Giant Roam 2 Review (Features and Performance)

If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains, the Giant Roam 2 is worth considering. This bike has a dual sport-style design that makes it suitable for both off-road adventures and leisurely rides around town. With its lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame and flat handlebar positioning, the Roam 2 offers a comfortable and confident ride.

One of the standout features of the Roam 2 is its all-season tire capability, which allows you to ride on a variety of surfaces without worrying about changing your tires. Additionally, the bike’s hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power even in wet or muddy conditions. Whether you’re looking to explore new trails or simply commute to work, the Roam 2 is a solid choice.

Overview of Giant Roam 2

If you’re looking for a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains, the Giant Roam 2 may be just what you need. This bike is part of the Roam line from the Taiwanese manufacturer Giant and is designed to be a hybrid bike that can handle both on-road and off-road riding.

The Giant Roam 2 Disc features a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, which is both durable and easy to handle. The bike also comes with a suspension fork and a D-Fuse seatpost, which help to absorb road bumps and vibrations, making your ride smoother and more comfortable.

The Roam 2 Disc is equipped with Shimano components, including a 3×8-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. This gives you plenty of gears to choose from and makes stopping easy and reliable. The bike also comes with Giant’s EasyRide Tubeless tires, which are designed to be more comfortable and less likely to go flat.

Design and Aesthetics

The Giant Roam 2 is a sleek and stylish hybrid bike that is designed for both on-road and off-road adventures. The bike’s black color gives it a modern and sophisticated look that is sure to turn heads. The Roam 2’s frame is made of lightweight aluminum, which not only makes it easy to handle but also contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal.

The Roam 2’s frameset is made of ALUXX-grade aluminum, which is a high-quality material that is known for its durability and strength. The frameset is designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride, even on rough terrain. The bike’s flat handlebar positioning also adds to its sleek and modern look while also providing a comfortable and natural riding position.

One of the standout features of the Roam 2’s design is its versatility. The bike is designed to handle a variety of different terrains, from smooth city streets to rugged mountain trails. This makes it the perfect choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort and fit, the Giant Roam 2 is designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable ride. The bike’s geometry and components are optimized to ensure a comfortable riding position, whether you’re cruising around town or hitting the trails.

One of the key factors contributing to the bike’s comfort is the saddle. The Roam 2 comes with a Giant Connect saddle, which features a pressure-relieving cutout and a supportive shape that’s designed to keep you comfortable on long rides. Additionally, the bike’s stem and seatpost are both adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune your riding position for optimal comfort.

Another feature that contributes to the Roam 2’s comfortable ride is the D-Fuse seatpost. This innovative component is designed to absorb vibrations and road chatter, reducing fatigue and keeping you feeling fresh even on rough terrain.

In terms of riding posture, the Roam 2 is designed for a relaxed and upright position. This helps to reduce strain on your back and neck, making it easier to enjoy longer rides without discomfort.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Giant Roam 2 is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile hybrid bike. With its lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame and flat handlebar positioning, the Roam 2 provides a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride, whether you’re cruising around town or tackling some light off-road terrain.

The Roam 2’s front suspension fork and D-Fuse seatpost work together to absorb road bumps and vibrations, helping to keep your ride smooth and comfortable. The suspension fork is adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune it to your riding style and terrain. Additionally, the EasyRide Tubeless tires provide a comfortable ride and are less likely to become flat.

In terms of handling, the Roam 2’s steering is responsive and agile, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The flat handlebar positioning also provides a more upright riding position, which can help reduce strain on your back and neck.

When it comes to braking and steering, the Roam 2 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. The brake levers are easy to reach and provide good modulation, allowing you to control your speed with precision.

Drivetrain and Gearing

The Giant Roam 2 comes with a Shimano Acera 3×9-speed drivetrain, which provides a wide range of gears suitable for various terrains. The gears are shifted using Shimano Altus shifters, which are known for their precise and smooth shifting.

