Get The Best Alternative Hybrid Bikes in Cheap Price.
| Price | Around $400 |
| Pros | Design, components, performance |
| Cons | Heavy, drive train |
| Summary | This bike is perfect for commuting, riding around the neighborhood, and general pleasure riding. |
| Our Rating | 82/100 |
| Brand | Giant |
If you’re looking for the perfect bike for your daily commute, or just to get around town, look no further than Giant’s Cypress or Cypress DX models.
The Cypress and Cypress DX models are best suited to individuals looking for a comfortable ride that allows the rider to sit upright and relax.
It’s great for commuting, road biking, pavement, and some light off-road time due to its comfort seat that has a shock absorbing design.
Tech Specs
FRAME SIZE: S, M, L, and XLBRAKE TYPE: Alloy Direct Pull Variety BreaksSHIFTER: Shimano Revo, Shimano EF 500 (DX variant)RIMS: Giant’s CH-17 Double Wall Aluminum RimsTIRES: Kenda Multi-Surface, 700×38 tires
The key differences between the Cypress and the Cypress DX are spread across various features between the two models which offers the buyer a unique choice in the complexity and design of their ride.
Each model offers different colors, components, drivetrain, and wheels which offers buyers a more custom fit bike for their needs.
Frame Size
The frame sizes for the Cypress and Cypress DX come in S, M, L, and XL.
The aluminum frame is crafted from ALUXX aluminum which features unique construction methods that reduce weight without sacrificing strength. The 6011-aluminum alloy is optimized for its strength to weight ratio, and is created with a blend of forming and welding techniques. The result is custom fit junctures without excessive weld material, greater durability, and cleaner aesthetics.
Brake Type
Both models of the cypress come with brakes that are of the alloy, and direct pull variety.
Besides being consistent with this type of comfort bike, the direct pull brakes are comfortable for the rider and allow upright riding while still having firm contact with the braking mechanism.
Direct pull brakes are familiar to most, and many riders looking for this type of bike prefer them. The brake levers in the Cypress DX are an alloy with a comfort design that the regular Cypress does not have.
Shifter
The shifter used in the Cypress is a Shimano Revo, while the Cypress DX offers the slightly smoother Shimano EF 500.
Both are high quality components; however, the higher price of the DX becomes more justified as this small component shifts easily every time, making the ride smoother than one might expect.
The Cypress utilizes a 7-speed twist-shift drivetrain, while the DX version has a 3×8-speed trigger-shift drivetrain. Riders seem split on their preference for one over the other, but both parts offer quality and durability for long lasting performance.
Rims
The sleek look, durability, and strength of the rims is attributed to Giant’s CH-17 Double Wall Aluminum rims manufactured using their specific time-tested process.
Both models are built to take a few bumps in the road and the rims are no exception. Their thin profile has a nice aesthetic look compared to other models widely available today.
Tires
The Cypress is meant to go on a variety of terrain, and the Kenda Multi-Surface, 700×38 tires are fully equipped to handle the challenge. The Cypress DX uses P-X3, 700×38, Multi-surface which is equally aggressive, and action ready.
Both kinds of tires will handle a variety of terrain including pavement, gravel, trail riding, and everything in between. Although they are not tubeless, their rugged durability will help the rider power through even a fairly bumpy ride.
Price Range
The Cypress models retail for around $400.
As a base model, the Cypress offers several features that other competitors fail to achieve, but many riders will be looking to upgrade for longer rides. The Cypress DX is a nice upgrade from the basic Cypress, and delivers the quality improvements you’d expect for the price.
What We Like
The Cypress is one of the top bike brands that offers a lot of great features that can’t be beat by the competition in the same price range. Other components and the versatility offered is unique to this model as well.
With a bike like Giant’s Cypress, there’s quite a bit to like in terms of features and design. Here’s what stood out the most:
- Highly durable design
- Well-made components
- Handles well in off-road conditions, and flat ground
- Versatile performance to best fit a variety of uses
- Riders can make adjustments as needed for a more custom fit
What We Don’t Like
Although there are some design flaws, they are minimal in the Cypress and not unexpected.
With traditional flat pedals, and a less pricey drive train, riders will feel a difference in their ride that they’d likely experience with competitor’s bikes as well. Nevertheless, here’s what we felt could use some improvement on the Cypress line:
- Tends to be a little on the heavy side
- Drive train could use some improvement (for easier shifting and uphill mobility)
- Riders have a tendency to lose contact with the platform pedals on different terrain
- Each model has different shifting mechanisms
Buying Advice
This bike is perfect for commuting, riding around the neighborhood, and general pleasure riding. It’s a perfect choice for those that are looking for a comfortable hybrid bike that is fun to ride, and can handle the terrain where they want to go.
Many riders rave about how excellently this bike can handle terrain changes, and riders have reported numerous successful trail rides over fairly rough terrain. However, this bike is equally suited to flat pavement and pleasure riding with its shock absorbing features, and relaxed design.
You can also see the best hybrid bikes under $1000 here.
SEE ALSO- Specialized Sirrus 3.0 Review
Conclusion
The Cypress and Cypress DX are great all-around choices to suit most pleasure riders and commuters.
The features are solid, and the bike has a clear track record of durability, and versatile performance. While this bike is definitely not for racing, or serious riders, it’s a great choice for those looking to ride in comfort and style on common terrain.
If you are looking for a slightly fancier version, opt for the Cypress DX and you won’t regret it. If you’re just looking for a basic model to get around, and have fun, you definitely can’t go wrong with a ride on the Cypress. Do yourself a favor and give them a ride!
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