2021 Giant Roam 2 Hybrid Bike Review in 4K

[@Cam-gw9hs]

I just took mine out for my first ride. I live in a desert region with a lot of off-road rocky roads - this bike rides like butter, definitely worth every penny. Just so comfortable, smooth and the gears provide a seamless transition through the trip. Awesome review!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thank you and I agree with everything you just said! I love my Roam 2.

[@gouppy]

Thats great to know thank u so much for ur feedback as I'm buying a roam 3 next month 😊

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

7:53 I meant to say that these brakes are not Mechanical Disk brakes like in the Roam 4 (not Roam 3).

[@WillTheTruth]

Just bought one 30 minutes ago! Loved the review!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Awesome. Enjoy your bike and I hope to see your review up soon.

[@WillTheTruth]

I’ll save the bikes reviews for the ones who know what they are talking about, like yourself. Haha

[@lewisfrench7467]

I absolutely adore mine! Best purchase this year, great for many types of riding

[@PeteVree]

Not sure what I am more envious of... your bike or your lab. Really enjoy your videos.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks Pete. I am blessed with both. I get to teach what I love, play in a cool lab, and get paid to do so. The icing on the cake is when I get to ride my bike to work. I appreciate the comment.

[@deepugeorge9740]

I was going to place a pre-order for the out of stock DS 3 at the LBS. While searching for reviews for DS3, came across your video and ended up ordering a Roam 2 disc right away from their website since it was available to ship!!! The price though has gone up to $910 now, plus $35 shipping. I hope with the added cost it is still worth it.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Hello Deepu. I am glad that video has helped you make a decision. It is a great bike, and I do not think that you will be disappointed. I hate that the price went up again. Please let me know what you think about the bike.

[@deepugeorge9740]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor I got the Roam2 disc yesterday (Buffalo,NY). Metallic blue. I was also excited to see that the drive train is a 1X10 11-46, than the spec shown online

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@deepugeorge9740 That is great. I heard they were going to switch to the 1x10. How do you like it?

[@gouppy]

Thanks alot. I'm buying a roam 2022 roam 3 next month. I can't wait !

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Awesome, and you're welcome. Please keep me posted.

[@stuffbenlikes]

Was deciding between the Roam 2 and Dual Sport 3, so this video was perfect. Alas, the choice was made for me by availability, so the Roam 2 is on the way. And I think that's the choice I would have made regardless.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I am so glad the video helped. I literally took hours at the bike shop going between the two bikes. I do not think that you will be disappointed.

[@aliparandeh6973]

I think roam2 in usa is called roam1 in canada. Because Roam 2 does not have an air shock and the front gear in Roam 2 is double.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I knew there were some differences, but I was not sure of the exact differences. Thanks.

[@ontarioman6301]

You are correct. Giant bikes are the best for the price. Much better components.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks for the comment. I have always heard that, but I could never find a definite answer.

[@OnlineRadioSchool]

Just got one in Scotland. I like it, it flies well on the roads. My only tiny criticism would be the handle bars are quite wide, so for busy city roads you're slowing traffic down as you're a bit wide lol. I might just cut off a few cm's on either side if I can be arsed. The shop let me try out a medium and a large one. I'm 5'8 (176cm) - leg length 29" (73cm) and the large size fitted me better. I was a bit cramped on the medium.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks for you comment. I haven't noticed that issue about the handlebars, but that might be the difference between riding in the states and riding in Scotland. I was fortunate enough to visit your beautiful country when I was in college. I flew in and out of Edinburgh and we stayed in Dundee. We visited several of the surrounding towns and I remember being uncomfortable driving (besides being on the opposite side of what I was used to) because the roads were narrow and the cars were parked all along the sidewalks. Congratulations on your purchase, I hope that it makes you a good bike.

[@OnlineRadioSchool]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Yeah a lot of the roads in the UK have parked cars and can be a bit small so you need to be a tad less wide. It's no biggie really, slow the traffic down, get smaller handlebars or cut a bit off from each side :) It's a nice bike and I do like it. And I hope you drank a few good whisky's!

