RickGr4

Back in April I bought a Fastroad SLR 1. I really like it however when I first started riding it I noticed the cables rattled around inside the main tube. My LBS looked at it carefully but realized he could not fix it. I wrote it off and decided to live with it. Later, the bike developed a clicking sound from the crank. Once again my LBS worked on it twice but could not fix it. I can only assume he needed parts to fix it right.

I asked my LBS to either get more serious about fixing these issues or buy me out of the bike. He offered to exchange the bike for me. When I bought the Fastroad SLR, I always wondered what the composite frame Fastroad CoMax would be like. But I was reluctant to spend the extra $400 at the time so I did not test ride one. Well, this time I have decided to spend the extra $$$ to get the composite frame. I am a "techy" sort of guy so why not.

I should have a 2016 Fastroad CoMax 2 in a few weeks. Considering the only difference between the two bikes is tires and the composite frame, I hope to post a review and compare the two frame materials for those that might be interested...

NormanF

Congratulations! I think the upgrade is worth the cash difference and you have a much nicer bike.

ProPerformer

Nice. I've been looking at the Comax 2 also. Considering it or a comparable Sirrus.

RickGr4

I looked very carefully at Sirrus before I bought my Fastroad SLR 1. I came to the conclusion that Giant was a few $$$ less for the same components and I think the Fastroad/Anyroad frame is more trick and represents a newer design and thinking. Even though I am swapping out my Fastroad SLR 1, I am still extremely comfortable with my decision to buy a Giant.

FYI, my LBS was willing to order the parts to fix my SLR 1 but when he agreed to an upgrade/exchange I decided to take him up on it. Looks like I will have a few less $$$ for snowmobile upgrades this winter...

stoplight

Nice!!

RickGr4

OK gang,

I have now had my 2016 Fastroad CoMax 2 for a couple days. The first thing I want to say is that if anyone is waiting for a 2016 Giant bike it appears "the boat has landed". My LBS had tons of 2016 Giant bikes in stock.

Now on to the "comparison". 2015 Fastroad SLR 1 vs. 2016 Fastroad CoMax 2. On paper the two bikes appear very similar. But here are the REAL differences:

1. SLR 1 has an aluminum frame. The CoMax 2 has a composite frame. Sorry to point out the obvious. More on this later.
2. SLR 1 has 28mm tires. CoMax 2 has 25mm tires and they are front/rear specific.
3. The spec sheet missed it but 2016 CoMax 2 has a 160 front rotor.
4. The 2016 CoMax 2 has a 11-34 rear cassette. The 2015 Fastroad has a 12-30 rear cassette. I like the 11-34 better.
5. The 2015 SLR 1 is gloss black. The 2016 CoMax 2 is matte black. It is tough to pick up on the spec sheets and pictures.
6. Most importantly, Giant changed how the cables are routed and I like the 2016 design MUCH better.
7. I didn't catch it until later but the CoMax2 has a nicer seat.

Now on to what most people probably care about. The ride quality of a composite frame vs. an aluminum frame. Obviously these two bikes are a very valid comparison. I like the CoMax 2 better. It is less nervous and less twitchy. It appears to do a better job of being stiff where it needs to be and flexing where it needs to flex. It seems more "stable". As the owner of my LBS said "the CoMax frame knows where and how much to flex" and I agree.

If anyone cares I will post more as I put more miles on the CoMax 2.

ColonelSanders

Please do.

A large part of why I come to these forums is to hear about people's personal experiences with various bikes, even more so when they can do the kind of comparisons that you are able to do.

With your CoMax 2, how does it "soak up the bumps" and/or is more comfortable on longer rides, compared to the Fastroad SLR1?

Your SLR1 had one of the best grades of aluminium on the market, so perhaps the difference isn't night and day, but any feedback you have on this particular issue would be greatly appreciated.

RickGr4

CS,

The difference is NOT night and day. But it is certainly there. As I said earlier, the CoMax 2 is more stable and less "twitchy". It feels more connected and less nervous.

When it comes to "soaking up the bumps" I have found that new bikes need to have some miles put on them before a fair assessment can be made. It would seem like many other things, bike frames have a "break in" period.

I will update as I am able to put more miles on it.

Soupamoto

Anybody know how large a rear cog you can safely run on the 15 Fastroad SLR 1? Seams the 16 bikes are running 34 tooth and looks like some versions use the same rear derailleur as the 15 did. I live in the mountains of TN and am wanting 34 or even 36 teeth.

dolbydj 

Do you know the weight of the bikes?

I have found a similiar result with my 2011 Giant Defy Composite (road) and 2012 Giant Rapid (hybrid). Both are 20 and 22 lbs without pedals. I'm now looking to get a ladies Thrive for my girlfriend. Thanks!

redcon1

My wife has a Liv Thrive Comax1 in Medium. I can weigh it but I suspect about 20 lbs. The stock wheelset seems heavy to me. At any rate, it's probably about 4 lbs. less than her Diamondback Clarity hybrid and she loves it.

hasnolimits

Hey Rick,

How has the bike held up? I am looking into getting the fastroad. I just traded in the toughroad because I want a better road bike but not looking for dropbars.

RickGr4

When I bought the Fastroad, I was looking a hybrid that was primarily a road bike. I have another hybrid that is better suited to off road use.

I have not been riding nearly as much as I would like to be because I have been dealing with a couple of health issues dating back to March. I have improved enough to the point where I plan to start riding regularly this week.

It's hard for me to say how the bike has held up because I don't have that many miles on it since last fall. At the moment it is like new condition and everything on the bike works perfectly.

I can highly recommend it.

thelmatimynagle

Considering the only difference between the two bikes is tires and the composite frame, I hope to post a review and compare the two frame materials for those that might be interested... im not understand this therad

Investr

I just bought the Comax 2, no brainer for me to pay an xtra $400 for all carbon frame....