Originally Posted by Esthetic

Roam 2 has all you'd need in this segment (hydraulic brakes/lockout fork/ solid groupset) at an attractive msrp of $570.

Jamis Coda Comp and DXT Comp comes close, but you still have to pay $650 to get a model with hydraulic brakes and that compares in drivetrain to the $570 Roam 2. That's a redundant story across most comparable bikes.

Roam 1 just takes the groupset to another level . You will find that for your dollar you'll get better componentry at every pricepoint.

The Diamondback Trace was actually the first bike i sat on and was fitted for , at Eastern Mountain Sports. Nice bike too, but riding a Roam 2 made me go Giant.

I say demo as many bikes as possible with hydraulic brakes, since to be blunt....you shouldn't pay over $500 for a new bike in 2017 without that feature IMHO. They feel so good and consistent.

Try the Roam 2, Specialized Crosstrail Disc, Cannondale Quick/CX4, Trek DS2 as well ....all at under $660, and go with your feels.

You still have to like the bike at the end of the day. Good luck, all great bikes mentioned.