[@bradbrunner3146]

You said in your video that the roam 1 is the top model but I thought the roam 0 disc is the range topper at $1500

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Not in the US. Are you in Canada? The US website is not even listing Roam 1 now. I am not sure what is up with that: www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-roam

[@softstart100]

I just picked this up and it cost me 1199, but no bikes available in my area. 2 x 10 Delores and I love it for the trails around southern ON.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Yeah it is a great bike, but man for that price, it makes me tempted to sell mine.😀

[@softstart100]

After a few options, bags and helmet 1500, still looking forward to my retirement journey. A little late but a happy 71yrs.

[@heatherstracenrider1394]

Giants website says the Roam 3 also has the hydraulic brakes. You said the Roam 3 has the mechanical. Can you confirm which is correct?

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Hello Heather. Thank you so much for catching that. I meant the Roam 4 had mechanical brakes. I would verify this with your local bike shop as I have found out there can be variances with the actual bikes and website, but I think the biggest difference between the Roam 2 and Roam 3 is the upgraded detailers and the 1x9 drive system. I am sorry for the confusion.

[@JDDD33]

I have this bike and it definitely is one of the best bang for buck hybrids you can buy. However, in Australia, our Roam 2 2021 has a 2x9 gear train

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Yeah, the American version might be the only version with a 1x9 gear train. Not 100% sure about that, but every other international version that I have seen has the 2x9

[@JDDD33]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor thanks mate ! PS: with the HG200 (9sp 11-36t cassette)... Can the very last 11tooth cog (on a shimano) be replaced with a 10tooth cog ? I like the gearing of all other gears, however would prefer the final be a 10tooth instead of 11. Need more top speed on the flats !

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@JDDD33 good timing, check out ICAVny's comment below. Apparently some of the US models came with a 1x10.

[@greganphotography]

I have 2015 version. It has a 3x9. But still going strong. Just had new pads ,chain and tires installed.

[@ERVELLO]

Are you sure? All the US ones I’m looking at are 2x9. And the shifters are also Altus not Deore, maybe you got a roam 1 on accident? Or are they really switching up the parts?

[@joelewis3634]

Brought this bike absolutely love it 😍

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Awesome, I still absolutely love mine as well. To me, it is exactly what I needed between an urban and mountain bike. Thanks for the post.

[@lewisfrench7467]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor that’s exactly what I told the boys at my local giant store and they provided this beauty

[@ICAVny]

Helpful to see a review from another owner, as I'm still learning about bikes in general. I too have a 2021 Roam 2 in the gorgeous blue color. You might be interested to know that some - including mine - shipped with a 1x10 cassette (11x46). Unfortunately I feel the gearing could have been setup a little better and I'm looking into a mild upgrade on the crank from 40 to 44T to get a little more speed out of the bike.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks for the comment, and I hope that you enjoy your bike as much as I am enjoying mine. I put this video out there because there are very few 2021 Roam 2 reviews from the US. I am jealous as I wanted the blue color, but I was just happy my bike shop had one. The guy at the bike shop basically told me that because of the demand that it is hard to standardize the bikes, and they sometimes put rogue components on the bikes right now (he was referring to Giant and Trek). I wonder if this is why you have a 1x10? That is crazy.

[@TripleAstyle1]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor I believe all US versions are 1x9 and Canadian and other versions are 2x I have a blue one from the US and it is 1x9. I saw this info on another review from a canadian bike store.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@TripleAstyle1 Thank you for the comment. That is what I thought. I have heard others comment to say that theirs is 1X10? Maybe the 2022 is going to be 1x10 and they started the switch already? Who knows. This is crazy times that we are living in.

[@frankmontesinos]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor so sorry, I somehow previously commented while logged into a backup business email that I don't really use (ICAVny account above) and totally missed the notification of your response. Regarding the 1x10, that is what I was told by my LBS, and have read in a couple of places as well. I did end up upgrading my front crank to a (much lighter) 44T and I have to say I am so much happier with it vs. the stock one. Previously my cadence always seemed to just be off. All in all, I've been happy with the bike, but given that most of my riding is road, I may have outgrown it. To be contined.....

