Price Paid:  $450.00 at West Broward Bicycle

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Clipless pedals, handle bar extension.

Summary:
I started road cycling about 2 years ago with a "retail store" mountain bike. After a long pause of about a year I restarted on February and by March I decided it was time to get something for the road.

Due to some back problems I didn't want a traditional drop handle bar so I looked for a hybrid. Very fortunate for me since the starting prices for road bikes are sooo expensive.

I test rode other brands (Jamis, Cannondale and Trek) and at the end decided to go for the FCR based on reviews and $$.

I decided to go for the basic model (FCR 3) mainly because I was not sure my back and knee will keep up with my new hobbie. I've been riding about 20 miles 4-5 times on weekdays and about 40-50 once a weekend with the local road riding group.

After about 1000 miles on it I must say I'm extremely happy with it. My experience with road bikes was zero before, so I don't have anything to compare it with but by riding with the weekend group with ciclysts that average well above U$ 1000 bikes, I noticed the FCR3 can keep up with them. Many of the other riders noticed my bike and are surprised how well it rides.

I plan to change the stock 32 width tires to a 28 and if possible to a 25 so I can increase even more my speed. Of course I know I will loose some of the comfort. However with the stock equipment I can keep up with the 20-22 m/h group.

Since I got so much into this sport, I plan in the non so distant future to upgrade to a better road bike. For entry level ciclysts I strongly recommend the FCR3 or the 2 or ven the 1 if you have the extra money and don't mind a little less comfort.

Strengths:
Comfortable ride
Decent shifting
Decent weight
Excelent value for the price

Weaknesses:
Pedals

Similar Products Used:
None, except for the "retail store" mountain bike

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Bob's Bike Shop, in

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Blanchard Park, in Orlando

Bike Setup:
I bought a more comfortable seat. Again, I'm not manly enough for the squeezy crushy seats.

Summary:
I've ridden old Walmart and various cheap comfort bike 4-5 a week for about 8 years now. I'm only 18 and I enjoyed the exercise and overall experience of riding, so I decided to invest in a better bike. I saw Giant was highest rated in Consumer Reports, so I found a dealer near me and went to check out their bikes. I enjoyed the comfort of my old bike, but I really wanted to get a faster bike. I tried out the Cypress and thought it was really comfortable, but it was rather heavy and slow. Then I saw the FCR 3 and instantly fell in love. Not only did it look like a beast, but it rode well!

I test rode it and new I had to buy it. It was fast, light, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable. I wasn't manly enough to get a full on road bike with the seats that squash your naughty bits, so this was definitely the next best thing.

I've had it a few weeks now, and I love it. I've been averaging 10-20 miles a ride on it, and found it travels quite fast with little effort. I even bought some of those spicy bike shorts, so now I'm hardcore! I don't know much about bikes, but I do know its an awesome bike and well worth the money.

Strengths:
Fast, light, comfortable, affordable, sturdy, and it looks awesome

Weaknesses:
Handlebars are a little uncomfortable after an hour or so but not enough to really complain

Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar to this beast of a bike

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Bicycle Garage of In

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Monon Trail, Carmel, In.

Bike Setup:
Stock, except for SPD pedals, upgraded brake pads

Summary:
I own a 2008 FCR3. Good fitness bike.
Average ride is 10-15 miles. Frame is woth upgrading. Would suggest a road bike if you want to ride longer. Overall very good bike for the money.

Strengths:
Comfortable frame geometry. Gears shift smoothly.

Weaknesses:
Stock brakes are not very good.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Summary:
This bike is great. I did a lot of research before I bought this bike. I looked at road bikes other hybrids. In the end getting a hybrid was a great bang for my buck. My advice...if your not a serious road biker you will love this bike.

Strengths:
Fast. Great components. Very reasonably priced.

Weaknesses:
Not made in the USA, though had few options given my location.

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Price Paid:  $680.00 at FastTrack Bicycles,

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Through Hope Ranch

Bike Setup:
Stock except for clipless pedals, about to get a computer for it.

Summary:
This thing is awesome. I couldn't find many reviews so I thought I would write one after I got the bike. FCR2- Bought the bike as a commuter to and from work, enjoyed riding it so much I hardly ever stop. Tight turning, easy shifting, really smooth bike. I am very glad I made the purchase, would do it again in a second.

Strengths:
Tight turning, upright riding position, carbon fork for less road vibration, easy to shift, awesome looking bike!

Weaknesses:
Not as aerodynamic as road bikes, That's about it

Similar Products Used:
I tested basically all the hybrid bikes in this category, Trek - Specialized Sirrus - Scott- This was by far the best bike as far as value (what you get for what you pay)