Co-op Cycles ADV Review
Category: Gravel Bikes
Overview
Co-op Cycles is the in-house bike brand of REI. Adventure is at their heart, according to REI, and that is stepped up several notches with the ADV range. Covering seven bikes in all, the range can be split into three sub-sections.
| Groupset | Frame material | Fork material | Brake type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADV 2.1 | Shimano Claris | Aluminum | Carbon | Rim |
| ADV 2.2 | Shimano GRX 400 | Aluminum | Carbon | Mechanical Disc |
| ADV 2.3 | Shimano GRX 800 | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
| ADV 3.1 | Shimano Deore | Steel | Steel | Hydraulic Disc |
| ADV 3.2 | Shimano Deore XT | Aluminum | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc |
| ADV 1.1 | Shimano Deore LX | Steel | Steel | Hydraulic Disc |
| ADV 4.2 | Shimano Deore XT | Aluminum | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc |
The Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 are out-and-out gravel bikes, with alloy frames and carbon forks. The 2.1 is the more basic model, stepping up to the 2.3 with hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano’s gravel-optimized GRX components.
Co-op have built the ADV 1.1 and ADV 4.2 for touring, meanwhile. The 1.1 is cheaper and heavier, with a steel frameset and Deore components. The 4.2, on the other hand, is crafted from aluminum.
Finally, the ADV 3.1 and ADV 3.2 are more versatile, sitting somewhere between the two. Again, the 3.1 is a steel bike and the 3.2 is aluminum with a slightly higher spec. Let’s take a look at all that in more detail.
Frameset
There are three distinct frameset types within Co-op Cycles’ ADV range then. Starting with the ADV 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 – the gravel bikes – they feature a double-butted 6061-series aluminum frame and a tapered carbon fork. It blends the durability of aluminum with a good overall weight. Given its gravel-riding focus, it is no surprise to find a frameset built to better absorb vibrations without compromising stiffness and strength. It should reduce fatigue over longer distances.
Both the 1.1 and the 3.1, meanwhile, are centered around steel frames and forks. Steel not only brings the cost down, but it is super-durable too, and points to the touring focus of both bikes.
Finally, the 3.2 and 4.2 use standard 6061-series alloy tubing and pair the aluminum frame with an alloy fork too. While not quite as durable as steel and not as effective at dampening road vibrations as carbon, it is a good middle ground and brings the weight down, too.
| Frame | Fork | |
|---|---|---|
| ADV 2.1 | Double-butted 6061 aluminum | Carbon with 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 tapered steerer tube |
| ADV 2.2 | Double-butted 6061 aluminum | Carbon with 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 tapered steerer tube |
| ADV 2.3 | Double-butted 6061 aluminum | Carbon with 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 tapered steerer tube |
| ADV 3.1 | Double-butted chromoly steel | Chromoly |
| ADV 3.2 | 6061 aluminum | Aluminum |
| ADV 1.1 | Double-butted chromoly steel | Chromoly steel with 15mm thru-axle |
| ADV 4.2 | 6061 aluminum | 6061 aluminum |
The best choice ultimately comes down to your needs, with each well-suited to its given category. For versatility, comfort, and lightweight, the ADV 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 will score higher, whereas the 1.1 and 3.1 top the charts for durability.
Groupset
The three gravel-specific bikes all feature Shimano groupsets, with the ADV 2.2 and ADV 2.3 both using components from the Japanese experts’ gravel group, GRX. The ADV 2.1 uses entry-level Shimano Claris for the gearing and Promax disc brakes. Step up to the ADV 2.2 and it uses GRX components with Shimano Tiagra shifters and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The ADV 2.3 features a single crankset, GRX components, and shifters along with GRX gravel-specific hydraulic disc brakes.
| ADV 2.1 | ADV 2.2 | ADV 2.3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano Claris | Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 | Shimano GRX ST-810 with integrated dropper lever |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Claris | Shimano GRX 400 | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Claris | Shimano GRX 400, Shadow Plus design | Shimano GRX RD-RX810, Shadow Plus Design |
| Crankset | Shimano FC-RS200, 50-34t | Shimano GRX 600, 46-30t | Shimano GRX 600, 40t |
| Brakes | Promax DSK-718R cable actuated dual piston | Tektro MD-C550 cable actuated | Shimano GRX 800 hydraulic disc with Shimano RT64 Center |
| Cassette | Shimano Claris, 8-speed | Shimano CS-HG50, 11-36t | Shimano SLX, 11-42t, 11-speed |
| Chain | KMC HG40 | Shimano HG-X 10 speed | Shimano |
GRX is built specifically for gravel, rather than being a repurposed road groupset, so for gravel riding it is ahead of the curve. The range of gearing on offer is broad enough, even with the single crankset, and designed with the needs of gravel grinding in mind.
| ADV 3.1 | ADV 3.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Microshift BS-M10 bar-end | Microshift BS-M10 bar-end |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Deore | Shimano Deore XT |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore Shadow Plus | Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore, 38/24 | Shimano Deore XT, 40/28 |
| Brakes | TRP Spyre mechanical disc | TRP Hylex hydraulic disc |
| Cassette | Shimano HG50, 11-36, 10-speed | Shimano HG50, 11-36, 10-speed |
| Chain | Shimano HG-54 | Shimano HG-54 |
Stand-out features elsewhere in the Co-op ADV range are bar-end shifters on the ADV 1.1, ADV 3.1, and ADV 3.2; Shimano Deore components and hydraulic disc brakes throughout. Shimano Deore is their mountain-bike group, highlighting again that these bikes are built to go anywhere.
