Giant Cross City 1 Flat Bar Road Bike 2012.

Price is $1299.

Just what is a flat bar road bike?

Hybrid bikes have been becoming increasingly popular over the past 10 years. At first they were much the same as the current flat bar road bikes, but then a gradual transition occurred, and they became heavier, slower and more comfortable, with a more upright seating position and plush ride. The emphasis has been on comfort over recent years and has paved the way the the introduction of a light fast, comfortable (yes still comfortable) bicycle with flat bars for better rider control. The flat bar road bike concept is actually ideal for a commuting bike. When negotiating traffic, gutters, potholes and occasionally the pedestrian who forgets to look for a bike, the immediate access to brilliant braking can be an absolute blessing. All the controls are at your fingertips,  so gear-changing, braking and steering are immediate.

The Cross City 1 is the 2011 version of Giants top model from previous years the CRX1. A lightweight hydroformed aluminium frame is at the heart of this bike and when coupled to a carbon fibre front fork and fitted with quality parts the result is one very swift commuter bike. The gears are the tried and proven Shimano 105 and these in combination with Shimano R600 compact cranks provide a more than adequate gear range for most riders in most areas. Fitted with a Shimano RS10 wheel-set to improve performance and the "bullet proof" Vittoria Randonneur tyres, the ride and reliability is fantastic. Other featured parts are the super comfortable Selle Royale Royal-Gel saddle and Shimano M324 clipless pedals. These pedals allow the use of clip-in cycling shoes on one side and casual shoes on the other.

The bike is finished in the "Diamond Shield" paint finish that BMW use on their 5 and 7 series cars. It is thicker and has a really tough outer coating to provide a bike that will look new for several years. The frame is setup to take racks and mudguards if so desired. The bike comes with Giant's lifetime frame warranty and Shimano's 2 year parts warranty. To ensure trouble free cycling we provide 12 months free service. This means you can bring it in as often as required during this period.

Come in end test ride one, so you can check how good a bike can feel.

Giant Cross City 2 Flat Bar Road Bike.

Price only $1099.

With Shimano Tiagra 27 gears and with ratios aimed at the faster riding the Cross City 2 is capable of, it is a bike that will suit the needs of touring and commuter cyclists as well as weekend fitness riders. Overall it is a fast, relatively lightweight bike. It has been designed to cater for a wide variety of riding surfaces, so it is a little heavier than a normal road bike, but much more versatile (and lots of fun). 

At the respectable price of $1099, the Cross City 2 has often been the choice for those wanting a great quality bike at a price not too far away from the $1000, a threshold for many purchasers. At this level you get a bike that has a lighter frame than the Cross City 3 or 4, with carbon forks to absorb road vibrations and improve the ride (they are also a little lighter). The performance and ride quality are further improved with the addition of higher quality wheels, that are lighter and stronger. Lighter wheels give a noticeable performance increase, so it makes it a little easier to pedal along.

The saddle is particularly comfortable, a welcome addition to those use to some road bikes. It is mounted on a suspension pillar, which is adjustable to suit the riders weight and riding preferences. The suspension pillar removes the shock when you inadvertently encounter a massive pothole or negotiate cobblestones at the side of the road. Of course the bike also has lightweight handlebars and stem, again to keep the weight down to a minimum.

The frame has provision for mudguards and a carrier in case they are needed, and there are plenty of mounting points for lights. If desired larger tyres can be fitted, to tackle gravel tracks or the like, but the standard tyres will handle pretty much any surface you normally encounter. Overall this is a very versatile bike, ideal for city use.

Giant Cross City 2 Flat Bar Road Bike 2011.

Price is $1,099

The Giant Cross City 2 is a new model of Giant Flat Bar Road Bike, based on the previous year's CRX 2. Similar in specification with most features the same as the CRX 2, with the exception of the  frame which has been further improved, reducing weight and increasing strength. It looks better too, which is a bonus. 

The forks are carbon fibre (which absorbs shock from sharp bumps and so forth), making the ride more comfortable and smooth. But you get a "double-whammy" on the shock absorption  as the seat pillar has suspension in it as well! The Shimano Tiagra/Sora gear system is very reliable and is also found on the Giant Defy 2 Drop Bar Road Bike. This bike can be  recommended for anyone who is looking for something that they can ride to work, or around the streets, that's swifter and lighter that a hybrid but not quite as full-on and a little more comfortable than a drop bar road bike.

Come and test ride one today and see what we're talking about... I can guarantee you'll love this bike...

