Giant Bicycle Inc. 1999 Option

Price Paid:  $20.00 at pawn shop

Favorite Ride:
everywhere

Bike Setup:
New Shimano Tourney derailers, Alivio cantilever brakes, 535 clipless pedals, rear cargo rack, Catey

Summary:
I rescued this thang from a pawn shop over two years ago, and it was damn near trash. But the frame was straight and solid. It's older than a '99, but screw it. I stole the BB spindle and bearings, headset, double crankset, drop bars, seat post, and 27" wheelset from my wife's old Raliegh Record roadie, scarfed up some Schwinn brake and shifter levers, Shimano 535s, Tioga BB cups, second-hand Alivio cantilever brakes, new cables and housings, and the seat off my GT Aggressor (a new Brooks B66 Champion is sitting in the closet, waiting for my b-day next week), totally stripped it down and re-built it into a touring bike. I'd ride this baby to Mars and back.

Strengths:
Steel is real. For being an "ATB", the geometry is more of a road frame. 17 1/2" chainstays for pannier clearance. Smooth, comfy ride, agile, flawless operation, and fast (even with "fat" 27" x 1 1/4" tires).

Weaknesses:
Tips the scales at 28 pounds (heavy? Only if you're a weight-weenie).

Price Paid:  $300.00

Favorite Ride:
TOMRV

Bike Setup:
Stock + clipless pedals and a Surfas saddle

Summary:
This bike has held up to some harsh trails. I'm amazed the rims are still very true. Stock tires ride well on road but sink in sand. Very comfortable on long rides. I've gone on 6 to 8 century length rides on it. I changed the saddle and put clipless peddles on it.

Strengths:
Steel is real, very strong and absorbs road vib great. Comfortable and smooth. Shifts far better than I ever expected from such a low end bike.

Weaknesses:
Weight. But the flip side of that is when I get on my Road racer I can zoom after cranking a heavy bike.

Similar Products Used:
GT Outback Trail, Trek Multi-track

Bike Setup:
Stock bike except Oasis saddle, Cateye mity3 computer, Carbon Pump, drink bottle

Summary:
It's great, feels good and looks good. I use it for excercise so the weight thing is ok. If you want quality this bike has it.
I would recommend Option as a commuter bike or recreation only. While hybrid bikes offer the best of both worlds they are not a substitute for a road bike or a mountain bike it is certainly more than just a mountain bike with smooth tires. A better description than "hybrid" would be "luxury" or "comfort" bike.
I love mine.

Strengths:
Very good build quality, strong and rigid frame. Smooth and comfortable ride gives a great luxury feel.

Weaknesses:
This bike is heavy, feels bulky and large when riding. My other bike is an alloy frame racer so I notice the weight difference alot.

Similar Products Used:
None

Favorite Ride:

Don River

Bike Setup:

stock

Summary:
It's my wifes bike, she raves about it. I took it for a quick ride around the neighborhood, and it is very smooth and pleasant ride, if that's what you want. I still like my off road bike though. But I was impressed with the comfort.

Strengths:

Very comfortable ride

Weaknesses:

Fairly heavy

Similar Products Used:
None