Giant Roam XR 1: suggestions? feedback?

carcar

hello,
I am wondering if anyone tried that bike:
Giant Roam XR1. The Roam XR0 seems to have better components but it's much more pricey (600GBP more!!)

That Roam XR1 is about 990GBP.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/bikes/model/roam.xr.1/7547/46907/

If not does it seems overpriced as per the components included?


FRAME
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
Colors Black
Frame ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum
Fork SR Suntour NCX-D-LO, 63mm Travel
Shock N/A
COMPONENTS
Handlebar Giant Connect, Alloy 31.8mm Flat
Stem Giant Connect, Alloy
Seatpost Giant Connect Alloy, 30.9
Saddle Giant X-Road Sport Men's
Pedals VP-199 Alloy Cage
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT
Brakes Magura HS11 Hydraulic
Brake Levers Magura HS11 Hydraulic
Cassette Shimano HG50, 11x34, 9-Speed
Chain Shimano HG73
Crankset Shimano M543, 26/36/48
Bottom Bracket Shimano, External
WHEELS
Rims Giant Sport CR18, Double Walled, Disc Specific, 700c
Hubs Shimano Deore
Spokes Sapim Leader 14G
Tires SCHWALBE RACING RALPH EVO, 28X1.35

carcar

Hello!

No one knows anything about that bike?

It's not very popular apparently.
I though Hybrid bikes like it would attract more people!

carcar

Nothing new?


Can't find it in shops anyway... :?

cat_with_no_tail

You're asking in the wrong place really.

Try the commuters, this is the MTB section.

What do you want it for, what's your budget and so on?

Other than asking if the XR1 is overpriced at a grand (imho yes it is, REDICULOUSLY) you don't seem to be asking any specific questions.

carcar

Thanks!

That's the thing- I think it's a MTB with "less large wheels".


Apparently some don't think the same-

Yes I'm just looking for general reviews/opinion on it.


For example: I had a MTB. One day I changed the wheels to put "tighter ones"-
Total disaster: the heavy frame with lowe tyres was horrible grip on the road, not nice feeling, etc...

That's the kind of comments I am waiting for!

Like someone who tried such hybrid bike and share experience!

cat_with_no_tail

No it's not.

The wheels are 700c wheels, so actually bigger than regular 26" MTB wheels.

The deore components are good enouogh, but I'd certainly be expecting a LOT better if I was lashing out a grand on such a thing.

The entire bike seems quite badly set out to be honest. I get that the whole point of a hybrid is that it works mostly on the road, then can do a little bit of canal path or something if you want, but this seems like it's specced up so poorly that it will be massively compromised no matter what you are riding.

So what are you looking for then? Is this going to be something you use almost entirely on the road?

Will you be doing any off-road on it? If so, what sort of riding?

carcar

Thanks!

Well I wanted a bike to use in the city, but certainly not a city bike.
The main problem I have with "MTB" is they are massive and slow-(slower than hybrid).

But of course I use to go to mountain (dirt paths not going downhill anywhere) and with little amount of rocks- (not like going anywhere).

Let's say in theory a hybrid 60% MTB and 40% city :oops:

Yes I calculated more or less the cost of the components and had the same impression: it's pricey for average good components!?

cat_with_no_tail

It's not just the sum of the components that makes it poor value, it's how they have been thrown together. It's like there was no real thought put into any of it. They just cobbled together some bits and then stuck an XT rear mech on there and seem to think that justifies the obsurd price they want for it.

Also, if you say (in theory) 60% MTB and 40% road, surely you want something more MTB than road bike?

Yes, all things being equal, a MTB will be slower than a hybrid, which in turn will be slower then a road bike. Speed on the road is what you sacrifice in order to get a bike that works off the road. That's just something you have to deal with.

Personally, for a grand, I'd be looking at something like one of the Rigid Boardmans.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/ht_teamr.html

It's going to be at least £150 less than the Giant, MUCH better specced, should be much lighter, faster on the road and yet still able to cope perfectly well with the fairly light off-road you describe.

carcar

Cheers,

Yes that is why it's unclear an hybrid for me.

it could be:
"Nearly as good as a MTB and nearly as good as a City bike"

OR:
"worse than a MTB and worse than a city bike".



But I don't want to invest 1000GBP necessarily, it was just the price of that bike.

Ok i'll review the one you posted-

Seems sweet!
The only thing is the tyres: they look "smooth and slippery" a bit like the one I installed on my old MTB. But then it's probably studied with the frame weight, etcc....
My old "tyres setup" was experimental and silly.

cat_with_no_tail

Think about it. With the £150 you would save over that awful Giant (more if you opt for the next model down) you can experiment with different tyres. Maybe get a set for road use and a set for off-road use.

carcar

Thanks, yes
I was actually considering that.



back to work now, thanks again