Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Giant Expression N3
















Looking for a bike to encourage your lady partner onto the road with you?

Then I think this is it, the Giant N3 Expression. It's uncomplicated, comfortable, well equipped and has a tep through frame with twist gears to help on the hills.

Search it out but a very nice and reasonably priced machine £230 in the UK.

Specification:


FRAME ALUXX aluminium
FORK HiTensile steel, rigid
BRAKES Shimano Nexus roller brakes
WHEELS Aluminium rims, Shimano Nexus hubs
DRIVETRAIN Shimano Nexus 3 speed
SIZES 15, 17, 19, 21"

Specialized Allez 2007


Well I thought I'd upgrade as per my last post, so I ummed and arred and then research the Specialized range and decided on a racing road bike in the form of the current Allez Triple.

Well I got it and started to ride but have concluded that for my style and distance of riding:

20 mile ride cross tarmac, country lanes
once, twice or three times per week

That the Sirrus Sport is a more apt machine and so I'm going to downgrade again and seek another upgrade within the Sirrus range. This might not work for everyone but I hope my view helps some in a similar situation.

Specification


Frame
A1 butted alloy frame tubes
Fork
Carbon blade, alloy crown and steerer
Stem/Bar
3D Oversize
Transmission
Tiagra & Sora either double 16 speed or triple 24 speed
Brakes
Dual Pivot
Wheels
Jalco GX460 Sealed Bearing Hubs Straight pull spokes
Tyres
Specialized Mondo
Post/Saddle
Carbon round / Specialized Comp
Colour
Black/Silver

Price RRP £529

Specialized Sirrus Sport 2006




















I bought a Specilized Sirrus Sport Hybrid this year - 2006 model in Grey and thought I'd post a few thoughts.

I'd been riding a Specialized Expedition purchased in the US which rekindled my interest in cycling and got me into the regular 12 mile habit which I've now expanded to 25 miles on a run.

The Sirrus Sport is a great bike with a compact frame, excellent geometry and great speed and weight without the ramped style of a road racer with drops. The gears Shimano Tiagra are smooth and fast and the suspension seatpost is a real boon.

I'm 6'1" and the 58cm frame is a tad on the small side - specialized call this Large and it's fine with some adjustments. I've added Shimano SPD clips, a wireless computer (TWINS from eBay) as well as dual bottle cages.

The tyres are very robust and in 1800 miles I've had not one puncture from the standard specialized Nimbus despite copious country lane mileage.

I did the C2C on the machine in May 2006 and it was difficult to fault, being speedy, comfortable and ruggid all in one.

Verdict - Recommended - time to upgrade.