I have not been on a bike and gone more than a km in the last decade as I was more into roller blading and jogging. I am looking for a bike where I may get out five times a week and do 15-20km each outing. Would also like to get into some of the charity rides with heart and stroke and ride for heart.

When I get into something I like to stick with it so I don't a bike that I will feel the need to upgrade in a yrs time. I also don't have a large budget. I want to stay somewhere under $700. Most of the road bikes I looked at are well above my budget so a sales guy recommended a hybrid with price and the distance of riding I would be doing. I was originally checking out the Trek's and stumbled on the 2014 roam 2 today. It is very nice looking and the ride was super smooth especially the braking. The guy today also recommended looking at the 2014 Giant Defy 5 as an entry level road bike but didn't have any in stock.

I am new to all this so not really sure what makes and models would suit me. Every shop seems to be brand specific and try to get you to hop on the Cadillac and spend a few extra hundred dollars. After the ride today on the roam, I'm leaning very heavily to it.

I have a 2012 Roam 2 and I love it. At first I thought I should have gotten a road bike but it's good to be able to go on dirt roads too

I just got back into biking in the last month and was borrowing my brothers Trek 4300 for a while. I wanted a hybrid bike due to the fact i am mostly on streets and sidewalks. I went into the bike store close to me and was pretty set on getting a Specialized Cross Trail. They said it was a nice bike but i asked them for their professional opinion on what bike would they pick given what i am looking for. They pointed me to the 2013 Giant Roam 2. He said it was def more bang for the buck. It was like $40.00 cheaper and has hydraulic disc brakes and the lockout fork which the specialized did not. They even gave me the 2014 at the same price and i will be riding that bad boy on friday. So if you have a trustworthy bike shop they will steer you in the right direction. Good luck man.

I got a 2013 Roam 2 abut 2 months ago and I too love it. Th e700C wheels just seem a lot faster and smoother, the click shifters are real nice and I LOVE the hydro disc brakes. I would recommend it to anyone contemplating a hybrid.

Hi,

First time poster, long time reader...

About the (Roam 2, 2014 Model).

I just purchased one. Less than a week ago.
Needless to say, I love it. My other bike was a 1983 Schwinn Voyager, although I had it "Modernized".

I thought my road bike was fast... My Hybrid SMASHES my Voyager in terms of speed. Put a more updated version of a road bike in my hands, and it might be a different story. When taking the same route to work, or just a ride in general, I'll usually beat my Voyager's time by 15 minutes or so. Comfort is a no brainer; due to sitting in a more upright position.

I love my Roam 2.

My only gripe is, I wish I had drop bars. It's what I'm more comfortable with. It's possible it just takes time, because it's a new bike, with flat bars...

Here's my Roam 2:

Those Giant bikes are really nice! Did any of you guys change the 700x40c to a narrower tire?

Not yet but I am seriously considering it having gotten a few flats already, I was going to get something with better flat protection in maybe a 38 or 35 width, nothing too thin because I want the comfort and a tad better flat protection.

^ when I bought my bike, I went ahead with having them install some (Mr. Tuffy) strips in both tires. No flats here. I love the comfort of the nice size tire. On my road bike, with those skinny tires, you could feel every single nook and cranny. It made for a very uncomfortable ride sometimes.