Giant Bicycle Inc. Cypress SX

Price Paid:  $650.00 at University Cyclery-A

Bike Setup:
Factory

Summary:
I was looking for a good all around fitness bike that was easy on my upper back. I tested most all of the Hybrid / Comfort bikes listed in the summer Consumer Reports (June) issue. I did not get the chance to check out the 2nd place rated Specialized Sirrus Expert. I did end up buying the Giant Cypress SX. I tested the LX, but it was too comfortable. First rides have been very impressive. This bike is basically a flat bar road bike with a mountain bike frame. It lives up to CR's #1 ranking and seems to me to be a good value.

Strengths:
-Fast for for a Hybrid
-Value-a lot of bike for the money
-Components-105
-Gearing seems to cover a wide range
-Looks Awesome-Various tones of sliver

Weaknesses:
Seat is a little hard.
-Availability-Good luck finding a dealer with a wide selection of inventory. I went to five Giant stores before I found a 17 inch frame in stock.

Similar Products Used:
Test drove the Trek 7500. High Quality bike too. All the comfort bikes I tested where too cushy.

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Newbury Park Bike Sh

Favorite Ride:
All over the place

Bike Setup:
Continental Ultra 2000 tires, bar-ends, Blackburn rack, REI Explorer panniers, Shimano 515 pedals

Summary:
Quick steady hybrid bike, really a road bike with flat bars. I use this bike to commute 18 to 30 miles round trip (depending on my route home) or to ride on local errands. Weighs about 25 lbs. before I load on the panniers with clothes, shoes and a lock.

Strengths:
Very "road bike" like. Quick fun commuter. Good price point. Decent components, 105 rear derailleur. Sturdy.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8828&range=100&model=10614

Weaknesses:
A little heavy. Not as fast an average mph as on my road bike. Changed tires to 23c.

Similar Products Used:
Diamondback Outlook

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Downtown

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Great bike for the money, light for a Hybrid and very comfortable on long rides.

Strengths:
Light frame, 105 rear drailluer and Sram shifters, nice saddle

Weaknesses:
Handlebars, stem and seatpost are heavy, would like to see a better crank o the bike.

Similar Products Used:
2002 Giant TCR 2