that to $2000 bikes. But that difference will be significant based on your riding style - very casual, fitness, or competition . Don't forget anal-retentiveness-if you are a perfectionist, well then a very high-end bike is the only one for you. Also, I've met up with a folks my age moving to carbon frames and the ride is so much more comfortable.

After your riding style dictating the bike, then maintenance is needed no matter what to keep it functioning the way it's supposed to. Drive train components, bearings, spokes all have to be properly adjusted and kept that way. I've heard the story change from "this bike is complete crap," to "hey is really nice" just from fixing stuff that was never maintained. Sometimes you here of a set of wheels that cannot be kept straight no matter what and that's not always cost-based. Hardcore riders pushing their bikes require wheel sets costing more than I'm willing to pay for a bike.

You get to pay a lot more for better components, less weight etc. That's worth it to some of us, when you consider how much some people spend on cars, dinners, hobbies, better tools etc.
Most important though is the "smugness" factor.
I built a far better set of wheels for my hybrid than stock.
Nobody really notices, but I sure feel more smug. Almost as much as a Prius owner.:p

Frame material and shifting components make up a big chunk of the bike purchase

Why would a carbon frame be more comfortable?

different materials are afforded properties perceived by the subject .


different materials are afforded properties perceived by the subject . + there are benefits to hand lay up of the materials..

works with Fiberglass in boats too ...


think about it a moment .. a plastic with bones in it .. carbon

seen the new trek domane for the roadie set? put a rubber rather than a rigid connection
at the top of the seat tube , so the whole seat tube flexes all the way ti the BB, for saddle vibrations to be less,,

+ not really add much weight .. it's offered in Aluminum too .

Wasn't previously familiar with the bike but I took a look. My Giant Cypress DX has a "shock absorber" seat and adjustable front fork suspension, seems to give a really comfortable ride.

Not clear why a carbon frame per se would make the ride any more comfortable.

I guess it would depend on your wants. If a soft cushy ride is what you want, you could spend money on a tire upgrade and find it worthwhile. Otherwise, no, more money does not give you a more cushy ride.

Not everyone wants the same thing though and that's where more money does buy you better. Big difference between my $600 hybrid and my $2000 hybrid for what *I* want. For you, that $2000 bike may be a downgrade.

When I was researching the bike I wanted, I had my short list down to a Giant Roam 2 or a Specialized Crosstrail Sports Disc. I went to my LBS, which luckily happens to be a dealer for both brands. The components were essentially equal but the prices were $200 apart. I hated the stock seats and tires on both, so customizing costs were going to be the same, no matter which one I purchased. I test rode both and couldn't tell the difference. I went with the Giant and paid $200 less. 6 months later, I still go into my LBS and test ride various bikes from time to time and I still can't find a better feeling ride for me than the Giant, no matter how much more expensive another bike is.

To me, given the almost exponential rise in costs of bike components for smaller and smaller gains in performance/comfort just aren't worth it. I see people in my LBS buying $5k to $12k bikes all the time. If I'm paying over $1k for any vehicle, it better have an engine on it (other than me), keep me dry in the rain, and warm in the winter, because there is nothing you can put on a human powered bicycle that is worth that much to me. The component costs are so inflated it's just plain ridiculous. But, as long as fools are willing to be parted from their money, the manufacturers will continue to gladly take your money.

Carbon frames can be engineered to flex in a way that provides a smoother more comfortable ride. On a hybrid with big tires and a suspension fork it is not gonna make a big difference.

Yup, I agree with this.
I have the road bike I want :thumb:, I have the hybrid I want :thumb:, and I have the cheap and nasty hardtail 29er :twitchy:.
BUT, I freekin lust after a cheap steel rigid 1 x 9/10, 29er :love:.

Right - I cannot see spending $5k on a bike either, but have no judgement on someone who want's to. It's their money, and their ride. I opted for tires on my road bike (on sale) and wow what a nice ride. I can do a lot of tires to make up the difference between a $1200 road bike and a 5k road bike, if it's just the comfortable ride.

Sorry I got tied up with all the responses and just noticed this was your actual question.
What oddjob2 said is your answer.

Keith Bontrager summed it up best:

"Strong. Light. Cheap. Pick two."

Whether it matters to you is your own decision

though shifting production abroad, tries to make all 3 a bit more of a mix, with the family name owned by Trek these days ..

The bottom line a $500-800 price range bike can still be a very nice ridable bike. I do a 30-50 mile ride every weekend on my $650 Kona Splice and average 15-18 mph, and sometimes pass guys on expensive road bikes.

A more expensive bike will get you a lighter frame along with better components and a cooler look. If you like your bike and its comfortable for you to ride, enjoy it and keep it.

Well, he did say that before Trek sucked all the soul out of the brand.

But yeah, it is a rather idealistic statement. There have been many, many expensive, light, and weak cycling products over the years

Keith was a guy building bikes in a 2 car garage , then got bigger , then got an offer

retirement pension deal no doubt .. . the Trek company absorbed Klein and Fisher too

LeMond was an irritant ... after a while , so they dropped that deal..

Carbon does not have a monopoly on this. The most comfortable bikes I've ever owned have been steel, plus no dead feel often found with carbon frames. Granted carbon can be made lighter, but I don't race so a bit more weight does not matter to me.

You got a lot of bike for $440.00 and it was a good deal if it does what you want it to. Which is to say if you enjoyed the last ride and look forward to the next ride then you really don't need to spend more money.

+1
I spent a lot of time wondering if I made the right choice, and whether I should upgrade etc. Then I discovered that the more I ride, the less I want to upgrade or change my bike - it is only when I am not riding lots that I start looking at bike shops. So the solution for me was quite simple - ride lots, ride frequently - and since I am back to commuting by bike, this is daily :)

:lol: