Giant Escape 2 City (2017) - Review

Built using Giant's ALUXX- grade butted alloy frame, the Giant Escape 2 City is a lightweight and durable hybrid bicycle. The ergonomically designed frame geometry ensures an upright and stable riding position. The neutral upright riding position enables comfortable, precise navigation through traffic in a city. The frame comes equipped with mounting options to hold two water bottle cages - a major plus when it comes to riding, especially when on longer rides. In addition to this, the Giant Escape 2 City comes pre-fitted with front and rear fenders and a carrier. Though this might add slightly to the overall weight of the bicycle, it is a good feature considering the purpose of the bicycle being a city commuter. This bicycle is equipped with an ALUXX-grade aluminium rigid fork which was efficient when tested on city roads with bumps and potholes.

The Giant Escape 2 City comes equipped with a Shimano Altus groupset. The 24-speed (3x8) gearing is commendable, offering a number of possible gearing combinations which is sure to make climbing easier. The shifting is controlled by Shimano M31 shifters. The shifters are well - positioned, with ease of reach while gripping the handlebar. The shifting was found to be smooth. However, there was some ‘skipping’ of gears in the front when shifting from 2 to 3. It took a couple of pedal strokes for the chain to settle on the front chainring. The thumb shifters/ triggers are very responsive and require minimal effort to change gears.

Known for their well designed bicycles, Giant's Escape City is no exception to this fact. Though available in a single color - an unusual Pewter/ Silver, this bicycle is sure to turn heads when on the road, due to its simplicity yet classy good looks. The internal cabling of this bicycle not only adds to the clean, simple aesthetics but also enhances performance, reducing drag felt when in comparison to external cabling.

The Giant Escape 2 City comes equipped with Tetkro V-brakes. The braking was found to be powerful and effective on wet and dry surfaces alike. The brake levers have been positioned well and do not require any extra reach or efforts to access them. The Giant Connect handlebar on this bicycle is a flat handlebar. Thereby enabling supreme handling and control. The handlebar grips on the cycle are comfortable and will be great when on a longer ride.

The Giant Escape 2 City is equipped with Giant S-X3 puncture protect 7x32c tires. They are fast rolling and incredibly smooth on city roads. In addition, the threading on the tires is sure to withstand bumpy roads and muddy surfaces with ease. The Giant Connect Saddle has been ergonomically designed, making long rides on this bicycle extremely comfortable. A major brownie point for Giant here!The saddle post does not come with a quick release. Though this does not affect performance in any way and shouldn’t be a hassle. For people using their bicycles in the city regularly, this can be a bonus as chances of the saddle being stolen are considerably reduced!