Durooo

Ok, I'm looking to replace my 2003 trek 820. Was seldom used, but the family has picked up riding on tow paths this summer. I've been looking at Trek and Giant. (full disclosure, I'll probably start riding only about 40miles per week, so a casual rider?) The LBS seems to push Trek, and their only reason is, they sell more and they feel they do warranty work with less trouble. But it sure seems the Giant brand, you get more for the money.

I've been looking at the Giant Roam 2, then saw that the shop has 2017 models now. TREK's DS3, basically replaces their 8.4 DS. Same price as Giant Roam 1.

Is the LBS correct, that Trek would be preferred? Or should I go for, besides proper fit for me, the components vs cost? If so, then my next question would be, is the Roam 1, worth the $200 increase? The Roam 1 is a step up, one to two levels on about everything. Deore derailleurs, Shimano HG50 11x36, 10-speed, and M365 hydraulic brakes. Improved over the Acera and M315 brakes. Will a casual rider like me, riding light trails, tow paths, and some road, even notice these upgrades? I'm willing to pay the extra $200, if I will notice it, or if it will mean longer life and/or less maintenance of those components.

The US site doesn't have the 2017 models listed yet. But LBS said the components match these:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/roam-2-disc

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/roam-1-disc

getpetey

I may be fairly new to cycling and not have the most experience in the world, but this sounds similar to the battle I had in my head over what bike to buy. I had compared many bikes and ended up going with the train of thought that I'm sure this lower level bike is fine for me." You know what, it is. BUT, I now have buyers remorse. Now that I have really gotten into it, I wish I would have purchased the upgraded model instead. I guess my point is buy the best you can afford, if it feels and fits the best. (My 2c)

AU Tiger

I agree, especially compared to Trek. But that wouldn't stop me from paying $100 more for a Trek if I thought it fit me better. I think Trek and Giant are off about an inch from each other on their sizes (e.g. 19" vs 20" for a Medium, etc.), but I may be remembering wrong there. The point being, you may very well find one just fits your body better than the other.

First, the difference is now $250 ($820 vs $570). And second, both the Roam 1 and Roam 2 both have hydraulic disc brakes, so that isn't a difference. Now you're down to Deore vs Altus/Acera and 10-speed vs 9-speed. For the type of riding you're describing, I don't think that's worth the extra $250. I think the Roam 2 is the sweet spot in that line. My advice would be to get the Roam 2, or Trek's equivalent, whichever fits you the best.

Sure it does:
Roam 1
Roam 2

FrozenBiker 

As a casual rider, you could save the $200 and be all set with Acera/Altus grade components.
But for the $200 extra, most of your components will be two-levels higher.
And three-levels higher on the shifters. Looks like a nice deal for much better/smoother
components which should last a long time.

Durooo

Thx for the input everyone. PLZ keep it coming. Do u think the better components will last longer? I might not notice the shifting being smoother to my novice skills, but I'll notice longevity! And yes, both brakes are hydraulic, but the roam 1 brakes are a model up. Thx for the links also, I didn't realize they were already updated. My LBS discounts, so the price might be closer to $775.

Only thing on the trek, from the pics on their site, there's a cable to the shock lockout. Does that mean it can be done from a switch on the handlebars? Cool, if so, but some components are still lower. And my trek 820 is 27.5 size, and I just straddle it, but not as much room as I should, so the roams 17 might actually be better. Hopefully I will get to test one on Friday.

DorkDisk

Why don't you just use the bike you already have?

AU Tiger

Not at first, but over time you might. I've only been biking a year and a half. My bike has Acera on the front and Deore on the rear, and I notice a difference. I don't think it's worth an extra $200, but the Deore definitely shifts more smoothly even to me, a relative novice.

I may be reading it wrong, but I think the brakes themselves are the same -- it's just the controls are better as part of the Deore set. Someone else may correct me on that, though.

That will probably be more valuable than the input from us.

Quick story. My wife has recently expressed interest in getting a bike just for rail trails, and we had a list of comfort bikes for her to try (based on specs). When we went into the LBS yesterday, she rode those and liked several of them. But then she tried another one which wasn't even in the same category, and therefore wasn't one we'd even looked at online to compare. When she came in from that test ride, she had a big smile on her face. As she says, that one spoke to her. So that's the one we came home with. Nothing wrong with research, but in the end you hope to find a bike that speaks to you when you get on it. May not always happen for everyone, but when it does it makes the choice pretty easy.

Durooo

I hope it "fits" good. I'm a specs kind of guy, so if it doesn't fit me right, my mind will be fighting me, lol. But I know, if it's not comfortable, then I won't want to ride as often, which is the whole point!


And to the person who asked why I just don't ride the old heavy, steel framed 820 that I have. The front shock is about shot, the tires are starting to dry rot, so I'm just waiting for those to go, the shifters miss, and I skip gears sometimes, and have had the chain come off a time or two. Yes, half that might be fixed with a good tune up. But I rather not put money into such an old bike, that I know I won't want to keep if I ride as much as I hope to.

