butlerkid

I am wanting to get back into biking. I've read many threads on this forum, so hopefully I am providing enough info for you guys! I'm 5'3", 135 lbs and 63 years young. (If I should have placed this in the 50+ forum, forgive me.....and move it if you need to!) I will be riding paved roads/paths (i.e. Cades Cove in Smokey Mtn NP) and rails-to-trails type trails such as the Virginia Creeper trail, New River trails, and the Katy bike trail. I will be facing short, but steep hills and an occasional long medium grade (after all, I live in Tn ). I am even considering a 3-6 day ride riding perhaps 25-35 miles/day....such as the Katy. We have a couple that may make a week long biking trip with us....

I play tennis and am somewhat fit...but improved fitness is one of my goals. In the past I have always really struggled on uphills....so gearing is important. But I can really fly on downhills! But honestly, I've been trying to study cassette, cranksets, gear inches, and I'm totally confused! LOL!

Hubby also rides. Very fit. He bought a Giant Roam 2 last year and loves it. Loves the front suspension and the hydraulic brakes.

I have been to a few bikes shops and been fitted. Either a women's small or men's small Giant would work. The men's small might be a tad better as I have a longer torso...realizing I'd not be able to straddle the bike without leaning it over a little...

I am considering the:
Giant Roam 0

Giant Roam 2

Trek Neko SL

Fuji Traverse 1.3

Questions:

Most of these bikes have front suspension lockouts....so is the added cost and weight beneficial (comfort) on the terrain I'll be riding? It seems that bikes that offer hydraulic brakes also have front suspensions.

Any input on the Fuji or Trek as compared to the Giant....since I leaning toward a Giant.

Any and all comments, cautions and suggestions are most appreciated!

dynaryder

If you're going to be doing alot of bumpy trail riding,then suspension might not be a bad idea,esp if it has a lockout for when you're on the road.

Hydro discs require less regular maintenance than cable discs or rim brakes. You pretty much just swap the pads when they wear and bleed the system every few years.

None of the bikes you listed are head-and-shoulders above the others,so pretty much the right choice would be whichever fits you the best and who's ride you liked the most.

butlerkid

I appreciate the feedback! I've been seriously looking at doing several days on the Katy trail, so I think the rails to trails type surface would be what I would be on about half the time....road the other half.

There are differences in the drivetrain....I can't figure out what is most important and which is better.
SRAM PG-950 11-32 vs Shimano HG20 vs Shimano HG62 11x34 of Shimano HG62 11x36?

Shimano M395 brakes vs Shimano BR-M447?

Or should I be looking at lesser or more expensive bikes for the type of riding I anticipate doing?

Thanks!

Sure wish everything weren't white! My 25 yr old bike is white! LOL!

dynaryder

The only major difference to any of those is the Roam 0 is 10spd,the others are 9spd. The 9spd chains and cassettes will last longer and be cheaper to replace than the 10spd. Otherwise there really isn't a huge difference spec-wise between the bikes. Whichever fits you best and rides the way you like it is the right choice. Ride all of them and base your decision of that.

butlerkid

Thanks for the input. So the bikes are basically all the same and about the same price. But no one has commented regarding whether or not the bikes are best for the type of riding I intend to be doing.

Comments?

oddjob2

If the bikes you are looking at accommodate 38mm or wider tires, I would forgo the suspension. You are of moderate or even lightweight and the wider tires will be floaty enough. The weight of the suspension will be detrimental in climbing.

The Roam 2 has a pretty lowly group for the riding you want to do. If you're open to non-suspension check out the Trek FX line as well.

butlerkid

I truly appreciate your advice! Hubby has the 2013 Roam 2 and loves it. But I will indeed check out the Trex FX line. When I went to the Trek LBS, they immediately steered me to the Neko SL but I think that is because hubby was asking about suspension. However, I don't think Trek offers bikes with hydraulic brakes without also offering suspension. I'll check them out to see! Also, I should be able to visit a Trek dealer on Thursday.

