Could anyone please recommend to me a bike like the Giant Cypress DX (24 speed) that is faster and lighter and almost as comfortable?
I am looking for comfort, versatility and speed. I am trying to stay in a budget of $550 new or $350 used. I will mostly ride on pavement, sidewalks, light gravel (rail-trails). I will a ride a little on smooth grass (camping) and rarely on hard-packed dirt trails.
I think <EDIT: my friend's> Giant Cypress is amazingly comfortable and fun but with so little weight on the front tire I think it might be a bit dangerous on some turns. Though I can adjust the stem forward I suppose...
I guess I am looking for 700x35c tires and a 24 speed. What is the best way to reduce a little comfort compared to the Cypress but get 'a lot' more speed? Is the best way to get rid of the suspension fork and use 38c tires and put on soft/better grips and use gel gloves? (I don't really want to wear gloves or padded shorts). Or is that going to be 'way' less comfortable for only a 1 mph speed gain?
What are some bike models that you would recommend? We have Giant, Trek, Specialized dealers near by for example. The Giant Cypress ST seems inexpensive, but only has 21 speeds but does have a rigid fork. I am not considering 21-speeds as I think I will want the 24 speeds when I am racing the odd time with buddies on a flat road.
I am looking for comfort, versatility and speed. I am trying to stay in a budget of $550 new or $350 used. I will mostly ride on pavement, sidewalks, light gravel (rail-trails). I will a ride a little on smooth grass (camping) and rarely on hard-packed dirt trails.
I think <EDIT: my friend's> Giant Cypress is amazingly comfortable and fun but with so little weight on the front tire I think it might be a bit dangerous on some turns. Though I can adjust the stem forward I suppose...
I guess I am looking for 700x35c tires and a 24 speed. What is the best way to reduce a little comfort compared to the Cypress but get 'a lot' more speed? Is the best way to get rid of the suspension fork and use 38c tires and put on soft/better grips and use gel gloves? (I don't really want to wear gloves or padded shorts). Or is that going to be 'way' less comfortable for only a 1 mph speed gain?
What are some bike models that you would recommend? We have Giant, Trek, Specialized dealers near by for example. The Giant Cypress ST seems inexpensive, but only has 21 speeds but does have a rigid fork. I am not considering 21-speeds as I think I will want the 24 speeds when I am racing the odd time with buddies on a flat road.