ColonelSanders

A strong rival to the Roam 1, from the Giant stable, is the Giant Toughroad SLR 2, which will be at least 4lbs lighter than the Roam.

Is your riding any rougher than what is shown in this video?

DorkDisk

Bicycles are simple machines that have not changed much. Many of us regularly ride bikes we've had for decades and even buy bikes way older than yours, I particularly like the 80s and 90s. Trek 800/Spesh Rockhoppers are used frequently as a base for inexpensive builds by experienced cyclists, check out the MTB drop bar / commuter threads. Trek still sells the 820 to this day, and it hasn't changed that much over the years.

All bikes (even new ones) require maintenance, and your old bike is an hour's work away from functioning perfectly.

Maybe your family has new bikes, maybe you walked into a shop and saw sexy new bikes but none of these change the fact that you already have a bike perfect for the short beginner rides you intend to do. The joys of cycling are not linked to the age, specs, or price of the bicycle.

Durooo

No, my riding is about like the vid, at least for now, but I looked at the specs, and all its components are a step or two lower than the roam 1. More on part with the roam 2, and I might be kidding myself, but I rather have the front suspension, with lockout, than the advantage of less weight. I'll be carrying the water and snacks for the family anyways, so... lol. I also doubt I'll be a big road riding guy either. And there are a couple light single tracks that a friend said I may want to try later on... Thank u so much for listing an option tho, it's appreciated.

I think it really comes down to, if the deore parts, are worth it. Still haven't gotten a good answer if they will have longer life. Better performance, yes, but longer lifespan? Plus I won't ever have that nagging feeling of, "I should have just got the next model up", lol.

ColonelSanders

In respect of the Roam 2 vs Roam 1, do you have any preference for either colour scheme?

There really isn't a lot wrong with the Roam 2, so it makes a great bike for someone with a strict budget.

But if it isn't going to cause you much financial grief to get the Roam 1, then you probably should, unless you decide that you like the Roam 2 colours better and after a few years, might upgrade the running gear to XT quality or something.

With my Toughroad SLR 2, I am very pleased with how the running gear is working for me, even though I would never buy stuff that low down the Shimano parts list, if I was buying a frame and cobbling together everything else.

I doubt you will see much different lifespan between the deore parts and the acera parts.

AU Tiger

Comfort and specs aren't at odds with each other. Every major brand makes bikes with good specs at roughly the same price point (with Giant usually a little lower price). So it's not a matter of settling for a comfortable bike with poor specs or an uncomfortable bike with great specs. Test ride 'em until you find a comfortable line of bikes, and then go as far up that line as you're willing to pay for the specs you want.

Durooo

Well, I called 4 bike shops to see if they have the roam in stock to test ride. Hoping to get out there in the next couple days. All 4 actually said I wouldn't need, nor probably notice the difference between the roam 1 and 2, since majority of my riding would be on flatter tow path, bike trails.

I almost always have buyers remorse, right after a purchase, and I usually tell myself that I should have went up one or two models on whatever I got, hence the reason why I'm looking at the roam 1, even as a complete novice rider. I'm trying to convince myself that it's a waste of money at this time, and by the time I ever got to a biking enthusiast, IF I ever get there, then I'd be replacing parts and could upgrade then. But for now, the extra $250 would be better spent on a rack, satchel, new seat if needed, helmet, etc... I'm not on a tight budget, so I could go for the roam 1, but I don't want to waste money either...

AU Tiger

After you get your bike, just spend time riding it, and skip the forum for a while. This forum is very helpful, but it can also lead to discontent when used the wrong way. The Roam 2 is a great bike for your purpose. If you just get out and ride it, I bet you'll find yourself having too much fun to think about what it doesn't have.

That is pretty good thinking if you ask me.

Or like the Colonel said, if there's a color scheme you like better and you have the extra money, then fine. But I wouldn't do it simply for the better components.

msujmccorm

Ride them all! I would love to own a Giant but I am just between sizes and cannot get comfortable on a Giant.

rnothog

Roam 1 owner. 2016. Deore components sealed the deal for me. Very happy.

Smooth shifts. Snick, snick.

idiotekniQues

Part of the reason for paying more is for better components. There is a point of diminishing returns of course. I think to get to Deore level components is a good reason. Just like getting to Shimano 105 is the sweet spot for road components, I think Deore is for MTB/Hybrids. It's noticeably better than the groupos below it but going above it you aren't gaining much besides minor weight savings. That's my impression at least.

AU Tiger

I read this as meaning that the majority of the OP's riding is on less-demanding trails (little or no grade, lower speeds than on roads) and only a little bit will be on the road. That is what has been guiding my advice to stick with the Roam 2 instead of the Roam 1. If I'm making too much of that, or if the OP actually plans to do a lot of more demanding road riding, then by all means go with the higher component level. But in my opinion, the difference Deore makes is not needed (and likely won't be noticed much) on tow paths.

