Giant Bicycle Inc. Cypress LX

Price Paid:  $460.00 at Michaels Cycles, Jan

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress LX

Summary:
I agree wholeheartedly with the post claiming a marked sacrifice of speed for the supposed comforts. I too aveage 14-15mph compared to 16+ with my road bike. It is otherwise quite comfortable and shifts effortlessly. It has been perfect for our yearly trail rides in a local state park over crushed limestone trails and converted rail bed. Overall a good value if you'll occaisionally encounter rough terrain or ride in adverse conditions, crushed limestone trails etc.

Strengths:
Comfort, shifting, brakes. All good.

Weaknesses:
Fairly slow and a bit heavy.

Price Paid:  $649.00 at Hank and Frank Bicyc

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
stock LX model. Ive never weighed it, but with rear rack its probably in the 30-35 pound range.

Summary:
I have been commuting on my LX for about 3 months and have put around 700 miles on it. I bought a hybrid for comfort because I have had low back pain on mountain bikes and figured the same would happen on a road bike. The hybrid seemed the best solution.

While I certainly have appreciated the comfort and find I have zero back pain (now its more elbow), I didnt realize just how much speed you give up. My cruising speed is about 2/3 of my road-biking counterparts (and while my physical shape accounts for some of it, its certainly not all of it).

Since my commute is relatively short (11 mi each way) I am finding the comfort is less of an issue and Im now wanting more speed. The top speed I can hit on my hybrid (with a strong wind at my back) is 30mph, but im averaging more in the 14-15 mph.

I guess my only wisdom would be to consider speed and efficiency as well as comfort when purchasing. The bike itself has met or exceeded my expectations. I plan to purchase a road bike in the near future and make the Cypress my "rain bike."

Strengths:
Sturdy and capable for minor off-road excursion (hopping a curb when necessary or a dirt trail to avoid some traffic). Can be ridden in rain with the disc brakes. Seems very comfortable to me (6'4" 230 lb rider).

Weaknesses:
Ive had 4 flat tires in 3 months (and I maintain proper pressure). While the area I ride in is bad with plenty of sharp pebbles, I must say I think the "slime-filled" tubes are not the cat's meow. Get kevlar or some other kind of inner-tire liner.

Similar Products Used:
Old school Trek 920 mountain bike (which was very uncomfortable)

Price Paid:  $749.00 at cyclepath Brampton O

Favorite Ride:
cypress lx

Bike Setup:
fenders and a rear rack

Summary:
I have had this bike for 2 months now and have been riding it for 30 minuites 2 ways (going to, and comming from work)almost every work day(when it was not raining). This bike was intended for road use, or at least smooth ground. I however, primarily ride on the sidewalk and have found it to be a very bumpy ride. I am 6'2" have a 21 inch. Learning to ride it was a bit precarious. You are not permitted to lean into corners the same way you are with a smaller bike and lower center of gravity. The disk brakes were a surprise. They don't necessarily stop you faster but you are able to control the rate at which you stop in a smoother and more linear fasion. The brakes are also impervious to rian and are basically maintenance free. The bikes overall build quality is pretty high, though in retrospect I would have liked somthing with internal hub shiftng to make the bike totally maintenance free. After the bike is riden in the rain it must be wiped down and the chain and transmission must be relubed. This to me is a hassle that I can't be bothered with, being that it is a dialy rider.

Strengths:
great brakes, fairly light, good build quality, upright riding posistin.

Weaknesses:
not good on bumpy sidewalk, regular mainterance needed for transmission, seat not comfortable over long distances

Similar Products Used:
ccm riot

Price Paid:  $469.00 at Cyclist Choice in Gu

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress LX

Summary:
This is my first 'serious' bike after many years of riding assorted department store bikes. That being said, perhaps I am easily impressed after having ridden such mediocre bikes in the past, but I absolutely love this bike. I look forward to riding it all week and miss even looking at it while I am at work.

My wife and I purchased bikes (hers is a Trek 7300FX) with the intent of getting in shape and enjoying the outdoors. We mostly ride on converted railbeds or through our suburban neighborhood.

Strengths:
I have to admit that the disc brakes where a significant selling factor for me. They are powerful, smooth and have an awesome feeling of control and modulation. They still make a bit of noise, but with around 50 miles on them, I suppose that is expected.
The rest of the componentry feels eons ahead of the department store bikes. Shifting is smooth, fast and precise. I like being able to adjust the front suspension. I keep it cranked up tight most of the time, unless the trail gets a bit rough.
Suspension Seat Post works remarkably well. A bit of the comfort of a full suspension ride, without the 'mushy' feel.

Weaknesses:
Not crazy about the luxo-crusier look 3" rise handelbars. The seat is comfortable, but looks a bit like a couch and also makes it hard to take the bike a bit more seriously. Both are easy enough to change.
Tires seem to be trying to do everything at once. 40C, with aggressive mountain bike treads on the sides, with grooved slicks in the center. I'll be switching to a more conventional 35C hybrid tire soon.

Similar Products Used:
Cheapo Wal-Mart Next Full Suspension Bike.

Price Paid:  $440.00 at The Bike Peddler, Sa

Favorite Ride:
Giant Cypress LX

Bike Setup:
Frame- FluidForm, light weight ALUXX butted aluminum, Comfort-designed ideal Body Postion Geometry
Fork- SR/Suntour Magnesium suspension
derailleur Front: Shimano C102, Rear: Shimano Alivio
Derailleurshifters- Shimano EF-29 8-speed
Cranks- Giant, 28/38/48T
Pedals- Comfort Platform
Handlebar- Alloy 1.25" rise
Stem- Adjustable Alloy
Brakes- Hayes HMX-2 Mechanical Disc
Saddle- VARIABLE-DENSITY Comfort
Seatpost- Alloy micro-adjust, 27.2, QR Seat lever
Rims- Alloy 32H
Hubs- (Front) Alloy, QR, 32H, (Rear) Shimano RM40, 32H, QR, Disc
Tires- Cross Comfort Anti-Puncture, 700x40c with Slime Sealant Filled Tubes
Cassette- Shimano 11-30T, 8 speed
Spokes- Stainless steel 14G
Additional- Chainguard

Summary:
I've been out of the cycling world for a number of years. I used to ride around Belle Island in Detroit with the old Olympic riders, leather padded gloves for brakes! This Giant Cypress LX was my first new bike in many years- and what improvements have been made. The shock absorber in the seat is much appreciated! And the disk brakes work very smoothly- I was surprised at how smoothly. The shop told me that they only get better with age.
This bike is also lighter, yet feels firmer than my old steel framed bike. Most shifting works smoothly but I know it still needs some fine tuning- it is fairly new. The disk brakes offer new mounting spots for racks and fenders- and easier wheel dismounting.
So far, so good. I think this is a fine commuter type bike that will handle an occasional rough road just fine. Highly recommended but in short supply this summer 2004.

Strengths:
Highlights include smooth ride, great brakes, good shifting and light weight.

Weaknesses:
The only weak point – and it may be something I need to get used – it seems a little ‘short’ from seat to handlebars. I’ll play with seat height and stem settings some more.

Similar Products Used:
None from this era.