The front derailleur is a Shimano Acera, while the rear derailleur is a Shimano Alivio. The cassette has a range of 11-34 teeth, which is suitable for climbing steep hills and cruising on flat roads. The chain is a KMC X9, which is durable and reliable.

The chainring is a Shimano Deore, which provides a smooth and efficient transfer of power from the pedals to the wheels. The gearing is designed to provide a balance between speed and torque, making it suitable for both off-road and on-road riding.

The Giant Roam 2 also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide reliable and consistent stopping power in all weather conditions. The suspension lockout helps ride faster on flatter surfaces, while the Suntour XCT HLO Suspension Fork with 63mm travel absorbs bumps and vibrations on rough terrain.

Braking System

The braking system of the Giant Roam 2 is one of its key features. It comes equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power in any conditions. The hydraulic disc brakes are known for their consistent and responsive braking performance, making them a popular choice among cyclists.

The Roam 2’s braking system uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which are known for their reliability and durability. These brakes provide excellent stopping power, even in wet or muddy conditions, ensuring that you can ride with confidence no matter where you go.

The hydraulic disc brakes on the Roam 2 are easy to maintain and adjust, making them a great choice for riders who want a low-maintenance braking system. The hydraulic system also provides a smooth and consistent braking experience, with no need for frequent adjustments like you might need with traditional rim brakes.

In addition to the powerful braking performance, the Roam 2’s hydraulic disc brakes are also lightweight, which helps to keep the overall weight of the bike down. This makes it easier to handle and maneuver, especially when riding on more technical terrain.

Tires and Wheels

When it comes to the Giant Roam 2, the tires and wheels are an essential component of the bike. The Giant CrossCut 700x38C tires are anti-puncture, providing added protection and durability. These tires are perfect for both moderate trails and urban roads, making the Giant Roam 2 a great all-rounder bike.

The wide tires of the Giant Roam 2 provide excellent traction and stability, making it easy to ride on various terrains. With its fast-rolling tires, you can easily gain speed and maintain it, making it a great bike for commuting and recreational riding.

The wheels of the Giant Roam 2 are lightweight and durable, made of ALUXX aluminum, which is a high-quality material that can withstand harsh conditions. The wheels are also balanced and reactive, providing excellent control and handling, making it easy to maneuver the bike.

If you’re looking to upgrade your tires, make sure to choose tires that are compatible with the Giant Roam 2. When choosing tires, consider the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, the weather conditions, and your riding style. For example, if you’re planning to ride on rough terrain, you may want to consider wider tires with more tread for added traction.

Additional Features

The Giant Roam 2 comes with a host of additional features that make it a versatile and reliable bike for all kinds of riders. Here are some of the standout features of this bike:

• Fork: The Suntour NEX HLO fork with 63mm of suspension travel provides a comfortable ride on rough terrain.
• Rims: The Giant Roam 2 comes with 700c rims that are durable and reliable, making them perfect for everyday use.
• Pedals: The pedals on the Giant Roam 2 are fully fitted and ready to ride, so you can start cycling as soon as you get your bike.
• Hubs: The sealed hubs on the Giant Roam 2 provide smooth and efficient performance, making it easy to ride for long distances.
• Grips: The ergonomic grips on the Giant Roam 2 provide a comfortable and secure grip, even on long rides.
• Downtube Mudguard: The integrated downtube mudguard on the Giant Roam 2 keeps your bike clean and dry, even in wet conditions.
• Fender Mount: The fender mount on the Giant Roam 2 makes it easy to add fenders for additional protection from the elements.
• Headset: The headset on the Giant Roam 2 is durable and reliable, providing smooth and efficient steering.
• Tyre: The Giant Roam 2 comes with 700x42c tires that support the installation of tires up to 53mm wide, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect tire for your needs.

