Official Giant Roam Owners Thread
#201
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If possible, would you be able to inquire at a local-to-you Giant dealer if they can find a part number for that chain stay protector? The Roams sold in the US all have the X-defender down tube protector, but only one model here has the chain stay protector, and my bike shop can't find a part number for that chain stay protector. Since they're equipping all Roams with that where you live, perhaps your local bike shops would be able to come up with a Giant part number (if one exists)? I would like to buy one of these for my Roam (I prefer original equipment parts to aftermarket, if I can find them), but nobody stateside can figure it out.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
The only thing ive managed to order is the bike stand
i managed to to order the ergo max grips with bar ends via eBay. Have you tried eBay as there as sellers you sells directly from Taiwan.
#205
Senior Member
A pic after some muddy fun ripping trails around Lake Carnegie, Princeton NJ. Added some matching Ergon grips and some Vault flats a while back.
New rubber is in order....hope they fit
New rubber is in order....hope they fit
Last edited by Esthetic; 01-29-19 at 08:37 AM.
#208
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New forum member here, so hi. I am having trouble getting past the two hour mark on my 2018 Roam 3. Changed to Jones Loop bars and that relieved the pretty intense palm and wrist pain, and replaced the soft seat with a Serfas.
What I found developing last year, was some pretty intense discomfort on the perineum, even with the split seat. Was getting some disturbing "vibration" feeling or buzzing.
I have been looking at a few touring / gravel bikes thinking they might be better for longer rides. One shop owner said the only way to ensure comfort over long rides was to go to drop bar bikes, as the wrist aligns properly with the forearm. He said the upright seating, especially with the Jones bars moves all the weight on to the sit bones, whereas ideally I should be speading the weight evenly between sit bones and arms. He suggested a Trek Crossrip. Rode it for a test ride of only 20 minutes and it was impressive. I have read here where some of you folks have done century rides on your Roams, any tips ?
5 foot 10, 196 pound 68 year old senior.
What I found developing last year, was some pretty intense discomfort on the perineum, even with the split seat. Was getting some disturbing "vibration" feeling or buzzing.
I have been looking at a few touring / gravel bikes thinking they might be better for longer rides. One shop owner said the only way to ensure comfort over long rides was to go to drop bar bikes, as the wrist aligns properly with the forearm. He said the upright seating, especially with the Jones bars moves all the weight on to the sit bones, whereas ideally I should be speading the weight evenly between sit bones and arms. He suggested a Trek Crossrip. Rode it for a test ride of only 20 minutes and it was impressive. I have read here where some of you folks have done century rides on your Roams, any tips ?
5 foot 10, 196 pound 68 year old senior.
#209
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Saddle selection is key -- having the correct width of sit bone support. Were you fitted to the Serfas saddle when you purchased it? It could be too narrow for your sit bones. The saddle angle is also critical...not in the sense that there's one correct answer, but in the sense that small changes can make a whale of a difference in comfort; it'll be different for each rider. Fortunately, the Giant seat post is a "micro adjust" type with two bolts that allows you to really dial in the exact angle that is comfortable for you. Drop bars are entirely subjective. They're right for some and wrong for others. Some see them as the only proper type of handlebar, and they're certainly free to use them if they choose. You can get bar ends for flat bars that mimic some of the hand positions of drop bars. Nearly all drop bars are far narrower than I'm comfortable with, and that's the reason I personally don't use them.
How many miles are you doing in two hours? If you're looking for a high average speed for longer distances, a Roam probably isn't the best bike, just due to weight, geometry, etc. I think the longest ride I did on mine was three hours and 30 miles. I don't ride for speed, and I take breaks to photograph nature, eat a snack, talk with buddies, etc. This style of riding correlates more with saddle comfort because I'm not trying to pump out sustained power through the pedals.
How many miles are you doing in two hours? If you're looking for a high average speed for longer distances, a Roam probably isn't the best bike, just due to weight, geometry, etc. I think the longest ride I did on mine was three hours and 30 miles. I don't ride for speed, and I take breaks to photograph nature, eat a snack, talk with buddies, etc. This style of riding correlates more with saddle comfort because I'm not trying to pump out sustained power through the pedals.
