Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
Giant Toughroad SLR 1
March 31, 2016
I got interested in a hybrid bike and I'm back surfing the net for models that may be available from vendors here. I fell in love with the Diamondback Hanjoo Comp but Pedal Pushers, the store that brings them in does not have a small size.
A friend introduced me to the Canyon brand which is based in Germany. I found their bikes to be competiviely priced, component selection is excellent, designs are very good and to my liking. I fancy the Roadlite 7 model so I contacted their customer service who assited me with the virtual sizing but after much deliberation, they informed me the bike is big for me.
Not wanting to risk getting a "mis-fit" bike again, I limited my selection to whatever is locally available for actual fitting.
Would the thought of Specialized enter my mind again? Yes it did, as I am ready to give the brand another chance indirectly through a friend who is offering to purchase in my behalf at a discount they normally enjoy from the Concept Store. Alas, the Specialized Sirius is not available for my size. Oh well, perhaps it's a blessing in disguise.
Next stop was Bikes Per Minute and I was looking for the Trek 7.5 FX and again I failed to score one.
Final destination in my area is Life Cycle Bicycle Shop and I am crossing my fingers I'll find a Fastroad SLR 1 model...
And here she is, in blue!
Giant Fastroad SLR 1
The nice people at Life Cycle let my try the bike and I liked how it fits my weird body geometry, I like the ride and the overall feel I'm almost sold, but it's blue.
While looking around in desperation, I chanced upon a stealthy bike with red accents, and I screamed perfect! But wait, it looks like a utility bike and at that moment I christened it the "grocery bike" adorned with its built-in front and rear racks.
SRAM drivetrain
I've always wanted to have a bike with SRAM components and this is my opportunity. The Toughroad SLR 1 is just P5,000 more expensive than the Fastroad SLR 1. The 2x10 drivetrain is made up of SRAM-Truvative 42-28 chainset, SRAM SL700 shifters, GX long-cage rear derailleur, and X7 front derailleur. The brakeset is Shimano M395 with 160mm rotors.
I weighed the bike and it's somewhat heavy for what I was hoping for. As a reference, the Canyon Roadlite 7 is sub 9kg. If I can just get this bike to within 10kg, I'd be happy. Percy of Life Cycle has been patiently attending to me and I asked her if we can take the racks off and if it weighs within 10kg we have a deal.
So we have a deal. I decided to change the tires from the Maxxis Maxlite 700x50C to Giant 700x35C, and the handlebar to a straight bar with a Truvativ Stylo T40. The Maxlite 700x50C will be kept for situations calling for its service.
Final result after modifications
Final weigh-in yielded 10.51kg and I was pleased. The upgrades to this bike includes:
- Giant P-RX2 700x35 tires
- Truvativ Stylo T40
The complete specifications:
| Frame | ALUXX SLR-Grade Aluminum |
| Fork | Composite, ALUXX OverDrive Steerer |
| Stem | Giant Contact, 31.8, 8-degree |
| Handlebar | Truvative Stylo T40 |
| Seatpost | Giant D-Fuse Composite |
| Saddle | Charge Spoon |
| Shifters | SRAM SL-700 TRIGGER |
| Front Derailleur | SRAM X7 |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Exact Actuation |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide R |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1050 + e*thirteen 42t |
| Chain | KMC X10 w/ Missing Link |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM GXP |
| Rims | Giant S-X2 Wheelset 32H/32H |
| Tires | Giant P-RX2 700x35 tires |
| Extras | X-Defender, Front and Rear Rack |
| Weight | 10.51kg |