Is it worth paying an extra £100 for

[louise]

I am torn between two bikes

A giant city 3.0

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/women/2585/32844/

Or a Giant Expression DXW

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/women/2460/32336/

I will be using my bike mainly to whizz to and from the shops and for longer rides out into the countryside (approx 10-15miles) but staying mainly on tarmac roads.

The question I have is that my LBS has the DXW in stock for £235 where as the City would have to be ordered in and costs £325 and I am wondering whether it is worth paying the extra £90 for the City?

PS please feel free to offer any alternatives

Thanks

 

[Sittingduck]

Much prefer the top one. If you can spare the 90quid I know which one I would go for (except I am not a lady).

 

[jimboalee]

You're lucky you are torn between two bikes....

Bikes can't slap you around the face and walk out.

 

[PpPete]

The frame design of the City is likely to be naturally stiffer.
This should make pedalling more efficient.

 

[HLaB]

I think the City has a bit better components, more gears and slightly narrower tyres so IMO it will be the faster and more efficient of the two.

 

[Iainj837]

I like the top one giant city 3.0 as well

 

[Keith Oates]

They are both good bikes but the City is the one I would choose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ComedyPilot]

Not a lady either, but I'd go for the City. It has more scope for use when out of town and doing distances. A more 'serious' bike IMO.

 

[mickle]

Definitely the former, better frame and components and lighter too. Swift versus bumbling.

Choose the 'gents' style over the 'ladies' and it'll be even better.

 

[Radius]

Top one: better mech, lighter, stronger frame design....sounds like a winner...

 

[mondobongo]

The City is a much better bike all round and would be my choice.

 

[louise]

Thanks for your advice, this bike buying lark is hard going.

I hadn't relised that the frame could in fact increase speed so been looking at a couple of gents bikes (or unisex) bikes as well I think the smallest Giant City there is for a man is 17inches way too big


But I do like the look of this one in evans and a 48cm would be ideal size for me what do people think?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/qx70-2008-hybrid-bike-ec000593

 

[GrahamG]

My other half has the City for commuting/pootling, it's no lightweight but it's reasonable - the suspension fork on the other will be heavy, cheap and pretty much useless. She insisted on a 'step-through' frame but has since decided that she should have bought something more sporty and gone for a gents frame so that it was lighter & stiffer (she reckons she can feel some flex when loaded up).

 

[louise]

Thanks just checked and the smallest city for a man is 17inches that would be too big though ridgeback do the meteor in a 15inch

 

[peterdowning]

Lousie, I found your thread just after I'd put an ad in the Classifieds section for a ladies bike - Specialized Vita Comp in a small size.

Not sure of your budget but reading between the lines you are looking for something a bit sportier. This may be what you want. It's an excellent bit of kit - lightweight, carbon forks and seat stays, Tiagra mech etc. Spec is linked to from the ad.

Link to ad is http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=486751#post486751