#210
Senior Member
25 miles in two hours. The bike was fitted to me with the original seat, but I have done my own adjustments with the Serfa. Take a hex key with me for micro adjustments. I wear padded liners. I saw in another thread this morning, that there is a following for the Selle Anatomica saddles. Would be a lot cheaper than a new bike. I like most of the Roam aspects, mine is a Roam 3 disc, should of sprung for the 2. The only thing function wise I do not love is the gear set. Bit clunky and too much chain noise using the extreme ranges. It is fine on the road and rail trails, had it out in the woods and it was not very happy. But realistically I am not going to do much more than rail trail or maybe green level single track at an old fart pace.
I have longer distances in mind, there is a rail trail loop I could do that would be a four hour ride at least, I did half of it in just over two. I live on the shores of Lake Ontario and there is an extensive trail system that goes around the lakes, mostly paved I believe. Want to do portions of it.
My bike shop has a seat program where you can try out a seat for 90 days, my first serfa I put 500 kilometres on it then decided to try out the one I have now, not sure if that is for any other make then serfa. Any how thanks for the response. Streets up here are still buried in snow, its going to be the end of March before I get out much I think.
I have longer distances in mind, there is a rail trail loop I could do that would be a four hour ride at least, I did half of it in just over two. I live on the shores of Lake Ontario and there is an extensive trail system that goes around the lakes, mostly paved I believe. Want to do portions of it.
My bike shop has a seat program where you can try out a seat for 90 days, my first serfa I put 500 kilometres on it then decided to try out the one I have now, not sure if that is for any other make then serfa. Any how thanks for the response. Streets up here are still buried in snow, its going to be the end of March before I get out much I think.
#211
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There will likely always be noise if you're cross-chaining. That is, the small ring ("1") on the front and one of the smaller sprockets ("7" or "8") on the back. Or "3" on the front and "1" on the back. In general, you should trade shifting the chain to the right on the front and rear as you gain speed. The small ring ("1") on the front is best in line with the largest 4 or so sprockets. The middle ring on the front is best in line with the 5th and 6th sprocket. And then the large ring on the front is best in line with the 7th and 8th (smallest) sprockets. There is, of course, a pretty high tolerance for being outside those guidelines, but you generally want to try to keep the chain somewhat straight, for best wear, efficiency, and low noise.
The hydraulic disc brakes are superb (compared with the 3's cable-operated disc brakes). If you ever decided to upgrade something on the bike (besides your saddle for comfort), I highly recommend upgrading to hydraulic brakes. There's a night-and-day difference between them and cable-operated discs.
#212
Senior Member
Thanks hoki, you are likely saving me some money
The Trek drop bar bike I tried had Tiagra gear set, loved it, but the Tiagra brakes were very hard to engage in the drops, they were mechanical. Mine are easy to engage, but are starting to squeel a bit. I have never tried out hydraulics yet, i will have to see what all the raving is about. Think I will pass on the Selle Anatomica for now, I see where as most people love them, there are quite a few that complain of problems. Would like to hear from the Roam riders as to what seats they are riding and their impressions.
Rog
The Trek drop bar bike I tried had Tiagra gear set, loved it, but the Tiagra brakes were very hard to engage in the drops, they were mechanical. Mine are easy to engage, but are starting to squeel a bit. I have never tried out hydraulics yet, i will have to see what all the raving is about. Think I will pass on the Selle Anatomica for now, I see where as most people love them, there are quite a few that complain of problems. Would like to hear from the Roam riders as to what seats they are riding and their impressions.
Rog
#214
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Cool -- I'd love to see some pictures of them!
I ask because I have Schwalbe Hurricanes on mine, also in 50-622 size (also marked 29x2"). The casings themselves on the Schwalbes are about 48mm and small knobs are about 51-52mm edge to edge. And there's still room.
[image deleted]
Those Kenda Kwick Journeys look nice. I have the Kwick Tendrils on one of my bikes and I like them. Somewhat heavy for their size (due to the puncture protection), but they are very smooth.
