Considering a Giant Escape 3 - any similar bikes I should look at instead?

Hades · 18 Aug 2017 at 11:52

I've not ridden in many, many years. But we just bought a small Giant Escape 3 for my son's upcoming 11th birthday. He fell in love with it at a local independant shop and wouldn't consider any other bike. I do need a bike too so we can go out riding together at weekends. I tried the same bike in a larger size and really liked it as well. It brought a smile to my face to be on a bike again.

I'm extremely tempted to get it. But not knowing much about bikes I thought it best to seek advice here. Are there others I should look at for a similar £280 price?

Background and Use

I've not ridden properly since I was a kid at school (I'm now 48). So I don't need anything expensive at this point. £300 is about my budget.

I expect I'll be riding mainly on the road and occasionally on light trails at weekends. I doubt I'd be using it for serious off road work so something really rugged probably isn't needed.

Thanks.

Hades · 18 Aug 2017 at 15:13

Thanks.

Hades · 20 Aug 2017 at 00:07

Thanks.

Hades · 20 Aug 2017 at 19:32

Again, thanks.

Hades · 26 Aug 2017 at 12:36

Thanks that looks good.

Hades · 27 Aug 2017 at 11:25

mattyfez said:
The voodoo is a better bike imo, it's half a kilo lighter, has hydraulic disk brakes and better gears.

Thanks. As a novice I didn't really know the difference between the two. So that's useful to know.

Hades · 27 Aug 2017 at 13:43

mattyfez said:
Whilst it's on offer at £300, it's definitely a better buy than the giant for the £20 price difference.

With quidco cashback at Halfords it's actually £285 which is even better. I just need to find a Halfords which has it in stock to try the size.

Not sure if I can stack the 10% discount for British Cycling membership and also quidco. But worth a try if I can confirm my size.

Hades · 27 Aug 2017 at 16:37

Right... I reserved a Voodoo Marasa for collection tomorrow after trying one. I did prefer the look of the Giant Escape (less bling) but the Voodoo is cheaper with better components so it will do for me.

I'll get the 10% British Cycling discount and hopefully an additional 4% discount via quidco for in-shop purchases. So after cashback, if it does stack, it's £260 which seems a bargain.

Thanks for the help.