Giant Roam 2 Disc (2019): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The frame in the Giant Roam 2 Disc (2019) is made with an ALUXX grade aluminum material. The frame looks solid and also feels confident when riding over bumpy roads during the test ride. The frame tubes are neither flat nor cylindrical. It is flat on the top but rounds up as it goes to the bottom for all the tubes. This has made sure the weight of the bicycle is kept in check, which is what is needed for an Urban bicycle. The ALUXX Aluminum is optimized for strength-to-weight ratio with single butting resulting in a lightweight frame without sacrificing strength.

The 63mm SR Suntour NEX HLO front suspension works enough to absorb vibrations from speed breakers and pot holes on the road. The hydraulic lockout helps make the fork rigid and in turn make the ride smoother and easier to accelerate on flat surfaces.

When it comes to design, Giant is always experimenting with new shades of colours and designs on their bicycles. The Roam series has been one of Giant’s most successful urban bicycle series and the main selling point for the Roam’s have been the aesthetic appearance. The 2019 Roam 2 Disc which I test rode came in a full Black primary colour on the frame with White and Grey as the secondary colours for graphics. The mud flap on the bottom of the down tube is a great design feature, which not only saves the tube but also protects the brake cables which run behind this mud flap.

The gearing in the Roam 2 Disc (2019) is handled by Shimano’s Acera 3-Speed in the front and Acera 9-Speed at the rear. The Shimano Acera derailleur setup is a mid-level gear in Shimano’s family and provided precise and seamless gearshifts. The Shimano Altus Alloy 27-Speed gear shifters were easy to use.

The stopping power in the Roam 2 Disc (2019) is taken care of by powerful Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic Disc brakes at the front and rear. The Tektro Disc brakes were powerful, balanced and safe to engage even at high speeds during the test ride.

Giant is known for their in house componentry, one such component is the handlebar. The Giant Sport XC low rise handlebar is lengthy with a very slight rise. This resembles an MTB handlebar, which means a comfortable and ‘open-chested’ riding posture giving a much better control over the bicycle to maneuver in traffic.

The Giant Crosscut has become a popular in-house tire brand which impressed during the test ride. The 700x38C tires were a good mix with Hybrid and MTB tire characteristics. The sleek design combined with solid thread patterns make sure the tires are rolling fast and also safe during fast turns and bad roads. The Anti-Puncture tire gives you an extra layer of added protection from the smaller punctures during your ride.

The Giant Connect upright saddle resembles a road bicycles saddle. Sleek and wide with a perfect shape for the sit bones to be placed. There is enough cushioning at the right places to be sore free.