Narrowing the choice

[jaydee]

I have spent the weekend test riding new flat bar road bikes. I want something that is light, that can handle both road and bike paths. I don't think I am brave enough to try a touring bike with drop bars at this stage, maybe when I am a better rider. I have a mountain bike with city/country tyres so will keep that for off road.

I have narrowed the choice down to two. The Giant CRX2
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/women/2200/31899/


or the Sublime 2
http://www.sarahulmerbrand.com/bikes/fitness/sublime-2/

(sorry, not too sure how to do photos yet:(

I have always loved the Sub bikes - but having ridden the Giant - oh dear, I am not too sure which way to go. Both will come in at almost the same price once they are "tricked out" for me. Dilemma, Dilemma!

[crazycanuck]

I don't know much about the SUB bikes but they do look alright. There's only one chickie from brissie on TE that has one & you could always send her a message? (light_sabre..)

If you don't get a response, try http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/index.php for a local perspective. I know there's a few Canberra ladies over there that might be able to help.

Decisions Decisions...

[jaydee]

Thanks for that CC. I will continue my investigations. I guess there is an easy solution - just get both!:D

[crazycanuck]

Hmmm..that's a thought ;)

Do you have room for both & will you divide your time between them?

[ilima]

All things being equal, I'd prefer the niche brand over mass-market. But if you love the Giant better get it.

[jaydee]

I finally decided on the Giant CRX2. It just felt marginally better than the other. So I collected today. And it is great! I only went for about 15km ride around the lake as it started to sleet and rain and obviously, I couldn't get the new treasure wet. Obviously it is living inside at the moment as well!:D

[Tuckervill]

Nice! Where do you live that it is sleeting in August? :::brrr::: Not ready for winter, yet!

Karen

[cosc]

Congratulations on a great fun bike. Your new giant looks the perfect one for road and trails.

[crazycanuck]

Hey Jaydee! Nice to see you found a bike :) Did you get much of a response on the Sub bikes?

You can ride in the sleet dear, just be careful & remember to clean the bike afterwards!! I hope it gets a wee bit warmer over there for ya! No rain for us for 2 weeks!!! YAY!!!!

Karen-Jaydee's in Canberra..(East side of Aust)

[KnottedYet]

Jaydee - that is a pretty bike! I love the color! And it looks like you have reflective sidewall Vitorria Randonneur tires? (I have VR's on two of my bikes, great tires!)

Enjoy your Giant!
(have you named her yet?)

[redranger]

Wow, that is pretty! Giant makes great bikes not to mention the bang for your buck factor. I know what you mean about wanting to keep your bike looking like it just came off the floor, as I just got a new one too, and am all like "but I don't want to get it dirty". LOL Hang in there, your summer is just around the corner! I'll try and send a few rays down under.

[Miranda]

;)Very nice looking bike. Congrats! One of my bikes is a women's specific Giant, OCR1 and I am happy with it. Ride that beauty in good health and safety :). Oh, btw... mine resides in the formal dining room... she matches the victorian drapes nicely;).

[jaydee]

After a horrendous weekend weatherwise here last weekend, today I had my first real ride on my new bike.

It was soooooooooo much fun!! I went out with a few women I occasionally cycle with and was able to keep up with them AND pass them on a couple of hills. When everyone else had to start heading home, I rode another 20km around the lake just because I could! If I didn't have a 2 storey house with a narrow stairway, I would be taking my bike to bed with me. :o

[KnottedYet]

If I didn't have a 2 storey house with a narrow stairway, I would be taking my bike to bed with me. :o

"Where there's a will, there's a way."

Knot-has-her-best-bike-in-her-bedroom

[BluePeace2]

I live on the second floor of our apartment building and as the garage is full (read a car, three mountain bikes, a cyclocross bike, a road bike, bike rack for on the ball hitch of the car and a saddle rack with two horse riding saddles and our washer and dryer with a small freezer on the top) my BFs good carbon bike in the the tiny cellar with the wine and tools, to that leaves his winter road bike and my road bike up in the office!! Each time I want to ride my road bike i have to take it up and down the stairs, oh so fun :)

I'm glad to hear you have a new bike that you love. I LOVE the color :)

[jaydee]

BluePeace2 and KnottedYet - you are bad influences! You are supposed to be discouraging me from taking my bike to bed, not showing me the way.:D

60.5km ride yesterday - had only planned on riding 40, but I was having so much fun that I just kept on going. I did sleep well last night!