Price and Value for Money

When it comes to purchasing a bike, the price is always a crucial factor to consider. The 2023 Giant Roam Disc 2 has an MSRP of $950, which puts it in the mid-range price category for hybrid bikes (see cheaper hybrid bikes). However, the features and components that come with the bike make it a great value for money.

The aluminum frame of the Giant Roam Disc 2 is lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. The bike also comes with a 2×9 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, which provide smooth and reliable shifting and stopping power. The 63mm front suspension fork allows for a comfortable ride on rough terrain.

One of the best things about the Giant Roam Disc 2 is its versatility. The dual sport style design allows you to take it on off-road adventures on gravel trails, as well as use it for fitness or leisure riding. The bike also supports the installation of tires up to 53mm wide, which gives you the option to customize it to your preferred riding style.

Compared to other bikes in its price range, the Giant Roam Disc 2 offers a great value for money. Its quality components, versatility, and durability make it a reliable choice for any rider looking for a hybrid bike that can handle various terrains and riding styles.

Test Ride and User Experience

You’ve finally gotten your hands on the 2021 Giant Roam 2 and are eager to take it for a spin. You hop on the bike and immediately notice how lightweight it feels. The ALUXX aluminum frame is sturdy yet agile, making it perfect for leisure and fitness riding.

During your test ride, you’ll quickly realize that the Roam 2 is a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains. Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a leisurely ride through the park, this bike is up for the challenge.

The flat handlebars provide a comfortable and confident riding position, allowing you to easily maneuver through tight spaces and around obstacles. The hydraulic disc brakes are responsive and provide excellent stopping power, giving you peace of mind when riding in traffic or downhill.

One of the standout features of the Roam 2 is the suspension fork, which helps absorb shock and smooth out bumps in the road. This feature is especially useful when riding on rough terrain or uneven surfaces.

The Roam 2 is also equipped with a Shimano Altus 3×8 drivetrain, providing a wide range of gears for any riding situation. Whether you’re climbing hills or cruising on flat terrain, you’ll find a gear that suits your needs.

Weight and Portability

When it comes to choosing a bike, weight and portability are both important factors to consider. The Giant Roam 2 Disc is a lightweight bike that is easy to transport, making it a great option for those who need to carry their bike around frequently.

The ALUXX aluminum frame is optimized for strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in a lightweight frame without sacrificing strength. The bike weighs in at around 28 pounds (12.7 kg), which is relatively light for a hybrid bike. This makes it easy to carry the bike up stairs or load it onto a car rack.

In addition to its lightweight frame, the Roam 2 Disc also features a flat handlebar that can be easily removed for transport. This makes it easy to fit the bike into a car trunk or other small space.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable bike that can handle a variety of terrains, the Giant Roam 2 Disc is definitely worth considering. Its lightweight frame and easy-to-remove handlebar make it a great option for commuters, weekend warriors, and anyone who needs a versatile bike that can be easily transported.

Components and Materials

The 2020 version of the Giant Roam 2 hybrid bike is equipped with mid-range components that make it a reliable and versatile bike for both urban and off-road adventures. The frame is made of ALUXX-grade aluminum, which is a lightweight and durable material that provides a solid base for the bike’s components.

The bike’s drivetrain consists of a Shimano Altus groupset, which includes a triple chainring crankset and a 9-speed cassette. This allows for a wide range of gear ratios (see our calculator), making it easier to tackle steep hills and rough terrain. The Shimano Altus shifters are easy to use and provide smooth and precise shifting.

The Giant Roam 2 also features hydraulic disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power in all kinds of weather conditions. The bike’s suspension fork has a travel of 63mm, which helps absorb bumps and shocks on the road or trail.

Other components of note on the 2020 Giant Roam 2 include:

• Giant S-X2 Disc wheelset with puncture-resistant tires
• Giant Connect handlebar and stem
• Giant Connect seatpost and saddle
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors

The 2019 model of the Giant Roam 2 Disc also features similar components and materials. The only major difference is that the 2019 model has a suspension travel of 75mm, which provides a more comfortable ride on rough terrain.