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Need help - specialized crosstrail versus giant roam....

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Need help - specialized crosstrail versus giant roam....

Old 03-10-11, 07:41 PM
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Need help - specialized crosstrail versus giant roam....

Im trying to narrow my husband's bike choice down...he likes both of these but we know nothing about the components so here are the models with price break down...which is the best deal for the money?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...am/7507/44080/ - Giant Roam 1 690 total

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/....2/7507/44081/ - Roam 2 550 total

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...=Path%2FGravel - Crosstrail sport - 650
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Old 03-11-11, 04:13 AM
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The three are pretty similar spec wise. I do not think you would regret buying any of the three. One significant difference is that the Roam 2 does not apppear to have a lockout on the fork. It is helpful to have a lockout to avoid bobbing and bottoming out the fork, being clydes and all. The other obvious difference is the disc and v-brake. The Roam 1 has disc brakes if that is impotant to you. The rest of the specs are very similar for the frame, wheels, gears, etc.

Personally, I like Specialized since I have owned a couple of them and have not owned a Giant. That is just from being familiar with the brand. That aside, I would say the Specialized or the Roam 1. If the fork is not an issue, the Roam 2 would still be a fine bike.
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Old 03-11-11, 12:17 PM
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I wanted to know opinions on this one as well...?

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...61#showReviews
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Old 03-11-11, 04:27 PM
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THe Diamondback also looks like a good bike. I am not familiar with Dick's Sporting Goods, tho... can anyone vouch for their ability to assemble and provide after sales service? I always sort of figured they were like Sports Experts or Sport Mart in Canada = multisport stores that usually cannot compete with the service or knowledge of a real bike store, but sometimes have good deals on reasonable products.
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Old 03-11-11, 04:30 PM
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Dick's is a big sporting goods store....they dont provide after service but my LBS will I am sure for tune ups and such....I want the best BANG for my buck....?
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Old 03-11-11, 05:00 PM
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I looked at the bikes at my local Dick's, and wasn't terribly impressed. They supposedly have service there, but I've never seen anyone at the bike service counter. The bikes themselves seemed no better assembled than Wal-Mart bikes, though that would depend on the assembly person at your local Dick's. Add in the fact that my LBS provides adjustments for free for the first year, and it was a no-brainer for me to go LBS.
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Old 03-11-11, 05:03 PM
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Most LBS throw in a year or more of free service when you buy a bike. So you can subtract the value of a tune-up or two from the price of the bike if you buy from the LBS.

I would eliminate the Roam 2 from consideration because as another poster said, there's no lockout on the suspension. The lockout is a great feature because it lets you turn the suspension on and off as you need to.

Has your husband taken them for a test ride? Once you get to this point the main thing is how the bike fits him and how he feels riding it. I think the Diamondback, the Roam 1, and the Specialized are all basically in the same ballpark as each other. Definitely don't buy a bike without test riding it first.
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Old 03-11-11, 07:30 PM
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I have not bought a lot of stuff at Dicks. My experience with their bike department has not been overly favorable. From my experience, Diamondback quality has gone down over the years. I am not a big fan of their newer bikes. Others may have more experience with their recent bikes.
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Old 03-11-11, 10:00 PM
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One more consideration about buying a bike from Dicks. Due to your concern about back problems, if you buy from Dicks, I seriously doubt that thay have anyone who knows anything about fitting a bike. Your LBS is much more likely to help fit you to the bike and aleviate your back problems. An LBS is much more motivated to help swap parts, adjust the bike, etc. to make you comfortable. A big box store normally doesn't employ such experts to help with fit. To many big box stores, a bike is a toy.

A bike that does not fit properly is a bike that you will not ride, no matter how good a value it is.
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Old 03-12-11, 05:53 AM
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Great tips on the box store - that is true about the fit...I will go with my LBS. Another question i have is i noticed the giant roam has 700x40 tires and the crosstrail has 700x45....is that a huge difference?
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Old 03-12-11, 06:03 AM
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janda, All four bikes are just fine. Some large sporting goods stores have good bicycle depts., most don't and you should budget a bike shop's expertise into the purchase price, IMHO. The best bang for your buck is if your hubby actually rides the bike, something he may not wish to do if it doesn't fit properly.

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Old 03-12-11, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by janda
Great tips on the box store - that is true about the fit...I will go with my LBS. Another question i have is i noticed the giant roam has 700x40 tires and the crosstrail has 700x45....is that a huge difference?
Not a big difference. Perhaps the extra width could make the crosstrail slightly better on rough terrain, but only by a bit. The 45mm wide tires can also absorb a wee bit more shock and smooth the ride out a bit more, but only a little bit more than 40mm wide tires. 40mm wide tires are also relatively wide tires compared to what is found on most other hybrid/cross bikes.

Both will be fine. Tires are easily replaced, too... so if he gets the bike that fits better (which he should) then the tires can be changed later on if he finds the stock ones are lacking in some way.
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Old 03-12-11, 12:29 PM
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With Dick's it varies from store to store. The one in Columbia, MD actually has a bike shop. I've never used it, but they looked like they knew what they were doing. Still, I'd buy from an actual bike shop. And +N on "get the one that fits best."
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Old 03-12-11, 01:08 PM
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If your husband is planning to go off road, Roam 1 is better because of the disc brakes. Options 1 and 3 are more cruiser type bikes. Also, he should ride them before you buy. Based on your choices, I'd be willing to bet that he chooses the Specialized because it's got a more comfy seat.

JD
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Old 04-23-11, 09:10 PM
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Regarding the Roam 2 not having a lockout on the front fork, Giant disagrees. From their website...

"With a suspension fork that smoothes out rough trails-and can be locked out on smooth roads-plus clearance for large tires, you’ll learn to love detours."

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/7507/44081/

I am also looking at the Roam 2. Took it for a test ride the other day and loved it.
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Old 04-25-11, 08:40 AM
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I have the Specialized Crosstrail Elite and love it! It does everything I have asked of it and more!
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