[@frankmontesinos]

@@TripleAstyle1 I can tell you that I have a definitely have a 1x10, and bought my bike in NY (Long Island), also in blue. That said, I have seen other higher spec Roams (like the Roam 1) outside of the US, including just north of us in Canada. I was bummed that I couldn't get the best version available. 😕 I guess the builds vaired due to the parts shortages.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

Both very good bikes. There are pluses and minuses to both. I like the drive train of the Giant as well but the 2022 Dual Sport 3 has a 1x10 drive train. Better brakes (imo) and tubeless ready rims on the Trek as well. It's all a matter of preference. They both make great bikes.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks for the comment. There is no doubt that the DS 3 is a great bike. Like I said in the video, that is what I was originally going to buy. So the Giant Roam 2 comes with their Easy Ride Tubeless tires (see link) and apparently the Roam 2's are coming with the 1x10 drive train now. I honestly cannot tell a difference between the Tektro and Shimano brakes myself, but the Deore derailleur is better, and the Roam is much cheaper with better parts. I will say that the looks of the DS3 is better. Again, like you said, both bikes are good bikes. For me, the Roam 2 was the best bang for the buck. www.giant-bicycles.com/global/showcase/roam

[@michaelbrohl1625]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor I was curious so went to the Giant international website. I discovered that the specs of any particular model can vary greatly depending on what part of the world you live in. For example ,the Roam 2 in Australia is not the same specs as the Roam 2 in the USA.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@michaelbrohl1625 yes I have found that out too.

[@rblauson]

Are the wheels / tires tubeless or tubeless ready ? You didn’t touch on the wheel set. Great review I’m torn between this and the DS 3. I really like the factory orange on the ds3 lol. Do you like this color on your roam ?

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

You are totally right, I left that out, and I am going to be honest, I had a hard time finding an answer. I do not think that it is tubules, but this site claims they are: www.bikeconnection.net/product/giant-roam-2-disc-381512-1.htm. I would ask the local bike shop as it appears that they are putting different parts on the same bike (seriously), and that's not just Giant. I was almost positive that this was just tubeless ready. I agree with you that I like the looks of the DS3 better, and I preferred the blue Roam 2 over my charcoal color, but I was honestly just amazed my bike shop had one as it is hard to find any bikes. So, the reason I chose my bike over the DS3 wasn't because of the looks, but it really came down to the fact that I was spending less money for better components. I had a really hard time deciding though. Sorry I could not help out more about the wheels.

[@johnnyk6906]

:-) year later, it's $100 more for the same bike. for now, I have a new 2022 Quick 1 [105] that replaced 2019 Tarmac Sport[105] for road riding and replaced 2021 Talon 1 [Deore] for Roam 2 [Deore] for gravel packed trail riding. I love this bike and I came from riding 2021 Talon 1 until last month. wished the crank was 42 instead of 40 for little more speed but it's a huge improvement over 30 on Talon which was too slow on paved road.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Inflation is absolutely crazy right now. I bought the bike for $50 more than the price they had on it because the prices increase $50 right before I bought this bike, so technically, the increased $150 in a year. Thanks for the post.

[@garryruggiero3559]

What is your opinion on switching handle bar to a drop handlebar thanks, garry raleigh nc

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Hello Garry. Personally, I am not interested in this because I like the ride stance of a mountain bike, but if you want a cheaper gravel bike I guess you could do this, but I think that it will be pretty difficult. I think the cheapest Giant Gravel bike is around $1.3K. Here is a guy who did this to an older Trek. Hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3WVp2Bjqa-Ljtk

