rednation1

Hi. I am new to the forums and I have a quick question.... which hybrid bike is better; Trek DS 1 ($550) or Giant Roam 2 ($570)?

Thanks

Pendergast

The Roam 2 looks like you get quite a bit more for your money. 9-speed gearing. Hydraulic lock-out fork. Shimano hydraulic brakes.

gemini

Yep, the drivetrain components are better on the Giant. The Trek has a freewheel, the Giant a freehub/cassette. That actually seems significant for a $20 price difference.

The hydraulic brakes on the Giant should be technically better, but I guess you need to decide whether you want to deal with hydraulic brakes. I've been very happy with Tektro Novela mechanical ones on my Trek Allant 7.2, but they're a couple of steps up in Tektro's range compared to the M280s in that DS 1.

Roamer2

Ultimately, the one that fits you well is better. If it's not "comfortable", you won't ride as much.

That said, I rode most of the comparable bikes in this price range/category that I could find.....and bought the Roam 2.

It has more features & better components than any other bike I tried. Not to mention fit...

10 Wheels

Better in What Way?

gemini

The frame geometry seems to be nearly identical between the two, at least as listed on the web pages. Giant lists the exact same headtube and seat tube angles across all frame sizes, whereas Trek has a slight variation, but e.g. in the largest size of each, all measurements are very closely matched.

The Trek saddle looks like the same one I got on my 2016 Allant 7.2, and it's pretty bad. The whole thing flexes too much and causes numbness on longer rides. I'm using a Brooks instead.

therealjoeblow

The Giant is better bang for the buck.

I'm still waiting on my 2017 Roam 0 that I ordered a few weeks ago, chosen over a DS 8.6 for the same reason (value in similar or equal componentry vs significantly lower cost).

If you didn't know, Giant manufactures Trek's frames for them. There's part of the reason for the cost advantage.

Cheers TRJB

rednation1

Thank you everyone for chiming in. So I went to the LBS and they did not have the Roam 2 (2017) in stock but they said that they'll order one for me. The cool thing (IMO) is that they told me that I do not have to buy it if I didn't like it.

One more thing, their price for the bike is $630 but on the Giant website they list it as $570.... Why is there a $60 difference?

Thanks

gemini

Those two things are likely connected. The shop has a $60 markup, partly because they're willing to carry the risk that you don't want the bike after all. They may also have a free or discounted first tune-up etc.

Browneye

I have found the high-volume shops are discounting bikes. If yours isn't, find another one. I would not pay more than msrp for any bike. Plus, they depreciate over time, get replaced by new technology. Definitely not like wine.

AU Tiger

Ask them to double-check that price. It sounds like they're working off the 2016 price list. Giant significantly dropped the prices of the 2017 models compared to the 2016 prices.

Roamer2

^^This^^

rednation1

Thanks, will do. Going to test ride it on Monday morning!

tim123

I noticed the price of the MTB model i wanted to buy at my favourite local shop was $150 more after reading reviews on this article https://bestadviser.net/mountain-bike...othing-review/ there are list of the top mountain,city, urban, beach bikes and their prices. I was able to save some extra cash.

Browneye

Who's this 'best adviser' guy? He in bed with the low-end bike makers? Since when is Schwinn even n the running anymore? I thought they only sold through walmart? [shrug]

rnothog

You're right. those don't appear to be in the same league as Giant and Trek.

My money went Giant...