Trek 8.5 DS versus Giant Roam XR1
06-12-14, 04:42 AM
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Trek 8.5 DS versus Giant Roam XR1
Hi all, I just new to bikes but after some injuries jogging I am going to give the bike a go.
I will use it mostly for paved roads but I want it to be capable of traveling on gravel roads such as the rail trail tracks.
I have looked around and decided I liked both the Trek 8.5 and the Giant XR1. The problem is that most bike shops only sell either one or the other, so they push the product they sell.
I am hoping there are a few knowledgable people out there that might be able to give me the good and bad of both bikes and their recommendation.
Adam.
I will use it mostly for paved roads but I want it to be capable of traveling on gravel roads such as the rail trail tracks.
I have looked around and decided I liked both the Trek 8.5 and the Giant XR1. The problem is that most bike shops only sell either one or the other, so they push the product they sell.
I am hoping there are a few knowledgable people out there that might be able to give me the good and bad of both bikes and their recommendation.
Adam.
06-12-14, 05:13 AM
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I dont think you could go wrong with either one really. The only notable hardware difference is Trek's IsoZone frame (which may be good or bad depending on your point of view). The geometries are quite different though so I would shop more on which fit and posture suits you best rather than dwelling on component specs.
All else being equal the Roam series are a little shorter in the reach giving a slightly upright ride, the so called fitness posture. The 2013/2014 DS on the other hand puts you somewhere between that and a true Cross Country MTB posture (the 2012s, which are somewhat sought after now, were even closer to their 29ers in terms of geometry).
All else being equal the Roam series are a little shorter in the reach giving a slightly upright ride, the so called fitness posture. The 2013/2014 DS on the other hand puts you somewhere between that and a true Cross Country MTB posture (the 2012s, which are somewhat sought after now, were even closer to their 29ers in terms of geometry).
Last edited by Sunsanvil; 06-12-14 at 05:36 AM.
06-12-14, 08:04 AM
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Hi all, I just new to bikes but after some injuries jogging I am going to give the bike a go.
I will use it mostly for paved roads but I want it to be capable of traveling on gravel roads such as the rail trail tracks.
I have looked around and decided I liked both the Trek 8.5 and the Giant XR1. The problem is that most bike shops only sell either one or the other, so they push the product they sell.
I am hoping there are a few knowledgable people out there that might be able to give me the good and bad of both bikes and their recommendation.
Adam.
I will use it mostly for paved roads but I want it to be capable of traveling on gravel roads such as the rail trail tracks.
I have looked around and decided I liked both the Trek 8.5 and the Giant XR1. The problem is that most bike shops only sell either one or the other, so they push the product they sell.
I am hoping there are a few knowledgable people out there that might be able to give me the good and bad of both bikes and their recommendation.
Adam.
What country are you from?
The Roam XR1 has better specs than the Trek 8.5DS, with the only thing possibly giving the 8.5DS an edge, is whether iso-zone works or is just a gimmick.
Oddly enough, the 2015 Roam XR1 has a colour scheme very similar to the 2014 8.5DS, whereas the 2014 Roam XR1 is mainly white.
06-12-14, 08:43 AM
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Thanks all.
I have had a ride of both and both seem fine, different but both are ok. Since I haven't had a bike for many years I don't really have a riding style to compare.
Sounds like the XR1 is the pick of the 2 and I do like the color of the 2015 model.
However a mates son works at a bike shop that sells Trek so he is getting me a price tomorrow. If the discount is great enough then that may sway my opinion. Both retail for the same price here and I doubt anyone will discount the new 2015 a Giant.
I have had a ride of both and both seem fine, different but both are ok. Since I haven't had a bike for many years I don't really have a riding style to compare.
Sounds like the XR1 is the pick of the 2 and I do like the color of the 2015 model.
However a mates son works at a bike shop that sells Trek so he is getting me a price tomorrow. If the discount is great enough then that may sway my opinion. Both retail for the same price here and I doubt anyone will discount the new 2015 a Giant.
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