SKILCZ

I don't know whether this would be considered a "hybrid," but I'm looking for something that I can ride on roads, hills, and gravel trails. I am coming from a MTB w/o suspension, so I'd like something with a front suspension fork w/lockout. I can't decide if I like or need disc brakes, but I know everyone says they're better.

I'm trying to keep it i the $450-600 range. Hence the models I'm considering:

Trek

• DS 8.2
• DS 8.3 - Mechanical disc brakes, fork lockout

Giant:

• Roam 3
• Roam 2 - Hydraulic disc brakes

Raleigh:

• Misceo Trail 1.0
• Misceo Trail 2.0 - Mechanical disc brakes

I test rode a Specialized and didn't like it. I test rode a DS 8.2 and liked it a lot, but I'd like the fork to lockout for road rides (if it did, I probably would have bought it by now). I rode a DS 8.3 in the wrong frame size (they didn't have my size) and didn't like it as much as the 8.2, but I don't know if that was solely due to the frame size. Also the shifters were underneath instead of on top, which I didn't like as much (but maybe b/c my MTB has them on top). I rode a Giant Roam 2 last year and thought it was OK, but it's been a while. Every bike I've tested w/disc brakes doesn't seem to stop as well, but the people at the shops tell me there's a film that has to wear off first and that disc brakes get better over time.

I'm going to some LBSs today (unfortunately no one has all 3 brands to try side by side) to try out the 3 brands. I have never tried a Raleigh. Other than how well it fits me, what do you suggest between the above models? Are there differences in the brands? What do you think about the V-brakes vs. mechanical disc vs. hydraulic disc brakes. If I go with the latter, I will have to get the Giant Roam 2 as it's the only one in my price range. Realistically, I don't think I'll do a lot of riding in bad weather, which is where I'm told disc brakes excel. I was also told that mechanical discs aren't any better than V-brakes and that to get the benefit of discs you need to go hydraulic.

Thank you in advance for all the help.

teicher

Lots of good questions here, I'll give you my opinion but keep in mind its just one opinion from guy on a forum.

All of the bikes you picked are good, I like all of them. Buy the one that fits best. All are good brands and will be fine.

I know what you mean about disc brakes, I still use v brakes on my bike and tend to prefer them since I don't ride in a lot of adverse conditions or places where mud will cake up on my rims. If I were to buy a bike with discs, I'd get mechanicals because they seem easier to service yourself and fix when you are out on a trail. From what I've noticed, bikes that have better spec'd components in a particular line up tend to come with discs, so even if you didn't really want discs it might be worth getting a bike with them if it is also paired with better deraileurs, etc.

xoxoxoxoLive

I have always liked the Giant Roam 2, the Jacksonville's Sheriffs Office just bought them for there new Police bikes. I would go with one, but never really leave the road.

SHOFINE

If I had to pick one of those bikes it would definitely be the Misceo Trail 2.0....But I've would love to test ride that Misceo Trail i11!

SKILCZ

Update:

I test rode all of the above minus the Misceo Trail 2.0. I ruled out the Misceo after the 1.0 didn't fit me well. I ruled out Trek after comparing it with the others. I also rode a few Specialized models. I ended up finding a 2012 Giant Roam 2 at a LBS for $500, and they gave me great service (custom fitting, etc.). The 2013 Roam 3 was $475 at my LBS. I figured the extra $25 was worth it for the hydraulic disc brakes, 27 speeds, etc. I liked the colors better on the 2013, but I don't care that much about color. I also liked Giant's tires better b/c they were a little knobbier, and I plan to do a lot of gravel trail riding. I thought the less knobby tires (Specialized & Trek) were better for pavement riding, but again, I will likely mostly ride on a gravel rail trail.

Thanks again for all the replies!

xoxoxoxoLive

Congrats ! I'm sure you will love the Roam .. Oh & Welcome to the forum..

ride64

How are you enjoying your Giant Roam 2, I am asking because I am looking to purchase and the Trek and Giant models you mentioned are what I am looking at.
When I started looking my price point was $300 that has quickly moved up but not sure if I am over thinking it