What bike should I choose?

[Stradders]

Hi I am in the process of buying a new bike and I have been looking at a Specialized Globe Sport and a Giant Escape R2. I have been for a test ride on both and still can't make up my mind although the giant seemed a little quicker. I tend to go road cycling and will be cycling London to Paris in the summer if thats any help. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Keith Oates]

It really is up to you in a way, as what you think looks and feels good is generally the bike to buy. For me I'd go for the Giant but then I'm a bit of a Giant fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joe24]

I'd go for Giant, but then i'm a Giant fan.
Giant(if i am right) makes most of Specialized frames anyway, so its probably a Giant anyway.

 

[Stradders]

I have tried to find out if it is true that Giant make the Specialized frames as I have been told that before but it is still rather sketchy.
I don't really know about specs but I have been told the Giant's got better brakes but the rear gear mech of the Specialised is a model up in Shimano's range and the Specialized has better tyres. (By the way, prices are the same). Anyway, I have tried to list all the known specs of both bikes for those of you who do understand:

1st - Specialized Globe Sport​

2nd - Giant Escape R2​

REAR BRAKE
Specialized V-Brakes
Hayes MX4 mechanical disc, 152mm rotors
BRAKE LEVERS
Specialized V-Brake
Shimano, integrated with shifters
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano FD-M310, 31.8mm clamp
Shimano CO51
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Alivio RD-M410
Shimano Acera
SHIFT LEVERS
Shimano SL-MC40
Shimano Shimano EZ fire 50 24 speed
CASSETTE FREEWHEEL
SRAM PG-830, 8-speed, 11-32t
Shimano HG30 11-32
CHAIN
KMC X8, 1/2" x 3/32" w/ reusable Missing Link
Shimano HG50
CRANKSET
Shimano FCM-341, alloy outer ring
Shimano FCM191 28/38/48
CHAINRINGS
48Ax36Sx26S, Super Shifter III, w/ chainguard

BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano BB-UN-25, cartridge bearing, 68 x 113mm
Cartridge

PEDALS
Globe anti-slip composite
Wellgo platform
RIMS
Specialized/Alex Globe, 700c, 32h, double wall w/ machine sidewalls
Alex ACE 18 700c
FRONT HUB
Specialized, forged alloy, 32h, polished races, steel QR
Formula
REAR HUB
Shimano RM-30
Formula
SPOKES
1.8mm (15g) stainless
Stainless steel
FRONT TYRE
Nimbus Sport, 700x35c, 60TPI, Flak Jacket
Maxxis Columbiere 700x32mm
REAR TYRE
Nimbus Sport, 700x35c, 60TPI, Flak Jacket
Maxxis Columbiere 700x32mm
TUBES
Specialized 700c, schrader valve

SADDLE
Specialized Sonoma, 155mm width
GIANT
SEAT POST
Alloy, 27.2 post, two bolt head
GIANT A3 aluminium
SEAT BINDER
Specialized forged alloy

NOTES
Chain stay protector, chain catcher, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual

FRAME
Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum trekking design, fully manipulated tubing w/ fender and rack braze-ons
ALUXX aluminium, Fluid Formed

REAR SHOCK
N/A
N/A
FORK
Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum steerer and lowers
CroMo rigid
HEADSET
1 1/8" threadless, integrated

STEM
Specialized 3D forged, two bolt, 25.4mm
Aluminium ahead
HANDLEBARS
Specialized low rise, 25.4mm, 620mm wide, 6066 butted alloy, 8 degree back, 6 degree up sweep
Aluminium riser
TAPE/GRIPS
Body Geometry Comfort w/ integrated bell

FRONT BRAKE
Specialized V-Brakes
Hayes MX4 mechanical disc, 152mm rotors

 

[briank]

Hold up there, Stradders - way too much information!
You may get some recommendations over particular comparisons (like some will say go for the thinner tyres if you're mainly on road) but you can't really expect anyone to work their way through all those components, comparing weight, performance and price, and then come up with an overall result.
Do you know how long you can spend on-line looking for the very best possible deal on a particular brakeset?
Those of us who do put our own bikes together from separately sourced parts spend most of our leisure time over a winter, and generally an awful lot more money than you're talking about, on such projects!
Both your candidates seem to be built from generally decent kit so my best advice would be that you should back your own subjective judgement on:-
(a) Which feels best to ride?
( Who do you trust? If the Giant and the Spesh are from the same shop, take their advice: if they're in different shops I'd suggest your choice should be determined by your feeling about the psople selling them. After all, that's who you're going back to if you've any problems.
Good luck.

 

[RedBike]

I'm not sure what the London to Paris involves but that must be some 200/300miles?? Presumably it's over 2 or 3 days but even so thats still a long way each day.

Wouldn't you be better off with an audax / light touring bike?

 

[fossyant]

Both very similar in spec - get the one you like best !!

 

[aqaleigh]

I'm having the same dilema but the Giant r2 vs the Specialized globe vienna 3

giant DO make the spesh frames though