Bike suggestions

Usjes

Hi

I need a new bike as my current one fell apart. I had a Claude Butler aluminium framed hybrid which lasted about 5 years but when I brought it in to have something replaced 18 months ago they suggested a new bike and sold me what they said was an equivalent, alu framed hybrid, (Klondyke I think) but it was a piece of crap and 18 months later it is apparently irreparable so I need a new bike again. So with the bike to work scheme I am going to get something much more expensive but I dont want to make the same mistake again. ie. I believe the Klondyke was the bottom of the range for alu framed hybrids so I dont want to get the bottom of the (more expensive) range for my new bike. Speed and durability are the most improtant things for me, I have never learned to drive so I cycle a min of 10 miles a day, EVERY day. I would also be nice to have standard user replacable parts (I don't want to have to leave it into the shop every time a break/gear cable or brake shoe or tyre needs to be replaced). At the moment I am thinking of:
1.Trek 7.3 FX (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fx/73fx/)
2. Giant Rapid 3 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/rapid.3/4866/38972/)
3. Giant Rapid 2
4. Giant Rapid 1.

The Trek starts at about €560 and then they increase by ~€100. Would all bikes in this range have quality components, or might the Trek fall apart in a year where the Rapid3 wouldn't? What in practical terms am I buying as I go from Rapid 3 -> 2 -> 1 ? I noticed a big improvement (speedwise) when I moved from steel frames to my alu framed hybrids and I would hit speeds up to 27mph on my commute, would I see much further improvement in speed in moving to the Rapids ? A colleague has a Giant FCR2 which he says practically cycles itself its so fast relative to steel frames but I'm not sure how it would compare to my existing alu framed hybrids. Would they be worth the extra money? Finally, is there anything else I should bear in mind when looking at bikes in this kind of price range ?

Thanks,

Usjes.

TheWorldisFlat

I'm currently trying to decide between a Trek, Giant and a Claude on the cycle to work scheme. How did things work out for you?

Usjes

I went for the Giant Rapid 3 in the end. From what I found online it seemed that going to Rapid 2 or 1 would just have meant slightly lighter components but this wouldn't really be noticeable unless you were doing some serious racing, and anyway for commuting I was having full mudguards and a back carrier etc. fitted so it was never going to be a racing bike. I cant remember finding anything wrong about the Trek but even the cheapest Rapid was more expensive and the general concensus seemed to be that it was a better bike than the Trek. The rapid is very light and I can move much faster than I would have on my old alu-framed hybrids. The tyres are narrow (25mm I think) but they cope fine with the roads is Dublin. I did have to get a Track pump to inflate the tyres properly though, they take up to 125 psi (vs. 65psi for hybrids) and you'll never get this kind of pressure out of a standard hand pump.
I've had the bike over a year now and it is in perfect condition despite daily use so it seems to be well made.

Jk_Eire

Usjes wrote: »

I went for the Giant Rapid 3 in the end. From what I found online it seemed that going to Rapid 2 or 1 would just have meant slightly lighter components but this wouldn't really be noticeable unless you were doing some serious racing, and anyway for commuting I was having full mudguards and a back carrier etc. fitted so it was never going to be a racing bike. I cant remember finding anything wrong about the Trek but even the cheapest Rapid was more expensive and the general concensus seemed to be that it was a better bike than the Trek. The rapid is very light and I can move much faster than I would have on my old alu-framed hybrids. The tyres are narrow (25mm I think) but they cope fine with the roads is Dublin. I did have to get a Track pump to inflate the tyres properly though, they take up to 125 psi (vs. 65psi for hybrids) and you'll never get this kind of pressure out of a standard hand pump.
I've had the bike over a year now and it is in perfect condition despite daily use so it seems to be well made.

Can vouch for all the of the positive comments about the Rapid above. I've had my Rapid 4 for 18 months now without problems. Regular clean downs, TLC, and servicing occasionally in a bike shop. Rides smooth and fast still.
Consider a drop bar road bike if you're thinking about triathlons/duathlons, long fast spins, and keeping fit though.

TheWorldisFlat

Thanks lads - that's very helpful

Usjes

On further reflection I do remember that I did learn something about Trek which made me rule them out. It is an American company and I have conscientious objections to buying anything American, but that's just me.