Giant Bicycle Inc. FCR 3

Price Paid:  $580.00 at Local bike shop

Favorite Ride:
40+ miles

Bike Setup:
Stock except for SPD pedals and I'm still hunting for the right saddle.

Summary:
I decided to ride in the MS 150 this year but have always been a mountain biker. My full suspension mountain wasn't getting much use anymore and wouldn't work for a long road haul so I started doing some research. Decided that the hybrid style or fitness bike would probably suit my needs best since I don't plan on any competitive riding and I prefer to have a bit more upright riding position. Checked out several bikes that met my criteria all similarly priced but was only able to test-ride three of them where I live. The Giant was an easy choice since it just felt right. I have around 300 miles on it now with my longest single day ride at 62 miles and am completely satisfied considering the price I paid. Sure, the components could be better and I immediately replaced the pedals with SPD (they seemed pretty flimsy). I could have spent more to get better components but I decided to replace any components later that I might have trouble with(probably much later...I imagine they'll last quite a while). I also preferred the paint job on the FCR3 over the FCR1 or 2 but that's just personal preference. I imagine that there are other similar bikes that are just as good but if it fits, you won't go wrong with this one. Bottom line: do your homework by looking through reviews, test ride all of the options that you can, but if you like this one, you won't be disappointed. If you're into competitive riding, by all means look to a traditional road bike.

Strengths:
Comfortable, well-made, relatively inexpensive, geared very similarly to a road bike, good for roads or packed gravel (i.e. rails to trails).

Weaknesses:
Stock pedals, stock saddle, not for off-road use (i.e. deep gravel, mud, dirt trails).

Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Urban Bicycle Galler

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Stock with Avatar Saddle.

Summary:
Brought this for commute to work last summer. I really want to buy a road bike just because but I want to ride fast. The saleman talk me into buying the FCR 3 and told me that it will be easier to ride a flat bar for city commute than a road bike. This bike is a little bit heavy since I have to carry the bike up two flight of narrow stair every time after a ride. Not as cool as a road bike but I still like it. Need to change the saddle to a Specialized Avatar.

Strengths:
Great for city commute.

Weaknesses:
Heavier than any beginner road bike. Not as cool as any road bike.

Price Paid:  $550.00 at The Stable (Saginaw,

Favorite Ride:
Giant FCR3

Bike Setup:
stock (so far)

Summary:
Got tired of the mountain bikes after 16 years so I finally ditched it and settled for the Giant FCR3 hybrid bike. This bike is so much comfortable than a mountain bike. Plus its faster at least by 3 MPH

Strengths:
Nice strong frame. Fast bike. Lightweight

Weaknesses:
pedals

Similar Products Used:
first hybrid I owned

Price Paid:  $449.00 at Bicycle Garage Indy

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Monon Trail

Bike Setup:
Stock except for brake pads, Selle Royal saddle, and bar ends.

Summary:
I have a 2008 model. Good for fitness and rides up 20 miles. Components have held up to about 700 miles of riding.

Strengths:
Durable frame.

Weaknesses:
Weak brakes, upgraded brake pads

Price Paid:  $449.00 at The Cycle Company

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
standard

Summary:
I was looking for a bicycle that I could use on the road and on most trails,
this bicycle is great on roads and good on trails.

Strengths:
24 speed good frame and componets

Weaknesses:
none so far

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Trek FX 7.1
Fuji absolute