This is the first time I've ever heard anything about "clunky" shifting with an Escape. I would think that clunking could be attributed to some type of an adjustment problem. I would suggest that you retry another Giant Escape, in order to verify your initial shifting impression of the Escape.

Also, let's not omit the Jamis Coda Comp. I'm certain that you should be able to test ride a Coda Comp, before pulling the trigger. The Codas are all great Performance hybrids that will practically last a lifetime!

The Giant dealer was a well known cycle shop in the area but the sales personel were not super friendly. Could have been because they specialize in high end road bikes im not sure. Both Giant models I tried used the same style shifter, but like you said could have been out of adjustment. I would like to try the Jamis Coda (gf has a Jamis Hudson, seems nice) but I havent been able to find a local Jamis dealer that carries them.

Next time I visit the Trek store I plan to test all 3 models. Their staff is super friendly and let me cruise around the block all I wanted.

I like the 7.5FX with the isozone monostay frame. I think its one of those bike features that is not BS. This bike is super comfy over bumpy roads.

Consider a test ride beyond around the block. Climb a small hill, descent a hill, ride over bumpy terrain.

Which is why you ride the bikes to see what fits and feels best to you, as opposed to deciding that the 'only choice' is the best value on paper.

I never encourage poeple to spend more than their budget allows. I do think the 7.4 is worth it if you can comfortably afford it, but I will say that I am happily doing 30 - 35km rides on my 7.2 over crappy roads, gravel paths and groomed woodland trails and I have no real complaints. As my fitness level improves, I will be going longer.

All I've done is swap the grips for a set with integrated bar ends, just to give me a change-up in hand positions on longer rides. And as you correctly point out, maxing out the budget on the bike itself would leave you no room for accessories or assorted extras.

+1

I agree with this guy almost 100%....

However, I do absolutely believe that you should totally max out on your bike purchase. As long as you can pay rent (or mortgage), utilities, food costs, and bills, by all means...Max Out!

You can always buy a lock, helmet, shoes, pump, tubes, patch kit, etc...Later! Heck! Let the bike sit for a month or two. Just make certain that the bike you're gonna spend thousands of hours upon, can give you the greatest amount of pleasure and comfort you almost couldn't afford! :D

^^^ I have to say, you make a compelling case for maxing out. :)

I agree with this. I recently got a 7.3, and after (finally) managing to ride a 3 and 4 back to back (nobody had one of each in my size in stock) I couldn't really see spending the extra $150 on a derailleur that probably wasn't going to fail appreciably sooner than the more expensive one (the shift quality of both bikes was the same), and a CF fork that, while being lighter, didn't really affect how fast I could ride or how easily I could lift the bike onto my bike rack, and didn't really seem to feel all that more comfortable either. Frankly, were I to go to a 4 it would have to be the disc model, but that was laughably above my budget.

Sidebar: isn't the worst drive the one you make with a brand new bike on the rack on the back of your car? You want nothing more than to be on the darned thing, and you worry that some numbnuts ordering a pizza on his phone is going to rear end you. (In my defense I had to drop off a malfunctioning bike to be fixed, and didn't have anyone to drive me so I could ride home).

I ended up taking a 7.2, 7.3, and a 7.4 out for long test rides today. Ended up going with a 7.3 in black and green since it seemed like a good step above the 7.2 and I didnt notice a significant improvement with the 7.4. Tough choice but I think they're all really good. Thanks for everyones help/input :D

Congrats, on your new Trek! :thumb:

:speedy:

Now ride it like you stole it! :D

Congrats, you will love it.................

Thanks! Yep took it out for a quick 10 mile ride down the local trail this morning and its super smooth. I already fell off into a ditch so thats out of the way lol. Was trying to come to a quick stop and fell over, just need to get used to V-brakes.

Let us know how it is climbing hills. My guess is you will be impressed.

It climbs hills with ease, I love how easy it is compared to my cruiser. There is a very steep hill a few blocks away that I was unable to climb on my cruiser, cant wait to try the FX on it.

Practice makes perfect. Use the lower gears and spin up the hill. Once you get a little confidence, you can try standing and hammering up short, steep climbs.

Compared to my Diamondback (which has a suspension fork and is noticeably heavier), the Trek practically glides up hills. It also maintains speed pretty well, probably down to it's light weight and gearing.

The wife and I both bought a 7.3 and couldn't be happier. The only thing we've done is added bar ends and only for more riding positions. We were both getting a bit tired after 20 miles or so of the same hand position. After adding the bar ends......they are perfect. You do have to get a certain adapter to allow them to be mounted on the Iso-Zone grips, but they're relatively inexpensive. Good riding.....

Congrats and enjoy!

I test rode a 7.5 it ses like a very nice bike my only question would be can you replace the is isozone monostay when it gets worn out

I never heard of one wearing out...... I think it is more of an isolator(an interrupter), than a shock absorber, isolating vibration from upward travel.

I am debating getting bar ends for mine. I've not noticed any pain or stiffness after 20+ mile long rides (often on consecutive days as well), so I'm not sure I'd even use them much. I don't want to spend the dosh if I'm just going to take them back off again.

Bar ends help with standing and climbing.

If you're not feeling like you need them then you probably don't. I was noticing that as my rides got longer (25-35km) I was trying to shift my hands into a different position for comfort. I can't say it ever approached the levelof pain, but the desire to move my hands to a different spot was definitely there, only there was no other spot to move them to. Now I shift them as needed from the bars to the end grips without even being aware of it, and I am enjoying the longer rides even more. That and clipless pedals have been the biggest improvements to my riding experience.

Could you point me to the bar ends and adaptor you purchased? We're they hard to install?

Not exactly sure how to include a link, but here goes my attempt. They were not hard at all to install. Did both bikes in about 15 minutes.

Bontrager Satellite Plus ISOZone Bar End Adapter - Bar Ends - Handlebars - Components -Trek Store

hope the link works but if not just Google Isozone bar end adapter. The adapter allows you to put just about any bar end on...