[@agstudioband]

i am choosing a hybrid bike right now, besides the fact there are no pieces on the stores, i am almost decided to go for GIANT, because compared to most other brands, it has 2x 11 (roam 0 disc) speeds, and that is exactly what i want. 1x10 is too little, i dont know how you can survive with that on the flat roads :D Well i have to wait for the 2022 models which will come in november. I hope there will be no down grade changes because honestly the roam disc 0 2021 is a perfect setup.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

We do not have the Roam 0 option for the states, but I am sure that it is a great bike. Thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@jalcanites2939]

There is a bike shop in my area that has a 2022 and 2021 Roam 2 for the same price, now 950. The 2021 in blue is a stunner. On paper, the 2022 has better components though. Are the differences in components used going to be noticeable in the real world? This will be my first bike purchase. Btw, nice review. I have watched this review multiple times already.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I am glad that the review helped you. Looking at the 2 bikes for the same price, I would lean towards the bike that you feel is right, because there isn't a big difference between the two bikes. The bigger sprocket and extra gear on the 2022 is nice, but other than that, I don't think that you would notice the differences much, and if this is your first bike, then the 2021 is an amazing bike.

[@jalcanites2939]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor I bought the 2021 blue Roam 2 today. Picking it up on Sunday. Your review made a lot of difference to me. thanks.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@jalcanites2939 Glad it helped and enjoy your bike. You will love it, but I am totally jealous because they only had the grey color when I got mine. Keep me posted on how it goes.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

Super nice review! I am between this and the trek but for your money you are right, Bette roared and also the cycling for a shop Told me they do unlimited brake adjustment and handle bar adjustments if I buy from them. I really will be on flat paved and light dirt flat roads (levee) but I love the simplicity of the 1x instead of the 2x and 3x on my old Mtb

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thanks for the reply. As you know, this was from a year ago, and I think that the new Trek DuoSports have the 1 X system now, so it comes down to price and preference. I definitely like the looks of the dual sport better.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Thank you!

[@TroyandAndrea]

Great review! Love the Deore components on that model!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thank you, it is a great bike. Great review on the Roam 3 too. If you don't mind I might put a link to your video in my description.

[@samlienachannel9416]

I bought for $650 in South East Asia...but different specificatioms and components...using Shimano Alivio RD, Shimamo Acera FD and Shimano Altus Shifters. No holo crank...

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thank you for your comment. That is one thing that I found about this bike is that it changes drastically depending on the country. I hope that you enjoy your bike as much as I enjoy mine.

[@shubhammaheshwari4078]

​@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Same 9*2 specifications in India as well.can you please guide what can I upgrade in my giant roam 2 to get more speed .

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@shubhammaheshwari4078 This is not my video, but has some basic, but great ideas for more speed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3KUpGycqp6pbpI

[@jaye6450]

Trek dual sport 3 and roam 0 are both top bikes…either one will be a good purchase

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Unfortunately, in the US we do not have the option to purchase the Roam 0.

[@wazirfloyd]

Thank you! Good Review mate!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

No problem . Its a great bike and I wanted to share my experience.

[@CRM537]

looks amazing..i have the roam 2016 model with 27 gears.. but i like this system much better.... you really get a lot of everything for that price.. only thing i dont like is the color.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@CRM537 I preferred the blue but was lucky to even find one in the heat of Covid. It is a little boring, but at least it wasn’t an ugly color.

[@CRM537]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor you can always get a paint job.. since that big will last you forever..

[@RogerSartet007]

So currently no after market suspension seat post is ever gonna fit this one, right? That's so regrettable. Otherwise I would have been game. Thank you for this informative review

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Yes you are probably right, and you are welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@RogerSartet007]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor This leaves me with the Trek Dual Sport series and the Specialized Crosstrail series as viable options, although I can no longer find the latter on their website.

