jon_h

Hello,

I'm a newbie, so please be gentle.

My wife and I have recently moved to an area with lots of cycle paths nearby, and we're interested in buying bikes as a good way of exploring the area and getting some exercise. If we get sufficiently into cycling we are likely to take our bikes farther afield, but in the first instance we'll be sticking to the Dallas Fort Worth area. We'll be cycling almost exclusively on hard surfaces, and mostly fairly flat (there aren't too many hills around here!), but it'd be good if we were able to off-road it if necessary (I'm thinking cycling on the grass to go around walkers rather than on dirt-paths or mountains).

Neither of us has owned a bike for a long time (10 years for my wife, more like 15 years for me) so we could really do with some advice from you nice, knowledgeable people. From what I've read I think hybrid bikes will suit us. The max I'd really like to spend is $350 per bike (we were originally hoping to spend more like $250 per bike but if spending an extra $100 means we'll get something we will enjoy riding more and get more use out of, then that seems like it would be worth it). I am 6'4" tall, so I'm looking for a larger size men's bike. My wife is 5'10" tall so is looking for a larger size women's bike or a smaller/average size men's bike (and from our initial visits to look at bikes is leaning towards the latter, partially because a lot of the women's bikes are in very girly colours, and partly because some did't have shock absorbers which she would like). We're both slim (if that makes any difference) and are in reasonable health (but could definitely be in better shape). I'm hoping that at this price we would get bikes that will last us for at least 3-4 years of casual riding.

So my question is, what would you buy if you were in our situation? To summarize: 2 hybrid bikes, max $350 each, 1 for a 6'4" man and one for a 5'10" lady, suitable for mostly flat, hard surface cycling.

From what I can tell, the ower end Diamondbacks might be a good bet, and as a bonus we can get them shipped to nearby sports stores who will put them together for us at no extra charge. Our current leading candidates are:
Diamondback Kalamar for my wife: Academy - Diamondback Men's Kalamar 26" Casual Hybrid Bike
Diamondback Edgewood 2015 for me: Diamondback Edgewood Bike 2015 | DICK'S Sporting Goods

I would be extremely grateful for any suggestions, comments on the bikes we're considering, or other advice that might help us make a decision and enjoy our bikes. Please let me know if you need any further information in order to provide advice.

AU Tiger

If you have a Giant dealer nearby, check out the Escape 3 and the corresponding women's-specific Liv Alight 3. They're a step up from the ones you mentioned, and you should be able to get each of them for $350.

cs1

Ditto, my son has one. It's a lot of bike for the money.

mrl72

Yep, Escape 3 exactly $350. But factor in another $30 for a decent seat!

yuoil 

I would recommend any of the entry level Giants as well. Take a look at the Cypress as well. It's a little more comfort oriented than the Escapes.

Canadian_giant

See my screen name. You guessed it, biased to the Escape. Visit a bike shop and take one for a spin. If it feels comfortable, and you can afford it then it's the bike for you.

squatchout

Like others said, you would probably be better off spending a little more and going with something like the Giant Escape 3 and Liv Alight 3. There should be at least one Giant dealer in your area (there are probably a few in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area). Store Finder - Giant Bicycles | United States

I think you both would probably be happier if you got those over the Diamondback from a sports store. Getting them from a good bike shop means they will more likely be put together and adjusted well, they will professionally fit and adjust it to you for free, you will more likely get good service, potentially free lifetime adjustments depending on the shop, etc. It's definitely worth it.

My fiance just got the Giant/Liv Alight 3, and it's a good bike for the money. I would have your wife try riding one and see how she liked it and if she minds not having a front shock. If she did want a shock, like yuoil mentioned, she could look at a comfort bike like the Cypress. There's also the Rove 3, but it's another $100 over the Alight 3 Rove 3 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States. I definitely recommend going and test riding any of them you think you might be interested in and seeing what you guys like. It can be a lot of fun going and testing bikes too.

practical

Or, if you find the seat gets hard, try getting a gel pad. I think they work great.

jon_h

Thanks for all the great information. It sounds like there is a concensus that we'd be better off with Giant bikes, and I do have a number of retailers not far away so I'll be making a visit sometime soon to check out the Escape 3 and Cyprus for me. My wife is baulking a bit at spending an extra $130 over the price of the Diamondback that she has been eyeing up, but she may change her mind after she looks at an Alight 3 or Cypress W.

I do have a couple more questions (well, I have lots of questions but I'm going to limit myself to a couple right now):
Is the main advantage of Giant over the likes of Diamondback the professional set-up and adjustment in the store, or is there also a better quality of build/components?

Secondly, can anyone elaborate the difference(s) between the Giant Escape/Alight and Cypruss models please? I see above that the Cypruss models are a little more comfort orientated, which will probably be suitable for us, but what exactly does this mean; does that refer to the riding posture, seat, suspension? I know that I'll see/find out some of this in the store, but I like to be as prepared as possible beforehand so I'm not just talked into buying the more expensive model without really understanding what the differences are.

