Roamer2

Yes, very!

I do very little riding on the street. Mostly MUP routes that are twisty, root-filled, lots of pedestrian bridges, rough transitions & gravel stretches. 15-18mph average is about all you can do, even on a full carbon speed machine. It also sees a fair amount of moderate MTB trails (mostly of the "flow" variety that aren't super technical). Basically, I ride it like big BMX bike.

I chose the suspension for similar reasons to the above replies. The weight penalty is totally worth it when you slam into big root or concrete lip at speed, IMO. When it gets sloppy, I'll replace it w/ a decent air unit. They have come WAY down in price....

finch204

Thanks for the suggestion Colonel!

finch204

I'm looking to add bar ends to my Roam 2 and since I don't have any issues yet with the stock grips, can I just buy one of those bar ends that just attaches to the end? Like can I just slide the stock grips inward and attach bar ends at the end?

hokiefyd 

Yes you absolutely can. As I recall, the stock grips are open-ended on both sides (with a black plastic bar end plug), so they will move in to allow for a bar end.

finch204

Awesome, thanks!

Jeff82

Thanks, that info is very useful.

finch204

I had a chance to examine my pedals last night. I have found that the right pedal had some play on it; I could wiggle it left and right. The left pedal did not have the same issue, so I'm almost positive that is what is causing the click/tick sound during my rides.

Nate1991

Posting this up here too, just picked it up last night. Loving it so far.

Esthetic

Congrats on your new Roam! Its a beauty!

Nate1991

ColonelSanders

That is such a good looking bike.

Nate1991

Bwc3030

hokiefyd 

The stock saddle is definitely very firm. Saddles are very specific and what works for one person won't work at all for others, so recommendations are hard to make. Your local bike shop may have a program where you can try a saddle before you buy it (or they'll give you store credit back in exchange for a different one).

motocory

I am very new to Bicycles. I've decided on the giant roam and am purchasing one used to save some money. I know very little about the difference between the Shimano equipment on either of these options.

I have found a 2012 Roam 1 that appears to be in like new condition for $350. Owner claims it's only been ridden a couple of times.

Also have a 2015 Roam 3 as an option. It is definitely not in as good of shape, but it's not all beat up for $200. This owner is looking to upgrade to a mtb. So I'm guessing he's ridden this one much more.

My question for the experts is twofold.

One- Is there a significant upgrade with the Roam 1 over the 3? I'm aware that the 1 is the higher model but I don't know if the newer bike may have some upgraded components.

Two- Are these prices fair? I've checked bike blue book and the Roam 1 is significantly higher than asking price. Roam 3 seems about right on.

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated. I've read forums and reviews ad nauseum selecting a model. It's been kind of overwhelming with a limited budget and the sheer amount of choices. I'm all bleary eyed and burnt out of researching so I'm looking for some help.

Here are the links to the 2012 and 2015 respectively.

giant-bicycles.com/us/roam-1-2012

giant-bicycles.com/us/roam-3-2015


If you've made it this far thank you in advance for your help.

-Cory Lawson

hokiefyd 

Hi, Cory.

The specs on the 2012 Roam 1 look more or less similar to a mix of today's Roam 2 and 3. It has mechanical disc brakes, like today's Roam 3, and a 3x9 drivetrain, like today's Roam 2. All current Roams, including the 2015 Roam 3 you're considering, have hydraulic lockout forks, whereas the 2012 model has a mechanical lockout fork. I'm not savvy enough to know the practical difference between the two, but I presume the hydraulic actuation is an improvement over the mechanical type. The 2015 Roam 3 has rim brakes, which work fine, but these have been phased out on all Roam models; all current Roams come with disc brakes of some kind -- mechanical on Roam 3 and hydraulic on Roam 2 and above.

Of more importance than any of that, though, is personal fit and the condition of the bikes (in that order). What frame size will fit you best, and what frame sizes are these two used options? If both bikes fit you the same, and both are in similar condition, then I'd probably favor the 2012 Roam 1 just due to the higher grade components. There's value, at least to me, in a bike that truly has been ridden "only a few times".

motocory

The 2012 is a medium and the 2015 is a large. I'm 6'0".

I've ridden the new large roam 2 and felt really good on it although I have very little basis for comparison.

Thank you for the reply


Would the medium give me a bit more of an aggressive riding position since I'll likely need the seat a bit higher relative to the rest of the bike?

hokiefyd 

It could go either way. You may need a higher saddle position, but the handlebar should also be closer to you, because the effective top tube should be shorter. You can always change the stem also, to a higher, lower, shorter, longer one as needed. I'm also 6'0", and I was right between the M and L frame size. I bought my 2018 model in L, but I could have gone with either.

dbf909

I have a 2011 Roam 1 and a 2017 Roam 3. They are equiped pretty much the same as far as drivetrain, brakes, and fork go. I ride the 2017 Roam 3 most of the time due to the fact that it is a medium frame. I gave the 2011 Roam 1 to my son since it is a small frame and didn't fit me well at all.

I'm 5'9" and the Medium fits me best. My buddy who is 5'10" has a 2017 Roam 3 in Large and that has me way too stretched out. It doesn't really fit him well either but he is too stubborn to admit it... The small is very tight for me and I feel cramped on it. I can't imagine someone who is 6'0" riding anything smaller than a Large unless they are all legs (short torso and arms).

If it were my decision (with my current experience), I would definitely go for the 2015 Roam 3 in Large. Fit is more important than equipment and even condition to some extent (in my opinion). Save the $ and ride the heck out of it - $200 is a fair price. I think $350 is very high for the 2012 - I paid $210 for my mint 2011 a year ago. Upgrade and/or repair components as necessary.

Chances are you will want to upgrade the whole bike or branch out to other types of bikes down the road anyway if you get the bug (I now have Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and Beach Cruisers in addition to the Roams, all great for their intended purpose). These two Roams are both solid bikes - spend less now and determine if you really love riding.

motocory

Wow awesome advice everyone. I really appreciate it

motocory

I had every intention of purchasing the roam 3 but I went with the 1. It was superior in every way my limited experience could perceive. Shifted much nicer, MUCH nicer. I'm not sure how much that had to do with the quality of the equipment or the little mileage it endured. In addition the medium just felt the best despite my inclination to go bigger. I also just fell in love with the previous owners, Alex and Tiffany. I got the price down to 275 and a few beers we shared together. So that's one great Craigslist experience.

I wanted to hop in here to show my appreciation for your help here. And to get you all a bit of resolution. I always get frustrated when I don't hear how the end of the story goes. Haha.

I even made it to work! It was much harder than what I remember 20 years ago but I'm sure that will change if I keep at it.

Thanks again. The amount of information needed to make an informed decision on the subject is overwhelming. Your advice was invaluable.

Ps I tried posting a picture but I'm not allowed 😐

hokiefyd 

It's great to hear your story! Post a few more here to get your post count up to 10 (and then you can post a picture).

Novice42

How many speeds does this bike have? Looks like 10x3 so thirty? For a 2016 Giant Roam 1. Thank you!

hokiefyd 

That's right. This is typically referred to as 3x10, and there would be 30 combinations. It should be said that some combinations will be super close to others (or even exactly the same as far as drive ratio goes). For example, small chain ring and 6th sprocket in the back might be exactly the same as the middle chain ring and the 4th sprocket (two larger). There are 30 different chain ring/sprocket combinations, but it's sort of a misnomer to call it a "30 speed" bike.

Novice42

So what speed would it be considered a 10 speed some tell me from research.