[@opshameej6126]

I want one what i do

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

It will not be easy, but I would go through your local Giant Bike shop. You can look up stock from local bike shops here: www.giant-bicycles.com/us/roam-2-disc

[@victormacedo582]

giant or trek dual sport 3 (2022)? I have a Giant Contend AR3 which has provided such a smooth experience.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

That is a good question, and I do not think that you will go wrong either way. I cannot believe the price on these models now, but we are living in the year of inflation. Anyway, now that the Dual Sport 3 has the 1 x drive system, I think that either one would be a great bike. That was the biggest reason I did not go with the Trek. There is not as big a difference with the price anymore, and I think the Treks are better looking bikes. I would honestly go with the Trek, but it might come down to getting whatever bike is available. I know that wasn't much help.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I will add to this a little, but I did a search to see where I could find one in stock, and the nearest Roam 2 is 500 miles away.

[@victort4796]

How do you compare Roam 2 and Roam 4? Is there any significant difference between the two? Thanks!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Hello Victor. Yes there are differences. The Roam 4 is a great bike, but it has a different drive train and it has mechanical disk not hydraulic disk. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the differences, but I wanted the 1x9 and the hydraulic brakes. I linked a great review for the Roam 4 in the description of this video if you want to check that out. Thanks.

[@victort4796]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Thank you for your genuine feedback, professor! I checked both Roam 4 and Roam 2 in a store that managed to get both bikes onsite. In the end, I also decided to get the Roam 2. Besides its 1x9 and the hydraulic brakes, Roam 2 has a switch that you may use to turn your suspension ON/OFF. So, you keep your suspension ON when doing mountain biking and switch OFF your suspension when doing road biking. Roam 4 does not have the switch, so I got the Roam 2 as well. : )

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@victort4796 You are welcome and congratulations on your new bike. I hope that you love yours as much as I love mine!

[@SqBike]

I have a question for you, can the size of the frame in this model really be adapted to the height? I am 168 cm and the seller says that it must be a frame of size S, I have a strange impression that it is a size for a child, or maybe the seller is right? So far in the store I was not just asking on the phone, thanks for the answer. Oh, those pedals are durable?

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

According to the frame size chart about half way down the page, it looks like you would be a S, but are on the border of a M size frame. Also, I forgot to mention the pedals. They are plastic, and I believe they will be durable, but you might want to replace them for more grip. I hope this helps. www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/roam-2-disc

[@SqBike]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Hello, continuing the conversation, is it worth inserting an air fork into this model? And if so, what, of course I do not mean some mega roads, but one at a good level.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@SqBike that is 100% your decision. If you use this bike for what it was intended, I would not do it. Like I said, I use this 90% of the time for commuting to and from work, and 10% on light trails. For me, the forks are fine for what I use it for. Again, that is just my opinion. Good luck.

[@SqBike]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor Ok, I understand. I, in total, bought my Roam for trips, it is really comfortable. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJPbk5KteMeGqdk

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@SqBike Good looking bike and nice video. How do you like it?

[@josephkendall9793]

Good review

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thank you!

[@Sawant_Academy]

Excellent information

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Thank you, I hope that it helped.

[@Соблюдайдистанцию-ь8ч]

Подскажите пожалуйста,друзья велолюбители.Страна производитель велосипеда "Giant Roam"2 disk.Спасибо заранее.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

To those who don't speak Russian, Google Translate said this was what the above post said "Please tell me, friends of cyclists. The country is the manufacturer of the bicycle "Giant Roam" 2 disk. Thank you in advance."

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Giant bikes are made in Taiwan.

[@kraqdown]

It's 950 now

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Welcome to the year of inflation. That is crazy.

[@Koch8]

I hate the ert tires

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I have never had them before now and I am curious as to what makes you hate them.

[@Koch8]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor They are a Giant proprietary tube and tire in one.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@Koch8 yes I know, but I was curious the reason that you hate them. Did you have a bad experience?

[@Koch8]

@@TheCommonSenseProfessor it’s not a durable tire.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@Koch8 ok thanks. If I have issues, I will report them. I am going to use the bike for what it is made for though, mostly commuting, so I might not have issues.

[@Grt234]

Roam 0 is the top of the range..not roam one..

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

I made this comment a few times in my post, but you are probably in Canada, and this is true in Canada, but this is not true in the US. Like I said in my video, I am in the US. Thanks.