There are very few places to ride within 90 miles of us, so I'm torn between getting a "really nice" bike that I can enjoy on long day-trips and plan 1-3 week trips around (i.e. I'd really like to ride at least parts of the Katy..and New River Trail is even closer to me), versus saving a lot of money!

dynaryder

All will do the job pretty much equally well. The important things are which one fits you best,and which one you like the best. If one bike has a touch better components,but it doesn't fit you right,or you don't like how it handles,then it's not the better bike.

A butt in the seat is worth more than bits on a spec sheet.

butlerkid

Interesting you should say that! I was recently fitted by my Giant LBS. Started on a women's S/17, had to raise the seat a lot, move the seat back a lot for my longish torso....and ended up saying I could use either a women's S with a standover of 26" or men's S/17 with a standover or 30".

Then today I'm looking at geometry specs.... I can straddle easily 29". I'm wondering why a women's M/19 with a standover of 27" might be better and then I wouldn't have to adjust the reach so much....

I am definitely going to test ride the bikes more....and this time it won't be just a few slow turns in the parking lot without changing gears! LOL!

Any recommendations on HOW to test a bike?

dynaryder

Try to vary your conditions. See if there's a decent hill to climb,look for some cobblestones or brick to ride over,etc.

moth54

Greetings. I'm a tad shorter than you, I don't quite make it to 5' 2".

First, I tend to like light coloured bikes, more visible at night. You may not be lucky enough to get a colour you love, but on the other hand, do not buy a bike in a colour you hate. It WILL make a difference. The bike should ideally be appealing to you and fun to ride, but in any case, not something from which you recoil.

I would not overanalyze the cassette and speeds and so forth. In terms of biking hills, yes, having a 'granny chain wheel' (the smallest of the three chain wheels that come on most hybrids) is handy, but the bike engine ; ) is the most important part of climbing hills. So long as you have at least 7 speeds on the rear wheel, and these days, you will, whether the bike has a cassette or a freewheel or whatever is of no account. As for brakes, they need to work, period. If a suspension fork appeals, fine, but make sure it has a lockout.

What made a difference to me:

the new aluminum frames. Oh joy, they are so light and easy to carry - up the front stairs, lifting into cars, even the ride.

having a good rear rack that serves two purposes: as a rear fender to keep my butt dry when rolling through puddles and two, as a storage place (mainly for my U-lock.) You can easily add this on 'after market', ditto a kick stand.

good vibration dampening grips (I swapped out the originals and put in cork/gel grips with a wide palm rest, makes a huge difference, especially since my bike doesn't have a suspension fork.)

Bike gloves, again helps both with vibration and will save the flesh on your hands should you take a spill (which one hopes you won't, but still...)

a decent pump with a built in gauge. Since you will be constantly topping the pressure in your tires, a good pump saves a lot of aggravation.

Stick with tires in the 32-35 mm range, these will be big enough to be comfortable but narrow enough not to have the bike drive like a tank.

You can see where this is going. Get the basic frame that works for you, and let the rest take care of itself. I would just add one last thing: Back when 18 I rode, if not mountains, very steep hills, on 60km/ 36 mile rides, a single speed steel bike with coaster brakes. So fitness matters in the end, more than the bike.

Wanderer

The Roam 2 is lot of bike for the buck. You always seem to get more for your buck with Giant. Those wider tires will be valuable for ride comfort, and surfaces which are less than smooth pavement. Very nice bike for your use. Yes you can put skinnier tires on it if you want to later. I find a mix of 40 on the back, and 35 on the front to be the best mix for me. Suspension on the front is very nice on rougher trails, or bad pavement. Honestly, for most riding, it is not a weight issue. Good choice on the disc brakes.

My advice is to put fenders on it right away, as it will cut maintenance by keeping you and the bike cleaner and dryer. Planet Bike makes some very nice fenders for use with wider tires, and they do not rattle if installed correctly. (Value when on a trail.) Add a rear rack and a trunk bag to carry stuff. You can easily add some kind of panniers later. Don't forget bell, and some kind of lights. I prefer something very bright for the rear, and something capable of flashing on the front for daytime use in traffic. Don't forget water bottle cages and bottles, and a bell to alert people (one little ding is usually enough). Flat bar bikes really make use of a mirror like a Mountain Myrricle, and it is amazing how much you can see with it. Eliminates most surprises. I also like kickstands.

The Roam 2 gets my vote! In so many different ways. Cost, function, componentry, specs, etc. Is the 0 a nicer bike? Sure it is , with a little nicer componentry, and a more expensive drivetrain to maintain; but, certainly not more than $300 dollars better. The 2's components will function just as well if kept clean and lubricated. Besides that, you can get color with the 2.

A good pump like a Mountain Morph/G, and some kind of bar ends for hand changes, and maybe Ergon grips, different seat, etc. are easily added later (But recommended)

Get the one you fall in love with, can stand over, and is the most comfortable to ride.

Bill Kapaun

I'm also partial to 9 speed.
One advantage I like, is that with the lower cost, you can buy a couple different cassettes and change the gearing in a few minutes to best suit your needs.
All you need is a chain whip, lock ring tool and a wrench that opens to 1".

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Spro.../dp/B000OZBKGE
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-FR-5.../dp/B000R9ACZC

stevel610 

What they said. I'd also add to the suggestion list the Jamis Coda line. With paved trails and cinder paths I don't think suspension is needed. If you feel the need for more plushness, it can be achieved with larger tire size.

Actually, unless there's something wrong with the mountain bike I'd just tune it up and get some appropriate tires. Rigid (steel?) mountain bikes are the bomb! Speaking of which, Schwalbe Big Apple tires on an old mountain bike is like having suspension without the weight penalty. They're awesome.

butlerkid

Thanks, everyone!

I truly appreciate the input! I am test riding the Fuji Traverse 1.3 tomorrow , and a Cannondale something!

On a womens small, I have to raise the seat a lot, more it back all the way, then still more the handle bars forwards. Just seem live a women's medium or men's small would be a better starting point.... Not sure why the shop insist on a women's small even though I (5'3") have a long torso and long arms.....!

I anticipate using the new bike about 60% on road - 40% on trail....

butlerkid

I have narrowed my choices down to the Giant Rove size MEDIUM and the Fuji Traverse 1.3 small. The Fuji is about $90 cheaper after the LBS upgrades the shifters and front derailleur to Deore.

However, the Giant Rove has slightly better compoments for only an extra $90...

The LBS Giant dealer did not have a Rove in medium size, so I had to ride a lesser quality bike. He says if I buy the Rove in medium, he will order it. I'm not sure I'm comfortable buying a $1,000 bike with out actually riding it! The other LBS has already ordered 2 bikes for me to try out....no obligations at all. I like the Fuji LBS much better.

If I can get the Fuji for about 20% off, I may just go with the Traverse 1.3....

BruceHankins

If both bikes are of similar quality and ride charictaristics then go with the LBS you like more. It's where you'll be going back if you don't do your own maintenance so it's important to be happy with your store.

butlerkid

I actually found a LBS that carried Giant AND they had a Rove 2 in small. I rode it today and I was impressed how thoroughly the owner fitted the bike to me! I had been leaning toward the Giant....but after riding one, I'm sold! LOL! I do think, however, I am going to get the Rove 0. Yes, its $330 more...but I think I will appreciate the better components in the long run.

And today I was accompanied by a very experienced rider.........and he noticed little technical differences between the Fuji Traverse 1.3 and the Giant 0 bikes that I would not have picked up on! (There is $150 difference between those bikes.)

Now I am hoping that I can work out a deal with the LBS. First, the tires that come with the bike are 32's and he has some 34's that would be better for me. And I will probably need a longer stem. And I will need a bottle holder, helmet, bike rack, and probably shoes and clipless pedals. Another LBS that carries Giant has a 20% off sale a couple of times a year, so I'm hoping this LBS shop will work with me.

JerrySTL

If you are considering doing the Katy Trail (in Missouri - there's one in Texas also), look at this supported tour:

https://mostateparks.com/2013-katy-trail-ride

I've done it the last 3 years. They should be announcing the 2104 tour shortly. Make sure to sign up on March 1st as it sells out very quickly - within days.

The bikes you listed will work on the Katy Trail. Actually you don't need suspension at all with tires 700x32 and larger.

butlerkid

Jerry,

Thanks so very much for the info! Yes, I meant the Katy trail in Missouri. So you think the 700X32's would be fine on the Katy? Good to know. I didn't necessarily want suspension, it just came with bikes that had hydraulic brakes....

We are going with another couple and due to schedule conflicts we have decided to go the 3rd week of September. Will that be OK, weather-wise? We though July would be too hot and humid....and we have schedule conflicts again in October. Since this will be our first trip we are going base in St. Charles, then do day rides (after driving to trail access points). Any suggestions about segments to ride as day rides would be most appreciated. We will have two vehicles, so we could actually drive, drop off one vehicle at the end point, and then drive to the starting point. Of course, we would then have to retrieve the vehicle at the staring point. I don't know if that makes sense or not.

JerrySTL

September should be find. Maybe a little wet.

St. Charles to Machens is pretty boring IMHO. It's mostly on flat farm land.

Riding west out to Defiance and Augusta is very nice. You could ride out that way from St. Charles one day. It's about 40 miles round trip to Defiance. Then the next day you could park in Defiance then go west towards Augusta, Dutzow, and even Marthasville for another 35 - 40 miles.

In Defiance stop at the bike shop and get some Ted Drews ice cream or frozen yogurt there. Good stuff.
In Augusta there's a very nice winery/beer/food place just up the hill from the trailhead bathroom. Recommended.

Further out McKittrick / Hermann area is nice. Good bridge bike path over to Hermann. East of McKittrick is near the river for a few miles.

Way over to the west is Rocheport which is a nice place to ride. Has the only tunnel on the Katy.

butlerkid

Thanks for the info! I would much prefer to be based towards the middle or west end of the Katy....but I couldn't find a decent RV park for our 5th wheel RV units! Hence our thoughts of basing in St. Charles....

Our friends are excited about doing this trip...and everyone has a bike except me! LOL! Guess I'm going to have to order the Rove 0 and start riding real soon! LOL!

JerrySTL

Let me know when your plans get closer to being finalized. Maybe I can come over there and ride with you guys. I can be the tour guide!

butlerkid

That would be wonderful!!!!!! Thanks for the offer!

Clyde1820

I hope you're enjoying your Rove 0. I've cycled for years, except for the past decade or so, and am just getting back into it.

Am seriously considering a "proper" ride with great geometry. The Rove frame from Giant seems to fit the bill. I like the idea of the Rove 0's componentry.

Of course, they're rarer than hen's teeth, those things. Haven't found a dealer within 500mi who has seen one, much less had one in stock. I realize that apparently Giant had limited manufacturing of these and hasn't yet fired up the new year's builds.


My basic question is, for you: would you be interested in doing a simple write-up / review, on the Rove?

I don't meant to impose, but you're one of the very few folks I have seen who even have one of these bikes. Looks like you've had it about 2mos now. Was wondering if you'd be willing to describe the fit, the ride quality, how it behaves under various conditions, how it handles, and a bit about the components and features. (All the other "reviews" one sees is of the sort that paid ads generate, the sort that are all glowing and rosy, and it can be tough to tell whether [with those] they're just paying the bills or being forthright.)

Interested? Would love to hear of your experience with this particular bike.

Then, hopefully, once Giant ramps up production again I can evaluate one.