Giant Escape 1 vs Dawes Karakum Trekking/Hybrid

[pathh]

Insurers have offered me a 2010 Giant Escape 1 to replace my 2004 (just fully rebuilt) Dawes Karakum. I liked latter very much (didn't care about the butterfly bars). Mostly for on-road, a few bridle paths, sometimes overnight camping. Would I be happy? Many thanks.

 

[Cush]

Pathh. I put butterfly bars on my 2004 Kara-Kum a couple of years ago, I still have mixed feelings about them and am thinking of changing back to straights next year. I like the Kara Kum, it has sort of grown on me, it does what I want and hasnt been a lot of bother, though neither it or I liked some of the rougher sections of the C2C and the Leeds - Liverpool canal but it is now badly in need of a new saddle and maybe it is time to change the gearing as both of us get older, this will be done as I would hate to part with it or loose it.

 

[mcshroom]

Is there anyway that you could test it to see how it feels?

I can't see any mudguard eyelets on the giant, and of course no pannier racks

 

[Skyfoil]

I've just bought the Giant Escape 1, about three weeks ago.

I can confirm that there are mudguard eyelets on it, as I've fitted full length ones to my own aswell as a rear pannier rack.

I'm extremely happy with it. I commute to work every day, about 7 miles each way, and it's very comfortable. I have the large frame and it's surprisingly light. The longest trip I've done on it so far was a relaxed 50 miles last weekend, which was very enjoyable. I'm considering some much longer challenges on it now.

I would certainly recommend it.

 

[Poggs]

I too have a Giant Escape 1 as a 'first grown-up bike'. The default tyres weren't robust enough for my commute, and they really need changing for something like Schwalbe Marathon Plus. They only come in blue though

On the plus side, very light yet sturdy and I feel entirely comfortable riding eight miles a day on it.

 

[Bandini]

It is about "00 cheaper than the Karakum isn't it? I would miss my butterfly bars.