2011 GT Tachyon 2.0 Flat Bar Road Bike

Price was $1099 now $899

TYPE OF FRAME GT Tachyon compact geometry aluminum frame with hydroformed TT and DT, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons
FORK GT Type R Carbon fork, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, alloy steerer
SIZES Large Frame
CRANK FSA Omega Triple 50/39/30t
BOTTOM BRACKET Mega EXO
SHIFTERS Shimano SL-R441 Rapid Fire Flat Bar shifters
COG SET Shimano HG50 9-speed 11-25
CHAIN KMC HG-40
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano R453
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Sora R-3400
RIMS Jalco DRX-3000 double wall rims with CNC sides
FRONT HUB Formula Alloy 32h with QR
REAR HUB Formula Alloy cassette hub 32h with QR
SPOKES Stainless steel 14 gauge
NIPPLES Alloy anodized color match
TIRES Kenda Kiniption700x32c
PEDALS Alloy body, steel cage trekking
FRONT BRAKE Tektro RX-1
REAR BRAKE Tektro RX-1
BRAKE LEVERS Tektro RX-1 levers
HANDLEBAR GT Type R double butted flat bar, 31.8 bar bore
STEM NVO adjustable ahead system
HEADSET Integrated sealed bearing
GRIPS GT Type R ergo w/ sprint bar ends
SADDLE GT Type R race saddle
SEAT POST GT design alloy seat pillar
SEAT CLAMP Collar with bolt type

2012 Giant Cross City 3 Flat Bar Road Bike.

Price only $799.

The Giant Cross City 3 has a lightweight aluminium frame and cromoly forks and is equipped with eyelets for mudguards and pannier racks. The Cross City 3 is extremely versatile bike. Actually most people buy these simply because they are light, easy to pedal and ride so smoothly. There is suspension in the seat pillar... just for some extra comfort, and it has a really comfortable saddle. The bike still has Shimano Sora gears (great quality) and Tektro "V" brakes for reliable braking. The double-wall alloy rims prevent rim damage, and are resistant to buckles. These rims are stronger than single wall rims and are ideal for suburban use. And all this for under $800! Come and test ride one today.

Giant Cross City 3 Flat Bar Road Bike.

Price only $799.

This model has an aluminium Aluxx frame with Cromoly tapered forks. It is light and fast (read easy to push). Plus there is suspension in the seat pillar... just for some extra comfort.

Overall the bike is ideal for most suburban riding, it is fast enough for road use, can handle rough surfaces or even gravel tracks (although a change to wider tyres may be required if this is regular) and is comfortable enough for leisurely cruising. While the Cross City 1 and 2 have a lighter frame, this bike is still very light, and is likely to really impress if you do not want to spend the extra to get a Cross City 2.

The bike still has Shimano Sora gears (great quality) and Tektro "V" brakes for reliable braking. Both of these features found on a fair few of the more expensive road bikes.  The double-wall alloy rims prevent punctures and make the rim stronger. These rims are a tiny bit heavier, but definitely worth the weight as they do make a big difference to how often you have to replace your tube. And all this for under $800!

Come and test ride one today.

2011 GT Tachyon 3.0 Flat Bar Road Bike

Price was $949 now only $749.

TYPE OF FRAME GT Tachyon compact geometry aluminum frame with hydroformed TT and DT, Internal cable routing, forged drop-outs with removable derailluer hanger and all braze ons
FORK GT Type R Carbon fork, V-brake bosses, rack and fender eyelets, alloy steerer
SIZES XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
CRANK FSA CK-200 52/42/30
BOTTOM BRACKET Cartridge sealed
SHIFTERS Shimano ST-R221 Rapid Fire Flat Bar road shifters
COG SET Shimano HG-50 8spd 13-26
CHAIN KMC HG-40
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano R443
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano non-series 2300
RIMS Jalco DRX-3000 double wall rims with CNC sides
FRONT HUB Formula Alloy 32h with QR
REAR HUB Formula Alloy cassette hub 32h with QR
SPOKES Stainless steel 14 gauge
NIPPLES Alloy anodized color match
TIRES Kenda Kiniption 700x32c
PEDALS Alloy body, steel cage trekking
FRONT BRAKE Tektro RX-1
REAR BRAKE Tektro RX-1
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano ST-R221
HANDLEBAR GT flat bar, 25.4 bar bore
STEM NVO adjustable ahead system
HEADSET Integrated sealed bearing
GRIPS GT Dual Density design
SADDLE GT Type R race saddle
SEAT POST GT design alloy seat pillar
SEAT CLAMP Collar with bolt type

Giant Cross City 4 Flat Bar Road Bike.

Price only $599.

The Cross City 4 is the 2012 equivalent to the CRX 4 from past years which was Giants entry level flat bar road bike and probably because of its price one of the biggest sellers in this segment of the market.  The perfect bike for someone who just wants a no-fuss flat bar road bike that gets you from point A to point B relatively fast, without much effort, while still being nice to ride!

Flat Bar Road Bikes are typically the middle-point between drop bar road bikes and hybrids, mainly because they are more comfort-orientated than the drop bars due to the upright seating position, but faster and lighter than other hybrids thanks to their lighter weight and narrower tyres. So if you need a fast, light bike without the drop bars (and often the price tag that goes along with drop bar road bikes), then this is a great choice.

At just $599, this bike features an ALUXX Alloy FluidFormed frame, which mean every push of the pedals goes into powering the bike forward. You don't lose power due to flex in the frame. The Tektro "V" brakes are very reliable and the Shimano 2300/Altus gear system is a lower-end (but still great quality) system.

2011 GT Tachyon 4.0 Flat Bar Road Bike

Price was $779, now just $599!

2010 GIANT ALAMODE FBR 1.0

Price was $399, now just $329!

The 2010 Alamode FBR 1.0 is a very economical flat bar road bike. With quality components, this bike will give you a reliable 'no fuss' bike that will get you around on city streets and bike paths.