Giant CRS 1.0 or 2.0

StaggerLee

Hi All,

I'm looking to use the cycle to work tax saver scheme and have been looking at both of these bikes. My commute would be from Swords to Dublin city centre and I would realistically only be doing it 2-3 times a week during the bright evening months. I have a crappy Shockwave hybrid I bought in Halfords a few years ago and want to change, I only use this for the odd cycle for recreation, I dont think its up to the commute.

I have looked through the specs of both bikes, a lot of the parts are different. Basically all I am looking for is a good durable bike, light a relatively fast, decent tyres to help avoid punctures, I'm 6 foot 2 so needs to be a good fit also. The CRS 1.0 is €770 + lights and mudguards in Richies in Swords, I also want to get a Jacket and new lock, its briging the price up quite a bit.

Basically I suppose I'm asking, is it worth the extra €200 or so for the CRS 1.0 for what I want to use it for.


http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=30406

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=30396

Coronal

The major upgrade seems to be for the disc brakes and the composite fork. If you are considering paying ~770, something like this could be more suited. I don't know if you looked at road bikes at all, or intentionally left them out?

The road bike would also be nicer if you wanted to go for spins at the weekend. Personally, I regretted buying my hybrid and should have saved more for the road bike to start with...

In general, more expensive components = better shifting and quality. The CRS 1 seems to be about a level up for each part. If you have the cash, then go for the CRS 1. No point regretting it in a few months! Also, if a bike feels just that little bit nicer (or even if you think it does), you want to get out on it a bit more

StaggerLee

Thanks Coronal,

I haven't really looked at a road bike, to be honest I have never been on one. I always thought of them as being for racing and less robust than the Hybrids / Mountain bikes. Probably way off the mark here??
Please forgive my Naivity

BostonB

The CRS seem to be more aimed at a comfy ride. The one I tried was very comfy. I think a Giant Rapid, of Defy would be lighter and faster though. Depends what you are looking for.

I'd say all decent bikes are robust enough for commuting. Unless you live on a mountain with no roads.

Coronal

Not at all, I'd be the same if I hadn't been hanging about here! They look more flimsy and feel a lot lighter, but they're pretty tough. Unless you're jumping up and down off kerbs and diving through potholes (and even at that) you shouldn't have any problems with a road bike.

It'll feel a lot faster and more nimble, especially with the narrow tyres. Give one a go, if you can get a test ride. I've never looked back since my first time :P A plus with the Giant road bikes is that they have eyelets for a rack and mudguards as well (I think, anyway), which would be good for the commute.

StaggerLee

Thanks Lads. Think I'm going to go for the road bike. Looking at the Giant Defy 3 or a Lapierre Audacio 200 Bike '10
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=31007

Coronal

Excellent

The Giant has a better groupset, but I'd try to get a test ride on both of them before buying. Also, if you're buying from CSS, just be aware that they're the Irish agents for Lapierre so they might be more inclined to push that one. It's not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind!

Thekingofhearts

Have you looked at the Specialized Allez sport which retails at 735