Giant Bicycle Inc. Cypress DX

Price Paid:  $430.00 at Eau Claire Bike and

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress DX

Summary:
I've got about 200 miles on this bike now. I use it mostly for a daily 12 mile ride for exercise. I put the fenders and rear rack on it from my 15 year old Giant Nutra and replaced the seat with a Serfas RX. Since my rides are in the early morning I also use Serfas CP-1000 combo lights.

This bike is about perfect for my application. It is solid and fits me well. It is much faster than my old Nutra with narrower, higher pressure tires and taller gearing, although I am thinking about changing out the crankset for lower gearing. I would certainly recommend the Giant Cypress DX. The 2010 model looks even better with improved components.

Strengths:
Flexible and easy adjustments for handlebars and seat. Solid ride. Good speed for a hybrid.

Weaknesses:
Getting the gear shifting tuned right took some time, but all is good now.

Similar Products Used:
Giant Nutra

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Spokes- Naperville,

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cyress DX

Summary:
I am 55 yrs, 6'1" 270 lbs. I was looking for a bike that would handle the paved and limestone trails in our area and my weight and height. The DX fills the bill. I ride between 100 and 130 miles per week and have had no major problems with the bike. The lower bracket (the part where the pedals are) loosened up after about 500 miles. One shop said it needed to be replaced, however, Spokes was able to tighten it and the bike rides fine. When I over inflate the stock tires to 85 or 90 lbs I notice a big difference in rolling resistance. I find myself riding more paved trails lately and I am adding narrower, (32 mm vs 38mm stock) high pressure tires (100 PSI vs 75 PSI stock) because I hate being passed by the guys on road bikes, especially guys who are older than me. I comfortably maintain a 15.5 - 16 mph pace on a 20 or 30 mile ride with the stock setup and am hoping for 17 to 19mph with the new tires.

Strengths:
Almost infinitely adjustable geometry. I have played the seat height, distance forward and aft, handlebar height and rake to adjust the bike to the most comfortable position for long (20 to 50 mile) rides on various surfaces. Solid derailuers. Good brakes.

Weaknesses:
None found yet.
At first I didn't like the seat, then I discovered how to move it further back on the frame for greater comfort and it is just fine. However, I never had any expectation of great comfort. Its'a bike not a Lazy Boy

Similar Products Used:
Ross 10 speed circa 1980

I have never ridden a $1500, $2500, or more expensive bike but I find it difficult to beleive that if I'd paid 3 times or 5 times more money that I could be 3 or 5 times more satified with the bike. Like everthing the first 90% is moderatly priced. The closer to 100% satisfaction you get, the percentage of satisfaction decreases exponentially while the cost increases exponentially. The first 90% is 500 bucks the last 10% is 2 grand.

Price Paid:  $339.00 at Road Racer, Perrysbu

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress DX

Summary:
I am a good size guy @ 6'4" & 245 pounds; I purchased this bike due to the size of 23". My other bike was a Giant Eddie Bauer which was a 21.5". The owner of the bike shop stated the other bike was too small, he was correct! This bike has been many miles with me and has been awesome, good handling, fast, reliable! Now I am stationed on Guam, so the bike see's some hot miles!

Strengths:
Reliabilty and looks!

Weaknesses:
Flat tires due to the spoke guard.

Similar Products Used:
Giant Eddie Bauer 21.5" (nice bike)

Price Paid:  $440.00 at conte's bicycle and

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cyrpess DX

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
The Cypress is worth the money. I have owned a Giant Yukon which was great, but for pure recreation, light trals, and paved roads for speed the Cypress is the way to go. The stock seat is big. It's comfortable, but big. If you are riding for speed, you will need to change the stock seat. I am a big man. 5-10, 245lbs and it holds me just fine. This bike is tough.

Strengths:
Worth the money and well made. Tough!

Weaknesses:
The stock seat!

Similar Products Used:
2003 Giant Youkon

Price Paid:  $420.00 at North Start

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress DX

Bike Setup:
Standard Showroom

Summary:
I just bought the Cypress DX last Sunday (4/19/2008) and have been happy with it so far. It's very comfortable and has a nice smooth ride. The gear shifting is easy and second nature. I've had the bike out on the road (paved bike path) and a gravel trail and it's handled both surfaces very well. I also like the placement of the water bottle, it's very easy to grab and replace while riding. My only question is regarding the disk breaks, according to the website (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/lifestyle/1268/29329/) the bike should have disc breaks, however mine have typical standard breaks. I'm supposed to bring my bike in for a tune up after 30 days so I'll ask the dealer. Also, my tailbone is rather sore after riding. At first I attributed it to not riding all winter, but after reading some reviews here I might change out the bike seat.

Strengths:
Handles multiple terrain with ease. Comfortable, Good placement of components. Well made

Weaknesses:
Standard Breaks on my bike
The seat slips down a little, but I'll be talking to the dealer at the 30 day tune up.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7200