I ask because I have Schwalbe Hurricanes on mine, also in 50-622 size (also marked 29x2"). The casings themselves on the Schwalbes are about 48mm and small knobs are about 51-52mm edge to edge. And there's still room.
[image deleted]
Those Kenda Kwick Journeys look nice. I have the Kwick Tendrils on one of my bikes and I like them. Somewhat heavy for their size (due to the puncture protection), but they are very smooth.
On another note, I'm thinking of passing my 2018 Roam 2 onto a new owner and upgrading to the 2019 Roam 1. The Giant website is a bit unclear on two points though. Does anyone know:
1) What is the drivetrain on it? 2x11?
2) Is it tubeless? It says it has tubeless ready tires, but it comes with the GX28 wheels which afaik are not tubeless compatable.
#215
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On another note, I'm thinking of passing my 2018 Roam 2 onto a new owner and upgrading to the 2019 Roam 1. The Giant website is a bit unclear on two points though. Does anyone know:
1) What is the drivetrain on it? 2x11?
2) Is it tubeless? It says it has tubeless ready tires, but it comes with the GX28 wheels which afaik are not tubeless compatable.
1) What is the drivetrain on it? 2x11?
2) Is it tubeless? It says it has tubeless ready tires, but it comes with the GX28 wheels which afaik are not tubeless compatable.
#216
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Couple of questions on the fenders and rear rack/trunks some of you have. Does your front derailer get muddy when using the Topeak Defender TX Fenders, and do you have any issues throwing your leg over the MTX trunk when you are getting on and off the bike ?
#217
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Just wanted to say thanks to everyone in her for making my choice easy, you seem like a helpful bunch who ride similar routes to me. I pick up my Roam 0 2019 this Thursday, any advice or tips for a new Roam user would be greatly appreciated - specifically comfort related, I broke my neck a few years back and now struggle to ride any great distances due to neck strain - any tips you guys have which might help extend the mileage would be appreciated?
#218
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Just wanted to say thanks to everyone in her for making my choice easy, you seem like a helpful bunch who ride similar routes to me. I pick up my Roam 0 2019 this Thursday, any advice or tips for a new Roam user would be greatly appreciated - specifically comfort related, I broke my neck a few years back and now struggle to ride any great distances due to neck strain - any tips you guys have which might help extend the mileage would be appreciated?
You've got a great bike to go on adventures with, but don't be afraid to install a new angled stem that will raise the height of your handlebars.
Something like the attached for instance:
#219
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That's not a bad idea, I might go for an adjustable angle stem to give me options, if I can find something suitable.
#220
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Hi everyone Kevin here stopping in to say hi, I am a 2015 Giant Roam 1 with a Xl size Frame owner that I bought new but have just started to ride it due to a bad neck and back plus other health issues.
I will have to complete 10 post before I am allowed to post pictures of the bike and upgrades I have made, but I promise to come back to this page and post some.
I will have to complete 10 post before I am allowed to post pictures of the bike and upgrades I have made, but I promise to come back to this page and post some.
#221
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Hi everyone Kevin here stopping in to say hi, I am a 2015 Giant Roam 1 with a Xl size Frame owner that I bought new but have just started to ride it due to a bad neck and back plus other health issues.
I will have to complete 10 post before I am allowed to post pictures of the bike and upgrades I have made, but I promise to come back to this page and post some.
I will have to complete 10 post before I am allowed to post pictures of the bike and upgrades I have made, but I promise to come back to this page and post some.
I too will post pics of the mods I do when I have something worth sharing.
#222
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I plan on installing a Box BMX style handle bar with a 8.5 inch rise and a BMX style riser.
I have on my Roam a Ritchey adjustable stem riser and add on drop downs that I turned around upside down to get a cheap way of riding in a upright position.
I also added a Ride out Carbon Comfort seat which is the best seat I have ever ridden on and well worth the money.
Immediately I installed new Maxxis low rolling resistance ebike tires.
I removed the chain and used my ultra sonic cleaner to remove the factory wax type grease and used WD-40 Dry lube plus cleaned all the gears.
Now that can ride upright and comfortable I can ride much longer but I still have to fine tune my seat and bar adjustments once I get the BMX bars installed.
