Giant Roam 3 Disc (2019) - Review

The frame in the Giant Roam 3 Disc (2019) is made with an ALUXX grade Aluminum material. The frame looks solid and allows you to feel confident when riding over bumpy roads. 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. The ALUXX Aluminum Frame is optimized for strength-to-weight ratio with single butting resulting in a lightweight frame which does not sacrifice strength.The 63mm SR Suntour NEX HLO front suspension works to absorb vibrations of speed breakers and potholes 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.

The gearing in the Roam 3 Disc (2019) is handled by a combination of Shimano Tourney 3-Speed at the front and Shimano Acera 8-Speed at the rear. Combining 2 different levels of gearing has become popular amongst International brands, especially in their entry-level bicycles. The Shimano Tourney derailleur is an entry-level gear in Shimano's family but when it is put to use with the Acera at the rear the balance and smoothness in the gearing is perfect. The Shimano EF5 24-Speed gear shifters were easy to use.

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 219 Roam 3 Disc which I test rode came in a full Black primary colour on the frame with Red as the secondary colour 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 the brake cables which runs behind this mud flap.

The stopping power in the Roam 3 Disc (2019) is taken care of by powerful Tektro TKB172 Mechanical Disc brakes at the front and back with 16mm rotors. The Tektro Disc brakes were balanced and safe to engage even at high speeds.Giant is known for their in house componentry and a majority of their bicycles come with Giant components. 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 the rider much better control over the bicycle while manoeuvring in traffic.

The Giant Crosscut has become a popular in-house tire brand which impressed during the test ride. The 7x38C tires were a good mix of Hybrid and MTB tire characteristics. The sleek design combined with solid tread pattern make sure that 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. The Giant Connect upright saddle resembles a road bicycle 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.