Giant or Specialized

[KeithE]

Hi,
I'm looking at the Giant step through models and Specialized models.
Have test ridden both.
Any comments would be helpful.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Buy the one the feels best to you. Both are reputable companies.

If none stands out in feel for you and they're all good, buy from the bike shop with the best employees.

If the bike shops are equivalent in customer service, buy the one which has the color you like.

If the color is all the same to you, flip a coin.

If you aren't in love with any ebike you've tried, keep looking.

 

[Art Deco]

Buy the one the feels best to you. Both are reputable companies.

If none stands out in feel for you and they're all good, buy from the bike shop with the best employees.

If the bike shops are equivalent in customer service, buy the one which has the color you like.

If the color is all the same to you, flip a coin.

If you aren't in love with any ebike you've tried, keep looking.

My experience with Giant vs Specialized vs Trek is that they will all come with similar prices once you include the same level of equipment (display, lights, fenders as well as drivetrain). The combination of motor plus IGH on the Giants mean that many bike shops can't service them. That's not a bad thing if you are happy with the LBS, but can be an issue if you are traveling. I would pay a lot of attention to @ChezCheese:) first point about the LBS.

 

[Dallant]

Hi,
I'm looking at the Giant step through models and Specialized models.
Have test ridden both.
Any comments would be helpful.

Which models of each?

 

[RandallS]

My experience with Giant vs Specialized vs Trek is that they will all come with similar prices once you include the same level of equipment (display, lights, fenders as well as drivetrain). The combination of motor plus IGH on the Giants mean that many bike shops can't service them. That's not a bad thing if you are happy with the LBS, but can be an issue if you are traveling. I would pay a lot of attention to @ChezCheese:) first point about the LBS.

Which Giant bike are you referring to with an IGH? Off the top of my head I can't think of one. Furthermore, and maybe it's locational, but Specialized bikes are typically 10-20% more expensive for similar types of bikes here (western Canada). But it's often hard to compare as sometimes their bikes really don't compare.

 

[Art Deco]

All the Giant Liv and Momentum road bikes in the two to three thousand dollar range at the LBS here had IGH. I rode two pf the three in stock in my size. Don't remember the models.

 

[Art Deco]

The price difference for two bikes equiped was under $100.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Giant Dailytour E+ is offered in Europe and comes with an IGH. I am of course for Specialized.

 

[RandallS]

Giant Dailytour E+ is offered in Europe and comes with an IGH. I am of course for Specialized

Only a few Giant IGH ebikes in Canada - and they are all Momentum - I'd forgotten about that brand.
The Vida and Transcend offer IGH step-through models.

Poked around other country's listings and was impressed by the options available in Germany!

 

[KeithE]

Which models of each?

Giant Lafree and Giant momentum and Specialized Como or Vado

 

[KeithE]

Which models of each?

Giant Lafree and Giant momentum and Specialized Como or Vad

Which Giant bike are you referring to with an IGH? Off the top of my head I can't think of one. Furthermore, and maybe it's locational, but Specialized bikes are typically 10-20% more expensive for similar types of bikes here (western Canada). But it's often hard to compare as sometimes their bikes really don't compare.

One dealer had the Lafree and the other had Mommentum. Or Vida
Was wondering if anyone had experience with anyone of the Giant upright step through ones.
Specialized doesn't have an upright ridding one.

 

[Art Deco]

I would call a Como as upright as anything except a pedal forward (Townie).

 

[KeithE]

Buy the one the feels best to you. Both are reputable companies.

If none stands out in feel for you and they're all good, buy from the bike shop with the best employees.

If the bike shops are equivalent in customer service, buy the one which has the color you like.

If the color is all the same to you, flip a coin.

If you aren't in love with any ebike you've tried, keep looking.

The customer service is very good and the guy is very helpful at the Specialized place. The Giant deal is good too but not as knowledgeable. Both Giant ones are less than Specialized. There was a malfunction in the controller on the Vida.
The guy didn't know what was wrong. It stopped working.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Well, there's your answer!

 

[Ebiker01]

I would go with a Bulls ebike. Far superior and can save u a few hundred $ vs the GSTC* comglomerate ! They have "only" 113 ebikes models to choose from...


*GSTC=Giant/Specialized/Trek/Cannondale

 

[KeithE]

I would call a Como as upright as anything except a pedal forward (Townie).

Thanks for all your responses. The other concern was the handle bars. I like a slightly pulled back and upright style. The Specialized has a slight bend and not pulled back enough and not much of a rise. I think a good comfortable riding position for me is a little leaning forward and sometimes upright. I don't like to reach to far forward. More test riding coming up.

 

[MikeDD]

Most riders change the seat, handlebars, grips, tires and pedals before finding the combination that works for them.

 

[Dallant]

Thanks for all your responses. The other concern was the handle bars. I like a slightly pulled back and upright style. The Specialized has a slight bend and not pulled back enough and not much of a rise. I think a good comfortable riding position for me is a little leaning forward and sometimes upright. I don't like to reach to far forward. More test riding coming up.

I’ve discovered that bar ends give me two distinct seating positions so I can have a change of pace during a ride. I really like them and can adjust forward and back.

 

[Coolbob]

@KeithE I've had my Momentum Transend E+ for about a year (ordered on line and shipped to Local Bike Store [LBS] ) and we bought a Momentum Vida E+ (in stock at LBS) for my wife about a month ago. I preferred the design and feel of the Momentum over all the other eBikes I rode, including a Specalist and a Trek.

Both the Transend and the Vida and cruiser style bikes with the mostly the same components, but are build with a different rider in mind.

The Transend is a Class 3 bike, the components and geometry make for an very stable ride and cornering at high speed with riding position that is cruiser style, but can be easily adapted to a more athletic position simply be removing a few of the headset spacers.

The Vida is equally solid and stable feeling, but is geared lower and configured as a Class 1 eBike with a wider, softer saddle, and slightly more upright and swept back handlebars with more emphasis on a comfortable, casual riding position.

We have not had a single problem with either Momentum bike, but as with any bike with a Shimano internal geared hub, it's important to shift it properly (no tension on the chain when shifting, no multi-shifting) for maximum enjoyment and longevity.

 

[Browneye]

I like them both - both brands, along with Trek, are the standards of the industry. I would choose based on the dealer.
I've spent just a little over twelve thousand on Giant bikes in the past year or so - that should tell you something. LOL
IMO, the yamaha drive is the best of the best out there. It has the best reputation for reliability. Specialized and Trek, brose and bosch respectively, make up for their shortcomings with great warranty programs.