Giant Escape RX3 - 2017
Introduction:
About me in the World of cycling [For you to get the right
perspective]:
I am a regular round-the-block cyclist and cycling is
the only physical activity I love. I DONT RACE. I ride anywhere between
15-30km, almost every-day on a single trip without breaks, in traffic; purely
on the tarmac. Occasional long rides in weekends. So, this should give you the
right perspective on the review.
About the bike/ Company:
About the Company you can read extensively on the internet.
What I can guarantee is, they mix the components very well on amazing frames.
Pricing is slightly on the up-side, if you compare some
Indian and pan-Asian counterparts, but the frame is of un-matched quality.
Also, just for some of us who didnt know - They also make
bikes for other Companies, which includes Trek.
Specification:
You can get the entire spec right here: ( No wasting time, am not a man of many words)
Some close-up shots (of less spoken components):
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| Quick release wheels, very light forks |
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| Flat, Tubular frame |
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| Double walled Alloy wheel with AllCondition tires |
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| Nice, wellgo pedals |
Group-sets:
if you are looking for the hirearchy of the Shimano
group-sets, here is where you should go:
Shifting is smooth on the higher gears, no doubt; no lags at
all; Although I would have loved to have at-least Sora on this.
This bike is a good climber, you can use it for constant
elevation very effeciently.
Also an all-day cruiser in the 2X7 in the speeds of about
20-25kmph all day, with ease.
Top speed I have achieved on this bike, on a flat tarmac is
about 50kmph on the top gear with slight descent. But there was still more
achievable. I am not a pro here.
Tires:
As you know, this comes with the SR-3 puncture proof tires
which is good, for the tarmac and cobbles for sure.
word of caution: There is little grip on a slippery surface or even on a rugged
road area
very poor handling on silt/sand or small stones that are
spread wide on the road. You SHOULD reduce the speed and gears to gain control.
Irrespective of the negatives I have mentioned, this one is slick, light-weight
and you can beat anyone on a similar hybrid
bike configuration hands-down on flat surfaces.
Brakes:
Tekrto brakes do a good job on a dry and clean rim, decent
stopping power but I would suggest you upgrade to disk if you are going to race
with it.
Handling:
One word: Lovely; You will certainly love this bike for what it is made for.
Purpose driven, well designed frame, decent set of group-sets and decent
stopping power.
You can definitely use this for all day long touring trips
on different elevations very, very effeciently here in India. As long as there
are roads and hard surfaces, no loose sands/stones whereever you go.
There is a good
amount of vibrations absorbed by the handle bar, inspite of it not having carbon
forks. I expected carbon forks at this price range. Disappointment here.
Who should buy:
If you are riding to work, and you live in Tier-1 city in
India where there are well-laid roads and you need to travel between 20-35km
distance daily within half an hour including the traffic conditions similar to
Bangalore.
What I can surely promise, you'll enjoy:
Superb rims, decent tires and group-sets and ultimate frame - will
always push you to achieve more distance and speed. You'll for sure fall in love with this frame
You are a biker who loves touring with leisure stance,
covering not beyond 100km per day and you ride with less load.
Who should'nt buy:
If you are not living in a place where there are 80% and
above pavements/roads or even concrete road, kindly stay away. Get yourself
hybrid of your choice, with front suspention.
If you are a road bike lover; you love to race or even for
endurance long rides at "high speed cruising range"; You are on a
heavy side, riding longer distances daily [This case, let-down is tires.]
Its put off, if you are looking for less drag etc.,you
really won’t like this bike.
My Take/recommendation:
For this price range, the frame is the BEST IN CLASS! Kindly
upgrade the group-sets if you want to, but I can live with it for my usage.
Also, drop-bars/additional grips/comfortable seats etc - of
your choice. But I would seriously
recommend disk brake upgrades.If you are especially in a hilly region and a
wet-belt geographically - kindly don’t think twice; Upgrade the brakes and
tires.
Conclusion:
This review is just a communication to people who are looking for a nice hybrid, and leisure touring, from a regular, decent fitness level person's usage perspective. If you are entry-level
to medium level cyclist and love rides – go for this one 😊. Even if you own expensive ones and do not want to use them for daily use, this would fit the purpose very well.
But, always get your bike tried in different types of roads.
Insist on the test-ride.Try different brands, but always know the History and
the achievements a brand holds. Choose a bike that fits your purpose.
Do NOT BUY bikes because they are lighter/ expensive/ Carbon
thinking its going to increase your range and speed. Although it aids your
ambition, nothing works like building your fitness and be at proper weight to
bike. A good combination of man + machine like ESCAPE RX3 == HAPPINESS
GUARENTEED.
All the best; Happy Biking :)
Upgrades:
I have upgraded the following:
1. Fenders - Proper fully covered fenders
2. An emergency pump attached from Giant (actually this is just 80PSI capable)
3. Spare Tubes and Puncture kits saved on the bag from TopPeak (no rain protection)
4. Lights with 250 LUMEN headlamp and a blinker behind
5. Sunding very normal wired speedometer - Splash and rain proof, going strong without even battery replacement even after 2000+ km
Upgrades:
I have upgraded the following:
1. Fenders - Proper fully covered fenders
2. An emergency pump attached from Giant (actually this is just 80PSI capable)
3. Spare Tubes and Puncture kits saved on the bag from TopPeak (no rain protection)
4. Lights with 250 LUMEN headlamp and a blinker behind
5. Sunding very normal wired speedometer - Splash and rain proof, going strong without even battery replacement even after 2000+ km
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| With all accessories |
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