Sheepy1209
Veteran
- Location
- Blackpool
It's been over ten years since I last bought a bike, and a lot's changed since then. I'm looking for a new one for commuting and leisure riding, all on road, but struggling to understand the different specs and what benefit they bring.
As an example, the Giant CRS City and Expression ranges both come fitted with mudguards and rack, both have 700 wheels, and similar gearing (the CRS has 11-28 rear vs 14-28 for the Expression) - so I'd assume they're aimed at the same kind of rider.
The CRS City 3.0 seems to come in about £100 more than the base Expression, with differences including:
Aluminium frame, fluid formed vs Aluminium frame
Adjustable Ahead stem vs Steel Quill
Shimano EZ Fire shifter vs SRAM MRX
Shimano Acera rear vs Shimano Tourney
Cassette vs Freewheel
Shimano cranks vs Prowheel
Matrix 750 rims vs 'unbranded' Aluminium
Shimano RM40 Hub vs Joy Tech
Stainless Steel spokes vs Steel
I've done a bit of reading and can see that the CRS is generally a higher spec but what sort of difference will that make? Will it be noticeable in how the bike rides, for example, or only show up in improved longevity? My mileage is fairly low but it's all-weather.
My budget's tight so I'd be stretching to get the CRS, so is it worth it?
(I know other makes of bike are available - but I'm starting with my LBS and they're a Giant dealer. They also do Trek but this query is about understanding specs so I'm trying to keep it simple)
Thanks!
As an example, the Giant CRS City and Expression ranges both come fitted with mudguards and rack, both have 700 wheels, and similar gearing (the CRS has 11-28 rear vs 14-28 for the Expression) - so I'd assume they're aimed at the same kind of rider.
The CRS City 3.0 seems to come in about £100 more than the base Expression, with differences including:
Aluminium frame, fluid formed vs Aluminium frame
Adjustable Ahead stem vs Steel Quill
Shimano EZ Fire shifter vs SRAM MRX
Shimano Acera rear vs Shimano Tourney
Cassette vs Freewheel
Shimano cranks vs Prowheel
Matrix 750 rims vs 'unbranded' Aluminium
Shimano RM40 Hub vs Joy Tech
Stainless Steel spokes vs Steel
I've done a bit of reading and can see that the CRS is generally a higher spec but what sort of difference will that make? Will it be noticeable in how the bike rides, for example, or only show up in improved longevity? My mileage is fairly low but it's all-weather.
My budget's tight so I'd be stretching to get the CRS, so is it worth it?
(I know other makes of bike are available - but I'm starting with my LBS and they're a Giant dealer. They also do Trek but this query is about understanding specs so I'm trying to keep it simple)
Thanks!