Thanks again for all the helpful advice.

DaveTMpls

Jon -- I also recommend you test-ride Specialized and Trek bikes. When I was cross-shopping Specialized Sirrus vs. Giant Escape, I found the Sirrus frame geometry fit me better (long torso).

Little Darwin

Ride as many brands of bikes as you can, and buy the one that speaks to you. If one seems a little too upright, and one feels a little too aggressive, I suggest going toward the aggressive, because as long as it isn't extremely beyond your comfort zone, you will easily adjust to it over time as you gain fitness and flexibility.

You and your wife may have different bikes that speak to you, and that is perfectly fine too... Whatever keeps you rolling together.

swoodjr1

i would also try get your wife to shy away from a front shock. The type of riding you describe doesn't need one. The shocks on bikes in that price range don't really work well and don't usually have a lock out feature. The Giant Escape 3 is an excellent suggestion. The bike I ride most of the time is similar.

george25923

I bought a Diamond Back Wildwood last May after not riding for many years. I rode it for about 1300 miles from May-Oct 2014 when I got a Trek Shift 3 that I have ridden over 2500 miles since Oct. It is MUCH more comfortable than the DB was. I kept the DB to ride on the beach and did not ride it for about 3 months. We had a garage sale so I rode it around the parking to see how it was. It was so uncomfortable compared to the Shift 3 that I could not figure out how I rode it 1300 miles. I sold it at the garage sale and now ride my Trek on the beach at low tide. I rode a Cypress W at the Giant dealer last week and it was nice. I will probably get it or another hybrid soon. The DB is a nice bike but the Giant or a better bike will serve you much longer before you get the N+1 fever. Just my $.02
Em

canuck_biker

I just recently purchased my first hybrid bike, a Giant Roam XR1 (used to own a Specialized mountain bike). After testing out Trek/Specialized/Norco, Giant and a few other makes, I finally decided on Giant. I found similar ride quality in many of the bikes (all good), but what made me choose Giant was overall better "value" i.e. components/parts. More "bang for the buck", in other words

squatchout

The Escape/Alight will be lighter, more agile, and feel snappier than the Cypress. The Cypress will have a bit more upright relaxed riding position and be cushier (think sportier car vs comfier car). Definitely go ride them and see how they feel and how you fit on them.

Yes, you could definitely check out bikes from other brands, it doesn't have to be Giant. Giant just has pretty much the lowest price point for bikes of that class, which is why I recommended it.

Slow Bro

I just purchased one also, 2015 XR 1. One sexy bike. Congrats on your pick up.

canuck_biker

What an amazing bike! Congrats! I had to hunt around for it. It was sold out here in Whitby. Eventually found it in stock @ Sporting Life in Markham, and all bikes at the store were tax-free the day I purchased

Slow Bro

Sweet deal. I paid the sticker price at the Giant store here in Toronto but the price was already discounted so it was worth it. Sales dude told me that there was only 1 more S and the M's were all gone. I didn't plan on buying it since I just purchased a brand new left over stock Jamis Coda Elite last month. But as soon as I saw the XR1 in person at the store I HAD to have one.

canuck_biker

Hey how do you find the SLX shifters on your XR? Mine are a bit laggy. I know you have to work them in a bit, but I'm really tempted to upgrade them to Deore series. No rush, going to enjoy my new bike as is for now

keniutek

No point in going from slx to deore Either go for the xt, or stick with what You have now.

BrockLee

jon_h - My wife just bought her first hybrid bike a couple months ago, the Giant Escape 1. She is uncomfortable on the saddle primarily because her old bike was a comfort mountain bike with a big, padded saddle. If your wife hasn't ridden for a long time she may have the same problem and you might want to be prepared to purchase a more comfortable saddle regardless of which bike you end up purchasing. Maybe even for you too.

BrockLee

As far as trying on numerous bikes my idea is this; Why bother? Within the category of bike you're looking for (in this case a hybrid) find the bike that you like best from a physical attraction standpoint. Any bike can be made to fit you through a combination of saddle height, saddle angle, saddle type, stem angle, stem rise, etc. The only reason you'd want to try bike after bike is if you happen to find one that everything (or almost everything) already fits you right. Bike shops are ready to fit you to the bike when you purchase.

canuck_biker

Ya that's what I was thinking too. XT M780's...Thx!

BikerNana

I am in the process of buying either a Giant Roam XR or a Specialized Rockhopper. I am having a problem making up my mind as I rode both and loved both. Also the store offered me a deal on a 2013 Rockhopper still in the carton. I need help deciding and wonder which bike has the best components or should I take the 2013 and be happy with the deal. Help please.

Slow Bro

My shifters feel fine. The Jamis and Giant both shift great. These were the first bikes that I have purchased within the last 25 years though so to me these both are fast, smooth shifting bikes.