Giant Cypress DX Review
- Price: $710
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Tires: 24″
- Travel: Front 63mm
- Gear: 2×8
What we like about it: A comfortable ride and good road-holding.
What we don’t like about it: Somewhat heavyweight.
Rating (4.9/5)
The smooth-rolling 700C tires make the Cypress a very comfortable ride, even over the slightest bumps.
In addition, the seat post with suspension absorbs vibrations. Meanwhile, Giant’s technically supported ALUXX aluminum mount delivers a comfortable, upright ride. You can use it on the road as well as on bike paths around your community, and even on some dirt surfaces.
Just keep the pedal pressed and you’ll enjoy the ride.
Below we analyze the Giant Cypress DX regarding city commuting, weekend excursions, key features, components, and specifications, as well as other versions.
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Giant Cypress DX Urban Commuting
I hate the daily traffic jams at work, and for that reason, I had to buy a bike to commute to work. Whenever I weave through the crowded traffic, I am very glad that I chose to ride to work for this thing.
And the Giant Cypress DX is a good companion for me. When I got it, I couldn’t wait to ride it around the perimeter a few times. Although the bike is not light, and I mean when I lift it, it feels completely different and lighter when I’m on it.
Since then I can’t get around without my bike. Every morning I ride the bike between home and work and I feel very relaxed. I think the reason is that the BB drop is so low that I can adjust the saddle to the right position and still keep my feet on the ground. This allows me to sit back and relax without having to get my butt out of the saddle while waiting for a traffic light.
In addition, the handlebars are so high that I can ride with my arms raised as high as those Harley riders, which makes me feel very relaxed. At the same time, the short stems give me sharp steering. I can quickly weave through the city traffic, and looking at those exasperated bike drivers, I would like to recommend them to buy a bike.
Sometime after that, I equipped the bike with a basket in front of the handlebars. Because the front end is so loose, there are plenty of mounting holes on the bike for me to modify. I can put my school bag and jacket in the basket to go to work, which makes my commute very easy.
Giant Cypress DX Weekend Excursions
To stay healthy, I take a ride to the suburbs with my friends every weekend during my free time. This is a great way to get some fresh air and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is no better way to adopt a bike instead of a bike. I can bring some lunch and picnic supplies in my basket so that I don’t need to carry anything on my body to weigh down my shoulders.
The road around the town is not flat, probably caused by those big trucks, so there are many potholes on the road. If I were a road rider, I would not choose to ride on such roads. But Giant Cypress DX equipped me with a wide 45C outer tire, which is even wider than some mountain bikes. There’s no doubt that I could easily crush those potholes. I must say that the cushioning on this bike was also very surprising, including a cushioned seat tube that I’ve never seen on any bike before. The cushioned fork, which most commuter bikes are known not to come with, the wide tires, and the oversized rubber grips.
There are so many little details about this bike that illustrate the idea of comfort. It doesn’t go for speed, which is what I need, I just want to keep myself healthy. By the way, if you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, you can book your accommodation on IHG Hotels & Resorts. It is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
Experience
When traveling uphill sections, I resisted. Yes, I don’t like uphill. Because I am not one of those speedsters, and at 85kg I don’t seem to be built to be a climber. But the 2×8 shifting system gave me a good experience, I could set the gear ratio very small so I could keep pedaling at high speed uphill. It wasn’t fast, but I was able to conquer each uphill very easily while giving me a good workout.
On the way home, I exclaimed that this is a comfortable bike. I probably rode up to 60 miles round trip all day today, but I didn’t experience much discomfort in my butt or other areas. That’s because the oversized Giant Comfort saddle is as comfortable as its name implies. And, with two oversized cushioned air springs underneath, it took care of me very well.
Overall, the Giant Cypress DX is the perfect all-around bike for most casual and commuter riders. It has a very sturdy frame and the durability, as well as ease of maintenance, is unquestionable. While this bike is not quite suitable for racers or those who are fanatics, it is great for the average person who wants to ride in comfort during the week.
Main Features
Frame Group
The frame is made of Giant’s exclusive ALUXX aluminum alloy. This performance frame is made of 6061 aluminum, which allows for significant weight savings without sacrificing strength. It also features a bent downtube to provide good deformation cushioning, while allowing the BB to drop more for riding stability.
Not only that, but the bike has all the cables running through the lower part of the center tube, giving the whole bike a very clean look. There are also two water bottle holder mounting holes equipped to allow me to carry more water on my excursions. Also, the quick-release seat tube clamp allows me to quickly adjust the saddle to keep me comfortable during the ride.
