Giant Bicycle Inc. Sedona

Price Paid:  $290.00 at The Famous Bike Brot

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
The One I'm On

Bike Setup:
Stock for now. Will try a new saddle soon.

Summary:
I love this bike. It's been a blast every ride. The Sedona will do a little bit of everything. The versatility can't be beat. If you want one bike to do it all, this is a good bet. Keep in mind that it's heavy and slow (comparitively speaking)on smooth pavement, and light to moderate trail riding would be the off road limit. However, I've ridden this thing like a maniac at times on the highway, mountain and rail trails and through the city. Great exercise and reliable performance. Stable, good corner grip, predictable. And because it's comfortable and easy to ride, it's a pleasure to take an easy spin after a tough day at work.

Notice it has more of a touring drivetrain than a mountain one. True mountain bikes are geared lower. So it would probably be a little quicker on pavement than say a hardtail with slicks. Also, its slower on the road than the 700c tire Cyprus or Crossroads. If you were never going to ride off road, save perhaps smooth dirt or gravel, those would be a good choice. Suspension forks and seatpost are the way to go for most all around riding, IMHO. This bike is good bang for the buck too. The next model up gets you a better frame and upgraded drivetrain, but I haven't missed them yet. Although it's got lower level components, they perform just fine. I'd say 98.5% "flawless". As these wear out, I'll replace with Deore, but this bike doesn't warrant anything more. The comparable Trek was more plush and upright. You might like that, I didn't. The Specialized and Giant Cyprus are a little quicker on pavement, but not as versatile. Determine how and where you're going to ride, test ride a few bikes and enjoy. Don't confuse the Sedona with a real mtb, it's not. Likewise, it's sure not a road bike by any stretch. It's a comfortable all-arounder that's inexpensive and built well. Highly recommended.

Strengths:
-Versatile
-Comfortable
-Reliable
-Charcoal/Merlot!

Weaknesses:
None yet observed. Maybe the saddle. It's not quite a comfort saddle. I would think an upright posture would warrant a wider, sprung seat. But lowering the stem and riding more aggressively requires an altogether different model. The stock seat isn't fish nor fowl, just there. Not that it's bad, just not "it".

Similar Products Used:
Test rode a Trek Navigator 100, Specialized Crossroads, Giant Cyprus DX.