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