Geometry
There is not much data on the frame geometry, but from our measurements, we can tell that it has a high Stack (620mm) and a very short Reach (401mm). This has the advantage of allowing you to maintain an upright seating position while riding.
The bike has a very long wheelbase (1105mm) and a generous head tube angle (69.5°) compared to a normal bike. This puts the whole bike in a stable and comfortable geometric position, allowing me to ride farther.
What is not easily noticed is the length of the head tube, which is 165mm, and with the extra-long Stem, the handlebars are at a high angle, allowing for a very comfortable hand position when riding.
Components and Specifications
Shimano Altus/MicroSHIFT T382 Drivetrain
The bike has a very practical shifting combination, with the front and rear shifting being two different brands. The 2-speed front derailleur is from Shimano’s Altus, while the 8-speed rear derailleur is from the MicroSHIFT T382. this combination is the best balance of price and performance.
The crankset part is equipped with 44/28 gear ratios, and an external chain guard to prevent safety hazards when riding with the crotch ring in the disc. The rear Cassette is also from Shimano, 11/34, with a gear ratio of less than 1. It’s the perfect design for casual climbing. The trigger shift mode of the DX version is also one of the reasons why more people like it than the twist shift mode of the regular version.
Tektro Mechanical Disc Brake
Mechanical disc brakes are used for brakes. As we all know, disc brakes on road bikes are a big trend, and almost all road bikes are starting to use disc brakes. This also shows where the advantages of disc brakes lie.
I trust this braking system. When I do a fast downhill section, it allows me to slow down quickly and not hold and drift. And, even when it rains, there are no surprises.
Giant P-X2 700x45c Tires
The Giant Cypress DX is designed to adapt to all kinds of terrain, as the Giant P-X2 tires are perfectly suited to allow it to face all kinds of challenges. Needless to say, the 38C tires allow it to handle a very wide range of terrain with ease. Even though they are not tubeless, the rugged durability will help the rider get a good amount of power on a pretty bumpy ride.
These tires are used on many gravel road bikes, mountain bikes, and commuter bikes like mine. It also means that my bike can take on rough terrain just like mountain bikes and gravel road bikes.
Stem/Saddle/Seatpost
I have to say that the Giant Cypress DX has made a lot of effort with these accessories, offering an adjustable angle Stem for our comfort while riding. if you need to ride comfortably you can leave it perpendicular to the ground to maintain a high handlebar position. And if you need a stretched-out riding position, you can also adjust the Stem by 90° to get a comfortable stretch angle.
In addition, the Saddle features a very comfortable Giant Comfort. the wide earth padding area allows me to feel very full support, while the lower part has two huge air springs to provide support. I felt like I was sitting on a huge couch while riding, without being overly soft and bouncing up and down.
The Seatpost has an alloy suspension design. I have hardly seen this design on any bike, and the efficient spring seems to add a rear suspension to the bike. Because of this design, it provides a sensitive rebound on bumpy roads and makes my body feel very smooth. I can say that this is a very bold and innovative design.
Other versions of Giant Cypress
To give you more possibilities to choose from, we tested other models of the Giant Cypress DX series for a certain period, including the Giant Cypress, in an objective and fair manner.
It’s also a perfect commuter bike or an affordable version of the Giant Cypress DX. In addition, the shifting is only available with an 8-speed shifting system, direct pull brakes, etc. Most of the simpler features are available. Therefore, you can pay $100 less, of course, you can choose according to your financial situation. If you want to know more about this bike, welcome to follow us.
What we like about it
- Front cushioning system.
- Comfortable riding experience.
- Super wide mountain bike tires.
- Variable speed range of up to 16 speeds.
- Adjustable Stem Design.
- Cushioned seat post and wide cushion.
What we don’t like about it
- Maybe the somewhat heavy overall weight.
FAQs
- What kind of tires are used on the Giant Cypress DX?
The bike is equipped with front and rear Giant P-X2, 700x45c tires with puncture protection.
- What kind of people ride the Giant Cypress DX?
Ideal for those seeking a comfortable ride that allows the rider to sit up straight and relax. Thanks to its comfortable seat with a shock-absorbing design, it is perfect for commuting, road riding, and some light trail riding.
- What heights does the Giant Cypress DX fit?
The size chart for the Giant Cypress DX is as follows.
(These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person and the easiest way to find your size is best to go for a test ride.)
