best gravel bikes for bike touring

REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Review

Are you looking for a reliable and feature-packed bike that won’t break the bank? Then you need to take a closer look at the REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2. 

It’s an affordable and high-performance gravel bike that stands up to trails, off-roading, and more.

The REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is one of the most popular models from the popular outdoor goods store. 

It features a light aluminum frame, quality components (such as Shimano shifters), tubeless ready tires, and and loads of mounting points – all in an attractive package that can cost as little as $1,599 depending on where you buy it.

If you’re in search of an entry-level gravel bike without sacrificing performance or features then the REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 could be right for you. 

In this article we will discuss its specs, design, and performance in detail to help give you a better idea of whether this is the right choice for your needs.

As the world’s largest consumer co-op, REI Co-Op offers an extensive selection of bicycles that are designed for all types of cyclists, from novice to expert. 

One of their flagship lines is their Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 bicycle series, which features incredibly lightweight and capable bikes built for adventure cycling and exploring off road trails. 

In this review, we’ll take a look at the REI Co-Op Cycles ADV 2.2 bike in detail to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

The REI Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is a gravel bike that’s built for exploring trails, bikepacking and taking on other adventures. 

It offers the perfect combination of versatility and performance with the lightweight alloy frame, wide-range 2x drivetrain, WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm semi-knobby tires, disc brakes and ready-for-accessories rack mounts. 

With the ADV 2.2, you can easily tackle your next big adventure on two wheels.

Product Features:

– Lightweight alloy frame with an endurance geometry for ultimate stability

– Wider range 2x drivetrain for enhanced reliability and smooth shifting

– WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm semi-knobby tires suited to any terrain

– Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide superior stopping power

– Mounts ready for accessories like water bottles, panniers, and fenders

– Sporty saddle with ergonomic support and comfort

– Chainstay clearance fits up to 700 x 43mm tires

– Internal cable routing enhances aesthetics and reduces maintenance needs

Design and Construction

The REI Co-Op Cycles ADV 2.2 was designed with adventure in mind, with a burly aluminum frame featuring thru-axles front and rear to ensure maximum stiffness when navigating rough terrain. 

The frame also gives plenty of room to attach water bottles as well as racks and panniers for extended trips out on the trail.

The bike is equipped with an accurate but not overly aggressive geometry that keeps you feeling stable at high speeds or over technical sections but never too stretched out on the shorter rides. 

It features WTB, ST i19 TCS 2.0 wheels with wide WTB Nano Comp tires that provide a confident grip no matter what surface you’re tackling, plus Tektro mechanical disc brakes ensuring ample stopping power when needed amidst rugged terrain or other riders in races or group rides.

Performance

Due to its design and construction, most riders will immediately feel at ease when hopping onto a Co-Op Cycles AD 2.2 – no matter if it’s your first gravel bike or otherwise! 

The bike offers excellent agility thanks to its well balanced geometry. 

Whether you’re riding along smooth trails or rougher terrain (that especially attack your legs & hips), it handles quite nicely and doesn’t require excessive energy output so it can be enjoyed by both beginner and more experienced riders alike!

Components

The ADV 2.2 is specced with components that have proven reliability like Shimano GRX drivetrain components including an 10 speed 11-36t cassette paired up with a Shimano 46-30t crankset offering wide range gearing options while maintaining efficient shifts even under load during climbs – ideal for racing applications where weight savings come into play without sacrificing performance compared to heavier parts sets used in some models . 

Plus, WTB tires provide great traction giving you confidence for cornering or sudden changes of direction – whether it be entering a rock garden filled switchbacks or just keeping up with friends unexpectedly taking hard turns down tight descents!

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an agile gravel or bikepacking bike that supports epics ride adventures while retaining reliable components throughout then the REI Co-Op Cycles ADV 2.2 may be exactly what you need! 

It has impressive capabilities without exhausting your wallet costing hundreds less than other comparable gravel bike options making this well worth consideration from any kind of rider looking for strong specs without breaking the bank! 

You won’t regret taking one out for a spin next time out on two wheels!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!