Giant Roam 1 v. Cannondale CX3
 

Hi- I'm new to this hybrid/traffic type bike and I have looked at both of the bikes above. They are both $799 with the Giant having a small step up on better components. I'm not riding hard anymore but will be about 70/30 road to dirt. What is ther better bike here? Thanks

I think you already answered your own question..................

I think they are very comparable bikes and you should try to ride both of them. However, I am not a Shimano expert but the Giant does appear to be one step up in shift gear and personally I like the Giant color scheme quite a bit better. I might be biased because I just bought a new Giant but my vote goes to the Giant.

Thanks Rick. I also have a Giant MB so I was leaning towards that as well

Looks like a coin flip. Ride both and whichever one puts the biggest smile on your face, get it.
I have a Roam XR1 and I love it but I have not ridden an Cannondale CX3. I like the looks of that CX3 :thumb:
http://www.cannondale.com/nam_en/201...-cx/quick-cx-3

The Giant is actually a few steps up in drivetrain/derailleurs. The Cannondale uses the Altus derailleurs and is a 24-speed where the Giant has Deore components and is a 30-speed.
.
Shimano mountain bike type Derailleurs from low to high:
Tourney
Altus (what the Cannondale uses)
Acera
Alivio
Deore (What the Giant uses)
LX
XT
XTR

The Giant also has a front shock with more travel and a little bit wider tires. Both bikes have lockouts on the shock, and both use the same Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

On paper I would go for the Giant. That being said, I think you should ride both to see how they each feel for you. Also take into consideration which one you like the looks of better too.

Cannondale seems to have the most expensive hybrids of any of the big manufacturers.

And the expense doesn't seem to come with any higher quality levels to make up for it.

For that reason, Cannondale are literally never in the running for any bike purchase that I would be considering at any price point.

And Giant seems to have the least expensive of the big "quality" manufacturers. Now that usually means a bump down in some components on a seemingly comparable bike, but can also mean a bump up in components when you get the "higher" Giant model for similar price as the competitors.

I.e.
Roam 1 is same price with much better components (Deore vs Altus, 10 speed vs 8 speed, more suspension travel).
Roam 2 is much cheaper, and still has some better components (i.e. Acera vs Altus rear, 9 speed vs 8 speed, more suspension travel).

In at least one case where I have a similar (but more expensive) Trek (Mens DS) to a Giant (woman's Roam 2), the Giant was 2lbs heavier ... perhaps that is where some of the "value" goes.

That might be the result of Giant user a heavier grade of aluminium on their Roam/Roves compared to the Trek's Alpha Gold Aluminium.

On a model that isn't released in the USA, but is in Canada, the Roam XR1 has an upgraded version of the Aluminium used to make the frame, and that might be more in keeping with Trek's Alpha Gold.