Giant escape 3 2017 hybrid bike or the Triban 500SE

[Jimmyj84]

Hi could someone pls tell me which is a better bike between these two.

Trying to decide which one to go for as a first timer. They are both almost the same price.

Thanks

 

[vickster]

The one which you enjoy most on the test ride. Better is subjective and depends what you are measuring by

If new to bikes, buy from a local shop and not online

 

[Cycleops]

They are very different bikes so I think the first thing you need to decide is do you want flat or drop bars. If you've spent any length of time on both you'll know so the fact you're asking the question suggests you haven't.

I'd say try to get some time on both types, I prefer drops because you have a variety of hand positions to choose from.

Giant is literally one of the giants of bike manufacturers but Decathlon are giants among retailers so have huge buying power and can put together a great VFM bike. In fact the 500SE is a bit of a byword for ridability in budget bikes and often recommended on here. @Racing roadkill is a bit of a fan.

Good luck in deciding.

 

[pclay]

One is a road bike, one is a hybrid. They are not even similar.

What do you want a bike for?

Just for riding on the road, get the road bike.

for going on trails, paths and canal towpaths, get the hybrid.

 

[Racing roadkill]

The 500 SE gets my vote, it’s a seriously cracking bit of kit, for the money.

 

[Jimmyj84]

Thanks. I might go for it. I just need to work on my balance as a first timer.

 

[Jimmyj84]

One is a road bike, one is a hybrid. They are not even similar.

What do you want a bike for?

Just for riding on the road, get the road bike.

for going on trails, paths and canal towpaths, get the hybrid.

Just for riding to uni and around town.

 

[Jimmyj84]

The one which you enjoy most on the test ride. Better is subjective and depends what you are measuring by

If new to bikes, buy from a local shop and not online

They seems cheaper online.

 

[vickster]

They seems cheaper online.

Yes but you don’t get after sales, such as the 6 week check, troubleshooting, and crucially a chance to testride

Lots of people make expensive mistakes buying bikes online especially when new (but not only). Are you confident on sizing etc? Can you put the bike together and check
It all over from the box etc?

I don’t think there’s any difference price wise with decathlon

 

[vickster]

Just for riding to uni and around town.

Get something cheap and second hand and spend a good chunk on two decent locks if leaving anywhere high risk like a university

 

[vickster]

Thanks. I might go for it. I just need to work on my balance as a first timer.

Have you never ridden a bike before? Get a beater to start

 

[Jimmyj84]

Btw I just read some posts from the beginners sub-forum suggesting that going for a drop bar bike as a First timer/completely new to cycling ( which i am) isn't safe.

Is that true?

 

[Jimmyj84]

Have you never ridden a bike before? Get a beater to start

I did do a 1 hour lesson with a trainer some months ago.

 

[Jimmyj84]

What about the Carrera Axle hybrid bike? Its only £180.

 

[vickster]

Btw I just read some posts from the beginners sub-forum suggesting that going for a drop bar bike as a First timer/completely new to cycling ( which i am) isn't safe.

Is that true?

Why not safe? Maybe not sensible in case you don’t take to it or fall off and damage it as well as yourself

Get a second hand bike to start with.