Giant Escape RX Composite (2014)

Super comfy composite flat-bar hybrid

Pros

- Nice carbon frame
- Integrated Ride Sense
- Rack mounts
- Comfort

Cons

- It's a hybrid

Review

The Giant Escape RX composite ignores the all too common problem that you have to settle for a heavy alloy bike if you want a decent hybrid with touring and commuting capabilities. This sleek looking flat-bar bike is based around a monocoque carbon frame designed to create a hybrid that can perform, while also remaining compliant in less than ideal road conditions.

The Escape has a couple of excellent features. Firstly the frame is fitted with rack mounts making this bike perfect for setting up panniers for all your commuting and perhaps touring needs. Secondly, the frame incorporates the Ride Sense integrated data transmitter which is capable of being used with any ANT+ computer.

The components are not what you would call high-end, and feature a mix of very much entry-level Shimano drivetrain parts and, as expected, Giant own-branded product. While this keeps the price respectable for the average hybrid buyer it may also limit the performance of the bike. It does make the Escape RX seem a little caught between the aspirations of a performance flat-bar hybrid and a budget focused carbon commuter.

Still, if you are looking for a comfortable, fast and efficient city bike that is capable of some decently long rides, (as long as it remains on the bitumen or bike path), then the Escape RX is a good bike to check out. Just remember that if you are new to road cycling and you buy this bike, you may look back in a year or two and chuckle.