Is your riding similar to what the OP described -- primarily light trails and tow paths?

I don't disagree about Deore being the sweet spot, and as I mentioned earlier my rear Deore derailleur definitely shifts more smoothly than the front Acera derailleur. Having said that, the times I notice that difference are on the very hilly roads in my area -- not on the rail trails. When I'm on rail trails, I'm almost always on the 36T chainring and usually in the middle 3 or 4 gears on the back. And when I do need to shift gears on a trail trail, there's no real urgency about it -- momentum and timing aren't critical in that situation like they are when I'm riding the roads.

So will Deore make a difference for the OP? Sure, but probably not for the majority of his riding (based on his description).

Durooo

Thank you everyone. And u hit it on the head. My riding isn't demanding, even if I up the miles, it will still be mostly tow path, and easy grades, and probably 11-12mph average. We're averaging 10 right now, and it's fairly easy going for me, I'm waiting for the wife to build endurance. We went 16 miles today. I dropped into granny gear once, then almost always in 4-7 gear in the rear. So minimal shifting. I just needed people to tell me what I already knew, that I don't need the deore, lol. Want vs need! Maybe I'll add $100 or so, to that $250, and buy my wife a lighter bike, so it's a little easier on her. She's on a 13yr old steel mtn bike. She liked the trek verve in the shop.

AU Tiger

Now there's a smart man! Making your wife happy will be worth far more than the Roam 1.


I'm looking forward to getting on some trails with my wife and her new bike next week.

2manybikes

What I have seen, is when you get it narrowed down to 2 or 3 bikes, the deciding factor is a test ride. Ask for a long test ride if possible.

MRT2

Trek isn't any better than Giant, but it isn't any worst either. Go with the bike that speaks to you, not the one that fattens up your LBS owner's wallet. That said, if the Trek really speaks to you, spend a few bucks more and get the Trek. If the Giant speaks to you, then go with the Giant.

Honestly, if all you do is light trails and paved paths at slow speeds, then you won't notice the extra $200 for the Roam 1 vs. the Roam 2. Either one should be an upgrade over your old bike.

That said, I say buy the bike you aspire to ride in a couple of years. And here is where it gets tricky. When you picture a fitter version of yourself riding, what do you see yourself doing? Road racing? Fast club rides? Single day charity rides? Multi day tours? Single track? Whatever it is you picture yourself doing, get a bike that will take you there.

rnothog

Makes a difference for me, yes. My riding is similar. And I aspire to more, as does OP, I'll bet.

But I'm probably older. So that's why I started with the Roam. I like the versatility. And Deore came into the picture after I'd ridden competing stuff from Trek and Specialized. Noticeably crisper shifting with Deore components.

Making good progress, so a road bike is in my future, perhaps.

Really, function, fit, feel, and finances is what comes down to.

therealjoeblow

I literally went through this *exact* same debate this week... Went to my LBS to look at and choose primarily between the Roam 1, Roam 2, DS 8.4 or DS 8.5, but also for giggles, whatever the other brands were offering in the same treking hybrid style. I've been a firm believer over the years that Giant is the best bang for the buck, and comparing the prices and specs here again confirmed that. At the same price point Giant offers better components than Trek, Specialized, Scott, Norco, and others. Plus, they actually manufacture the frames for most of those competors too.

So Giant it is, hands down.

I'm replacing a 2002 Giant Sedona LX with Deore components that has been flawlessly trouble free and has over 7500 kms on it with only minor self-maintenance required over the years.

So again, it was easy to convince myself that Deore level is the way to go. Therefore Roam 1 is my clear choice. At the store I looked at the Roam 0 quickly because it's only $90 more than the Roam 1, but the shifters and derailleurs all appear to be the same, although it does have a better fork and other misc bits.... Not sure that's worth the difference to me, but the cost is pretty minimal so I was a least a bit interested.

But none of the 2016's are in stock anymore, so the sales guy looks up the 2017 Roam 1 prices and specs and confirms nothing is changing, price and components will be exactly the same. He says they just ordered a truckload this week and they will arrive in 7-10 days, so I put one on hold.

Then when I got home I looked up the specs on the 2017 Roam 0, and while the Roam 1 has held everything constant, the Roam 0 for 2017 is actually upgraded to SLX rear derailleur, and SLX shifters, so now the incremental price difference makes more sense in terms of longevity in my mind.

Long story short... I called the LBS back and asked him to change my hold to the Roam 0. I am going to ride this bike at least 10, probably 15 years, to me an Extra $10 per year is a no brainer. That's not even one lunch out per year for the top of the line bike instead of second in line, and no buyer's remorse.

Cheers TRJB