Giant Rapid and Escape 1 for new rider?

PLuKE

Evening.

I went to look at a new bike today, with a limited budget.

I looked at the Carrera Gryphon at Halfords. I went to a local bike shop, and was told there rebranded Halfords bikes in short, so looked at some Gaints. I want a bike for some pavement/road riding, and some bridleways/light forest usage with the missus and the dogs.

I looked at the Gaint Rapid 3, boy that was a good looking bike, but had slick tyres, which I guess I couldn't use?

And the Gaint Escape 1, better suited but want quite the Rapid 3 in the looks department, which I know looks isn't everything if it's not fit for purposes.


Any advice is very helpful.

Luke

cooldad

I think your LBS is trying to sell you a bike.

They are not rebranded 'Halfords' bikes. Carrera is Halfords. But they are excellent value for money, and decent bikes.

As for slick tyres - all are hybrids. You could put knobbier tyres on if you want or need to.

If I was buying a hybrid (which I wouldn't) and my choice was those three I'd probably get the Carrera.

PLuKE

Would a Gaint Rapid 3 be ok for my needs?

My LBS said not, and I would damage the bike. But it's usage is road/cycle tracks, and some light dusty forest tracks?

Luke

supersonic

The Rapid is a flat bar road bike, may not be the best for forest paths - very narrow tyres. I'd look for something a bit more rugged.

PLuKE

Hmmm, I looked at 28c tyres that will fit.

So I am at risk of buckling a rim or damaging the frame or fork?

The one I was told is a Trek 7.4 FX

Luke

supersonic

Risk have having no grip ;-). And damaging stuff if you hit rocks hard. Wouldn't be my choice, I'd want at least 35c tyres with some nobbles for very light offroad.

PLuKE

Ok, fair comment. I don't know how much I would use the bike in dusty trails, so thats why I looked at the Trek 7.4FX best if both worlds, but my heart keeps going back to the Rapid 3, more so for the looks!

Luke