When people come to Circles looking for their first bike and ask for advice, many mention the name cross bike (hybrid bike).
While the term "cross bike" is used loosely, here we aren't talking about cyclocross bikes, but rather lifestyle bikes perfect for daily commuting, running errands in town, or even taking on a longer ride over the weekend.
Models like the Giant Escape or Kona Dew are prime examples. Their common trait is the 700c wheel. The Escape comes standard with slightly thinner 700x28c tires, while the Dew uses 700x35c. If your goal is to shave every second off your commute, thinner tires are great because they have less rolling resistance and feel fast. But I don’t think everyone is necessarily looking for pure speed.
I'm sure many of you have felt nervous when crossing a gap between the sidewalk and the road or hitting a small bump on thin tires, or have wished for a bit more tire volume when carrying groceries or commuting gear.
Did you know that the giant that is Giant has already created an optimal solution that blows those worries away?
It’s true—Giant makes a cross bike equipped with 27.5-inch / 650B wheels. Thanks to the 27.5×1.75″ (42mm wide) tire volume, city riding is nothing short of comfortable. The benefits of this wheel diameter don't stop there; it also allows for a size configuration that is easier for women to ride. In fact, this Gramme comes in an XXS size that can accommodate riders as short as 140cm.
It’s a wonderful dream to customize it with a WALD basket or fenders to turn it into the perfect daily bike, but you might be worried about whether there are actual tire choices available for that 27.5″ size. Rest assured: at Circles, we support you with a tire selection that hits the spot! Specifically, if you have 27.5×1.75″ wheels, we recommend this tire without hesitation!
Thanks to everyone, our Volummy tires have been a huge hit. While the 700x32c is overwhelmingly popular, we also carry the 27.5″ size. Since this size is still relatively rare in Japan, it’s a highly recommended option. In fact, in the U.S., many people use this size for commuter and touring bikes.
The durable sidewalls are a benefit not just for gravel riding but also for city streets, and the original SimWorks peanut butter sidewall gives a slightly different impression than other standard skinwall colors. Once your stock tires wear out, I definitely recommend giving these a try!
By the way, while the Gramme is a model for women, there is a model for men called the Gravier, which also comes standard with 27.5×1.75″ tires. If you want to hit some light gravel paths, you might even choose the The Homage tire. Tires are an easy way to change both the functionality and the look of your bike, so please feel free to ask us for advice!