In this video we compare 3 Hybrid bikes from name manufacturers.
The contenders are the Trek FX2 Disc, Giant Escape Disc and the Specialized Sirrus 2.0.
Hello. In this video we will be comparing the Trek FX2 Disc, Giant Escape Disc 2 and Specialized Sirrus 2.0. My reason for picking these is that they
sit at the middle of their ranges and are hybrids from 3 of the most popular bike brands in the world. These bikes are meant for utility rides as well
as to commute to work or to keep you in shape. All of these bikes are rigid fork hybrid bikes but that is where the similarities end.
In this video we will compare the frames of these bikes, the fork, geometry differences, talk about the differences in drivetrain, component choices,
give a brief summary in the end and definitively suggest which of these 3 bikes we recommend from our side. Models referenced here are from the US market.
The FX frame which comes in 6 sizes is made of Trek's Alpha Gold Aluminium alloy. The Giant Escape is made of their ALLUX grade alloy but dissapointingly comes
in 4 sizes only. The Specialized Sirrus frame comes in 6 sizes too and is made from their A1 Premium aluminium. All of the bikes mentioned here feature
internal cable routing and have rack and fender mounts.
Coming to the fork, the Trek and Giant come with Alloy forks while the Specialized comes with a steel fork. Alloy forks are better at absorbing vibrations as well
as weigh less than steel forks.
The Seatpost in the FX is a round Bontrager 27.2 mm one. The Escape is equipped with a D Shaped alloy seatpsot while the Specialized Sirrus again comes with
a round 27.2 mm seatpost.
Coming to the geometry of the bikes, we compare the bikes in a size M. Now I must say Trek's M is half a size smaller than the M of other two.
But it still gives us a good idea of how aggressive or forgiving the bike would be if you get the bike in your size. We think the Escape is actually the most
aggressive of the bikes here with its low stack to reach ratio. The FX and Sirrus have a comfortable and dependable geometry, the kind you would expect
from a bike you want to go around town in without giving any pain to your body whatsoever. To reiterate, with the Giant you may in many occasions be in between
sizes or out of sizes, much more often than you would be with the other two bikes, because 6 sizes in a hybrid mean you would very likely get a bike that fits you.
The Giant is also equipped with a sligtly wider handlebar.
Let's compare the drivetrains of the bikes then. We start off with the cranks. All of the 3 bikes here are with a forged alloy 46/30 crank with
46 teeth on the outer ring and 30 teeth on the inner. Shifting at the front of the FX is taken care of by a Shimano Acera T3000 front deraileur. In the
Escape and Sirrus they are a Shimano Tourney TY710 FD. The Acera front deraileur in the FX should make shifting much smoother, consistent and assured
under load as well as in normal circumstances than the Tourney one in the other two bikes.
Coming to the cassette, the FX2 Disc is equipped with a 9 speed 11-36 HG200 cassette, the Escape with an 8 speed 11-34 cassette and the Sirrus with a sligtly
more limited 8 speed 11-32 cassette. If you are a newbie, let me mention that because the FX has the largest rear sprocket, it will be the
easiet to climb steep gradients with the chain in the 36 tooth sprocket. 9 speeds also ensure the gaps between the gears being somewhat less.
Stock tyre for the FX is a Bontrager H2 Comp 35c but the max tyre clearance is 38c. For the Escape its a giant SX2 38c but you can squeeze in widest of the lot 45c
tyres and finally 32c roadsport reflect for the Specialized which are too narrow for most buyers in our opinion. The max that the Spesh can take is a 42c though.
Braking in the Trek is provided by Tektro R280 Hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors back and front. The same braking configuration is also used
in the Giant although the rotors are now in house of the same size. The Sirrus comes with Promax F1 Hydraulic disc brakes with same 160 mm rotors back and front.
Here is a summary of the 3 bikes we have mentioned covering the prices which are just about similar, specifications and major component choices.
All things considered, let us come to our verdict then. For most intents and purposes the Trek FX2 Disc which comes with the best drivetrain of the bikes here,
an alloy fork and has a generous 6 sizes has to be our recommended bike here. It should serve the purpose of just about anyone looking for a rigid fork
hybrid bike.
#TrekFX
#GiantEscape
#SpecializedSirrus