Giant CRS vs Expression

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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!
 

MacB

Lover of things that come in 3's
Hi, the Expression is much more of an upright pootling bike, it comes with 40mm tyres, suspension seatpost etc. The CRS should be a quicker, slightly less upright ride.

My take would be that the Expression would be less satisfying over time. The CRS would be more fun but there are other bikes around that mark that may be better. The spec is relatively low, I have the CRS Alliance and, though better spec, it's really the frame you pay for. I chose it as a frame worth adding better bits to, I wouldn't say the same for the City model.
 
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Sheepy1209

Veteran
Location
Blackpool
Thanks - I was thinking the Expression looks similar in spec and style to my ten-year-old Raleigh, so your comments back that up.

I'm a regular rider but I'd rate myself as 'advanced pootler' - sometimes I crave a bike with longer legs for those tailwind moments, and equally the headwinds here (Blackpool) can be vicious so being bolt upright isn't ideal.

It's early days, I haven't settled on a style of bike yet - I might be best with something towards the 'road' end of the spectrum, but with flat bars - any suggestions?

(I'm not set against drop bars completely but can't see myself using the drops much, if only because my beer gut won't let me)
 

MacB

Lover of things that come in 3's
In the Giant line I quite liked the look of the FCR and Defy range and, if I had my Giant to buy again would have gone for one of those. But this is because I originally wanted a do everything bike so racks, guards, clearance were important. I've now migrated to seperate bikes for seperate roles. The commute, which I originally bought the Giant for, is now served by a Surly Crosscheck steel frame with hub geared rear wheel. Heavier duty bike, Mavic A719 rims, more robust and feels better than the Gaint when loaded with 2 panniers etc. The Giant is gradually slimming down into a weekend only bike. I've seen some good write ups on the FCR, stick some bar ends on to give extra hand positions and it would be a nice ride.

Decide what your main use requirement is and then spec a bike to match that as closely as possible. Look for a deal that includes guards, rack etc, if you need them, as these all add up very quickly if you need to buy them seperately. Buying a frame and building up isn't a cheap option, far better value going for a complete bike.

Then you can enter the ranks of N+1, this is where N= the number of bikes you have and N+1 is the number you need.
 
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Sheepy1209

Veteran
Location
Blackpool
Thanks for that, very helpful.

Unfortunately my LBS, however nice they are, won't be getting my business because I need some sort of finance to be able to buy a bike anytime soon, and my employer doesn't do a cycle to work scheme. I'll happily use them for servicing, but is it any wonder the likes of Halfords and the big internet retailers manage to win business, or people buy a 'BSO' from Toyr R Us?

If I can make mine last a few more months and save up then I will but it's still likely to put a lower lid on my budget!
 
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Sheepy1209

Veteran
Location
Blackpool
Quick update - I've just been speaking to a friend at work who has a Giant hybrid in his garage which he's up for selling - so looks like the decision may well be made for me!
 
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