I have delayed the BMX bars until I am ready to replace the shifter cables and brake hoses because the factory ones will be too short.
I have on my Roam a Ritchey adjustable stem riser and add on drop downs that I turned around upside down to get a cheap way of riding in a upright position.
I also added a Ride out Carbon Comfort seat which is the best seat I have ever ridden on and well worth the money.
Immediately I installed new Maxxis low rolling resistance ebike tires.
I removed the chain and used my ultra sonic cleaner to remove the factory wax type grease and used WD-40 Dry lube plus cleaned all the gears.
Now that can ride upright and comfortable I can ride much longer but I still have to fine tune my seat and bar adjustments once I get the BMX bars installed.
I have delayed the BMX bars until I am ready to replace the shifter cables and brake hoses because the factory ones will be too short.
#223
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I plan on installing a Box BMX style handle bar with a 8.5 inch rise and a BMX style riser.
I have on my Roam a Ritchey adjustable stem riser and add on drop downs that I turned around upside down to get a cheap way of riding in a upright position.
I also added a Ride out Carbon Comfort seat which is the best seat I have ever ridden on and well worth the money.
Immediately I installed new Maxxis low rolling resistance ebike tires.
I removed the chain and used my ultra sonic cleaner to remove the factory wax type grease and used WD-40 Dry lube plus cleaned all the gears.
Now that can ride upright and comfortable I can ride much longer but I still have to fine tune my seat and bar adjustments once I get the BMX bars installed.
I have delayed the BMX bars until I am ready to replace the shifter cables and brake hoses because the factory ones will be too short.
I have on my Roam a Ritchey adjustable stem riser and add on drop downs that I turned around upside down to get a cheap way of riding in a upright position.
I also added a Ride out Carbon Comfort seat which is the best seat I have ever ridden on and well worth the money.
Immediately I installed new Maxxis low rolling resistance ebike tires.
I removed the chain and used my ultra sonic cleaner to remove the factory wax type grease and used WD-40 Dry lube plus cleaned all the gears.
Now that can ride upright and comfortable I can ride much longer but I still have to fine tune my seat and bar adjustments once I get the BMX bars installed.
I have delayed the BMX bars until I am ready to replace the shifter cables and brake hoses because the factory ones will be too short.
#224
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The Roam 1 that I have also has hydraulics, getting the longer line kit is inexpensive and comes with everything we will need to extend the lines. there are several videos online that show how easy it is.
The Box Maximus has a 31.8 Clamping area for greater clamping strength and overall bar strength but you could do the job for less money by using less expensive BMX bars and a BMX Stem adapter.
I would say the hardest part of the job would be adjusting the derailleurs, which I have done in the past normally when I had the instructions for the Derailleurs in hand, my guess is the job would not be that hard since we should not have to adjust every setting.
The Box Maximus has a 31.8 Clamping area for greater clamping strength and overall bar strength but you could do the job for less money by using less expensive BMX bars and a BMX Stem adapter.
I would say the hardest part of the job would be adjusting the derailleurs, which I have done in the past normally when I had the instructions for the Derailleurs in hand, my guess is the job would not be that hard since we should not have to adjust every setting.
#225
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The Roam 1 that I have also has hydraulics, getting the longer line kit is inexpensive and comes with everything we will need to extend the lines. there are several videos online that show how easy it is.
The Box Maximus has a 31.8 Clamping area for greater clamping strength and overall bar strength but you could do the job for less money by using less expensive BMX bars and a BMX Stem adapter.
I would say the hardest part of the job would be adjusting the derailleurs, which I have done in the past normally when I had the instructions for the Derailleurs in hand, my guess is the job would not be that hard since we should not have to adjust every setting.
The Box Maximus has a 31.8 Clamping area for greater clamping strength and overall bar strength but you could do the job for less money by using less expensive BMX bars and a BMX Stem adapter.
I would say the hardest part of the job would be adjusting the derailleurs, which I have done in the past normally when I had the instructions for the Derailleurs in hand, my guess is the job would not be that hard since we should not have to adjust every setting.