Co-op Cycles - ADV 3.1 Bike

Had this bike for a little over a year now and I couldn't be happier. Spent the first year cruising around the DC metro area trail system with the factory bar end shifters that work fantastically off the shelf. Eventually decided to make some upgrades to the drive train and throw a SRAM Rival1 1x11 group set on it and it sets the bike off. I love the steel frame and the big beefy 50mm tires and the 1x drive train turns this already stellar bike into a trail, gravel, road, anything and everything devouring machine. Tons of places to mount racks/cages/bags/whatever you want to make this thing run for you.Well done with this one Co-op Cycles!

I went back and forth quite a bit before buying the Co-Op ADV 3.1. Living in Michigan, most of the roads are basically just crater filled strips of broken asphalt, and I had grown tired of the jarring ride provided by my aluminum road bike.

I love this bike, but I could not stand to look at it after I noticed how far outboard of the seat tube the front derailleur cable was (and the derailleur lever, too). Plus the high mount Deore derailleur clamp blocked the water bottle bosses on the seat tube. I bought a low-mount, top-swing, dual-pull Deore XT (same as on the ADV 3.2), took the bike back, and insisted they fix it or take the whole bike back. I don't know who to blame on this, Shimano or REI, but that is an ugly derailleur setup. Actually, I'm looking at you Shimano. The REI service department was excellent and took it in good humor. With the new derailleur, I give it a 5, but the damage was done. I would definitely recommend this bike to all my (blind) friends.

No hydraulics brakes. a little under equipped for backpacking. hydraulics brakes is a must. plus its a little pricey for what you are getting.

The pros: