Originally Posted by
Durooo
But it sure seems the Giant brand, you get more for the money.
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.
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.
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.
The US site doesn't have the 2017 models listed yet.
Sure it does:
Roam 1
Roam 2