Here are the specs for touring-aimed part of the ADV family:
| ADV 1.1 | ADV 4.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Microshift bar end shifters | Microshift thumb shifters |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Deore LX | Shimano SLX |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore LX | Shimano Deore XT Shadow Plus |
| Crankset | Shimano, 48/36/26 | Shimano SLX 36/24 |
| Brakes | TRP HY/RD hydraulic disc | Shimano M6000 |
| Cassette | Shimano HG500, 11-34, 10-speed | Shimano SLX, 11-42, 11-speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-HG54 | Shimano CN-HG601 |
Wheelset
All seven bikes in the range feature WTB wheels and wide tires to cushion your ride and offer stable handling when heading off the beaten track. WTB’s tubeless-ready ST range, as used on the three gravel bikes, is designed to be heavy-duty without too large a weight compromise.
The tires on the 2.2 and 2.3 come from WTB’s well-regarded Nano range in 40mm size. It is a good compromise between excellent off-road handling and durability without being unnecessarily bulky on smoother roads. That said, you would not pick them unless for more committed gravel riding.
| Rims | Tires | |
|---|---|---|
| ADV 2.1 | WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 (tubeless ready) | Kenda Flintridge 700c x 35mm with reflective patch |
| ADV 2.2 | WTB, ST i19 TCS 2.0 (Tubeless Ready) | WTB Nano Comp 700c x 40mm |
| ADV 2.3 | WTB ST i23, TCS, including WTB TCS rim tape | WTB Nano TCS 700c x 40mm with tan sidewalls |
| ADV 3.1 | WTB 650B | Donnelly X’Plor MSO, 650b x 50 with reflective sidewall |
| ADV 3.2 | WTB 650b | Donnelly X’Plor MSO, 650b x 50 with reflective sidewall |
| ADV 1.1 | WTB STP i23 | Schwalbe Marathon with puncture protection, 700 x 38mm |
| ADV 4.2 | WTB Scraper i45 | WTB Ranger 27.5 x 2.8 |
The ADV 3.1 and 3.2 feature 650b wheels, more commonly found on mountain bikes and increasingly being used in the gravel world too. The key difference between 650b and 700c is the former can take wider wheels and at lower tire pressures – key for off-road handling. Both are paired with Donnelly X’Plor MSO tires in a massive 50mm size with reflective sidewalls.
Rolling stock on the ADV 4.2 and 1.1 is fairly basic, meanwhile, but the Schwalbe Marathon tires are built for durability and reliability over extended use.
Ergonomics
WTB also supply the saddles on all seven bikes. On the ADV 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 it is the Silverado Comp perch, the ADV 3.1, 3.2, and 4.2 use the Pure V Race and 1.1 uses the Pure V Sport. The Silverado is built for all-road reliability, offering low weight and a slim profile while still serving up a well-reviewed level of comfort.
| Seat | Handlebar | Pedals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADV 2.1 | WTB Silverado Comp | Co-op Cycles 12-degree flared | N/A |
| ADV 2.2 | WTB Silverado Comp | Co-op Cycles 12-degree flared | N/A |
| ADV 2.3 | WTB Silverado Comp | Co-op Cycles 12-degree flared | N/A |
| ADV 3.1 | WTB Pure V Race | Co-op Cycles aluminum | N/A |
| ADV 3.2 | WTB Pure V Race | Co-op Cycles aluminum | N/A |
| ADV 1.1 | WTB Pure V Sport | Co-op Cycles aluminum | N/A |
| ADV 4.2 | WTB Pure V Race | Jones Loop H-Bar | N/A |
All but the ADV 4.2 use Co-op Cycles own-brand handlebars – a 12-degree flared bar on the ADV 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 for improved off-road handling. The ADV 3.1, 3.2, and 1.1 all use Co-op’s standard aluminum bar, though its shallow drop ensures a more relaxed position when riding in the drops. Finally, the ADV 4.2 uses a Jones Loop H-Bar. It is a popular choice of the handlebar for bike-packing and makes the 4.2 stand out for its touring capabilities.
None of the bikes are supplied with pedals.
Overall, once again, the componentry and finishing kit reflects each bike’s primary focus. The 2.3 is the top gravel bike, with revered gravel-specific components, excellent braking and gravel-focused rolling stock and ergonomics. The 4.2 is a good touring choice, meanwhile. If your budget can not stretch as far, the entry-level offerings do what they say on the tin.