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″-5’5″ | XS |
| 5’3″-5’7″ | SM |
| 5’7″-5’11” | MD |
| 5’11”-6’3″ | LG |
| 6’3″-6’7″ | XL |
Giant Cypress DX Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc Color: Metallic Black |
| Fork | SR Suntour NEX, 63mm travel |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | sealed cartridge |
| Stem | Alloy, adjustable quill |
| Handlebar | Alloy, high rise, 25.4 |
| Saddle | Giant Comfort |
| Seatpost | alloy suspension, 30.9 |
| Pedals | platform plus comfort |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus |
| Front Derailleur | MicroSHIFT T382 |
| Crank | forged alloy, 28/44 with chainguard |
| Shifters | Shimano M315 |
| Cassette | Shimano HG31, 8-speed, 11×34 |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Tektro mechanical disc, 160mm |
| Brake Levers | alloy |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant GX wheelset |
| Spokes | Stainless |
| Front Hub | Alloy, QR, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, QR, 32h |
| Tires | Giant P-X2, 700x45c, puncture protect |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Driveline | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Fuji Crosstown 1.5 | $719 | 3×7 | Tektro M280, mechanical disc | Kenda 700x 45c | Click View |
| Liv Flourish FS 1 | $720 | 1×8 | alloy, direct pull | Kenda K-192 700x38c | Click View |
| CUBE TOWN PRO | €749 | 1×8 | V-Brake | Impac Streetpac, Active, 700×40c | Click View |
| KHS TC 150 | $659 | 3×7 | Brake safe | 26×2.35″ Skin Wall | Click View |
Giant Cypress DX vs Fuji Crosstown 1.5
The two bikes are comparable in price and are equipped with the same cushioned seat tube and fork and adjustable Stem. it’s very similar.
However, in terms of drivetrain, the Giant Cypress DX uses a 2×8-speed drivetrain system, while the Fuji Crosstown 1.5 uses a 3×7-speed drivetrain system.
In my opinion, a 2× gearing system would be more practical. Because triple crankest can become very difficult to maintain and few people will use so many gear ratios. What you may not know is that in most 3× bikes even after riding for up to a few years you will still find that some of its gears are brand new.
Geometrically, the Fuji Crosstown 1.5 has a similar Stack to the test bike, but the Reach is shorter. This data suggests that the Fuji Crosstown 1.5 will be more upright when ridden. But in my real-world experience, they both felt very upright and not uncomfortable. Overall, the two bikes are very close in experience, but the Giant is $10 cheaper. In addition, you can choose according to your preferred color.
Giant Cypress DX VS Liv Flourish FS 1
The Liv Flourish FS 1 is a women’s bike. It has a downward-shifting top tube design, which makes it easy for women to get on and off the bike even when wearing skirts. Liv has also designed an exclusive size for women.
In terms of components, the Liv Flourish FS 1 uses microSHIFT Advent components. 1× shifting system makes it easier to operate, while the braking system uses rim brakes, which may be a little difficult to fight in rain and snow. The Giant Cypress DX’s very practical 2× shifting will be very easy to use and will only take a short learning curve to master. And the disc brakes will also be very reliable.
Geometrically, Liv’s low-slung frame designed for women is perfect for women, while Giant’s frame and wide range of sizing will suit the mass rider.
Giant Cypress DX VS CUBE TOWN PRO
The CUBE TOWN PRO is also a lady bike, complete with front and rear fenders, rear rack, and running lights, allowing you to set off for a ride as soon as you get your hands on it. And, the overall frame is designed with internal alignment for a very clean look. Also, the beautiful Bianchi green color made me think it was a Bianchi bike at first glance, but unfortunately, it’s a single-speed.
Next up is the Giant Cypress DX, which features a shifting system and a more comfortable geometry, and wide tires for long rides and light trail riding. The CUBE TOWN PRO looks more like it was designed for riding around town, and the single-speed design will be easier to maintain. How you choose will depend on your choice of riding scenario.
Giant Cypress DX VS KHS TC 150
The KHS TC 150 has a very low price and also comes with a very small wheelset 26 x 2.35″ and 3 x 7 gearing. It doesn’t look like a good fit for me and I would recommend kids to ride it because it’s just too small. Also, the alignment runs through the top and bottom tubes of the frame and looks very messy. And the handlebars are very high and I couldn’t get the saddle high enough.
Component-wise, the Giant Cypress DX offers a sheer experience with a higher quality 2×8 speed shifting system. There are also larger tires that allow it to ride farther.
Overall, if you are a child, then the KHS TC 150 may be appropriate. But for adults, I would recommend buying the Giant Cypress DX.
