Trek 7.4FX or Giant Rapid 3

[PLuKE]

Evening.

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

I went to a local bike shop, and was told there rebranded Halfords bikes in short, so looked at some Gaint and Trek, I want a bike for some pavement/road riding, and the odd dusty forest track/bridleways with the missus and the dogs, so nothing big just gentle riding.

I looked at the Gaint Rapid 3, boy that was a good looking bike, but I was told I couldn't use it?

The Trek 7.4 FX or Disc is also on my list.

Any advice is very helpful.

Luke

 

[Cyclist33]

what do you mean when you say you were told you couldn't use it??

 

[PLuKE]

Sorry.
They said it wouldn't do anything other than road,mans if I was to use on a dusty track etc, I would buckle a wheel.

Luke

 

[Kies]

I'm a Giant fan, so the rapid for me. it has the same frame as my Defy (my neighbour has one). great bike and able to adapt on the type of riding your doing with a change of tyres

 

[PLuKE]

So with a change of tyres, 28c.

The frame, fork and wheels should be fine with this?

Luke

 

[Kies]

absolutely. i do that with my sirrus. 23c in the summer on the roads and 28c all terrain tyres for winter fun in the local woodland

 

[PLuKE]

That's good news. The shop said that it wouldn't fit my needs, but I said light off-road stuff, and that might be a once a month in the warmer months.

The 28c should fit the Rapid 3 as he is very small clearance.

Luke

 

[Cyclist33]

i wouldnt take it as gospel that 28mm tyres suitable for trails will fit in a rapid 3 frame. you need to test that out first before buying.

 

[PLuKE]

I asked the shop and they said yes, but then they asked why, I explained and they told me that's not the correct bike for me! Hence my questions.

I don't know if they think I am going to be going mad on dusty tracks etc, it's more gentle pottering in the warmer dry days.

Luke

 

[MartinQ]

Make sure you look at the trek 8.4 as well (and similar for other makes). Front suspension with lockout for the road. Depends on how you want to balance your road and off road riding.

 

[Kies]

yes definately check you have the clearance. my neighbour runs 25C where as i tend to change widths on the sirrus. let me ask him and get back to you on tyre choices

 

[PLuKE]

Thank you.

I don't think I will be doing much dusty paths, gentle trails, maybe 1-2 times per month, likely to be roads, cycle paths. Hence the Rapid 3 over the Trek 7.4 FX.

Luke