PTzach

Any other brands that can compete with the Giant Roam series for its value when buying new? Considering suspension with lockout, disc brakes, and the other components I can't find anything else that compares with the price of the Roams. Thanks for your input!

Esthetic

As far as the bikes themselves, none i've found can match their groupsets and brakes at their price points.

Another thing to consider when buying from an LBS is the post sale support, that can factor into the value proposition.

For instance a local shop near me offers LIfetime complimentary tuneups on their Cannondale and Specialized bikes, that could be a deal breaker for a specific customer vs a Giant dealer that may offer anything in the range of 3mo-3yrs. It varies.

Would be of service to you to ask the various local LBS what their offer is in this regard and put that into consideration of whatever bikes you were shopping.

badger1

Given the restricted selection of these kinds of bikes in North America (I wish some of the really nice European "cross bikes" [cross as in cross-terrain, not cyclocross] were available here), the Roam is up there, especially the Roam 0 that we get in Canada (n/a in the US).
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/roam-0


Besides the obvious players (Specialized Crosstrail and Trek DS), Cannondale, Norco, and Marin make very nice versions of this kind of bike.

The Norco XFR1 is particularly nice. Relative to the Roam, Crosstrail (aluminum), and Trek DS this bike is lighter (much lighter double-butted frame), and the fork/componentry is right up there: full Deore, including the brakeset and hubs. The latter will last forever with regular servicing. Another nice touch: proper sealed cartridge-bearing headset.
XFR 1 - Crossover - Bikes - Norco Bicycles

However (slightly off-topic), if Cube (Germany) were ever easily available in N.A. here is an example of what I'd purchase in a heartbeat:
https://www.cube.eu/en/2017/trekking...-edition-2017/

travbikeman

There are a few instances of getting a bit more nice of a bike for a better price.

Example, compare the Roam 1 for $820 U.S. to the following:

Marin San Rafael DS4 for only $719.00

Marin San Rafael DS4 Dual Sport Bike - 2017

I'm betting the Fuji Traverse shown here will eventually in the next few months have it's priced lowered to around the range of the Roam 1, PB typically does this, or they have the past few years start with a higher price and lower it a few months into the season.

Fuji Traverse 1.1 Disc Sport Hybrid Bike - 2017

What I will agree with that the Giant is much better, is the service you get from the LBS that you buy these from over Performance Bikes. I personally much prefer my LBS that sells Giant/Specialized much more than the PB whose service has been going down hill recently..

travbikeman

Those are nice bikes! Especially that Cube!

finch204

Damn all this talk about the Giant Roam bikes makes me want to get one. They are good looking bikes and are well equipped. I don't really need one, unless this can work with a front mount child bike seat without my knees hitting the seat.

bunkiefd4

I just picked up a Roam 1. The bike is amazing. Wish I would have bought one a lot sooner. I was looking at the Trek DS 3 but the Roam 1 for $60 cheaper had way better components. Even the Roam 3's are nice for $430!!! I just preferred to get the better Shimano parts. Cant go wrong with any of the Roam's in my opinion.

Doctor Morbius

Here's my 2011 Roam 2. I love it. It's basically my go to bike.

bunkiefd4

Roam 1

ColonelSanders

Congrats on the new bike.

Roamer2

They really are a bargain. I picked up a 2015 model Roam 2 last year for under 500 US. It's not used gently & has held up very well...