Co-op ADV 2.2 Review: Great All-Rounder for a Fair Price

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This review of Co-op ADV 2.2–a popular yet reasonably priced ADVenture/gravel bike from REI–will help you decide whether or not this bike is worth it. I found one of its owners and asked him a few questions. 

We will discuss the bike’s features and performance and what benefits they bring. Of course, you also learn about the few shortcomings of ADV 2.2.

About Nick

I enjoy biking for about two-thirds of the year. I usually don’t bike in winter because I’m busy with work and the weather isn’t great. 

During the summer, I try to bike every day, usually after work on weekdays and in the morning on weekends.

There are plenty of enjoyable routes near my home that I frequently visit, but it’s also nice to load up my car and go somewhere different to switch things up. I’ve been using my ADV 2.2 since the summer of 2020 and love it. 

I started biking to improve my cardio. I used to run, but my knees aren’t as strong as they used to be. Plus, I can go much farther on a bike than I ever could running.

Co-op ADV 2.2 Summary

Co-op sells ADV 2.1, ADV 2.2, ADV 2.3, and ADV 3.1 gravel/adventure bikes. Below is the summary of ADV 2.2.

Co-op ADV 2.2 Pros & Cons

Below, we highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the Co-op ADV 2.2 bike.

Nick’s Experience with Co-op ADV 2.2

Before you bought the ADV 2.2, what were your expectations from your new gravel/adventure bike?

Before I got my ADV, I used to ride an old Trek 3700 mountain bike. I rode that thing until it fell apart, but it was heavy and unsuited for my needs. 

I didn’t even know what a gravel bike was until I met another rider on one of my rides. We were waiting to cross a street, and he told me that his gravel bike was “the best of both worlds” between a road bike and a mountain bike. After that, I started looking into different gravel bikes.

I wanted something lighter and faster than my mountain bike but still more versatile than my friends’ road bikes. I wanted to be able to ride my usual routes faster but also be able to handle some off-road riding when I felt like it.

Have you bought the bike online or in REI’s store? 

After comparing it with several models at REI and local bike shops, I purchased the ADV 2.2 on REI’s website. 

How difficult was the assembly?

The bike required no assembly except for putting on the pedals. I went to my local REI store, showed them my ID, and walked out with my bike.

What “perks” or services did you get from REI?

At the time of my purchase, there was a promotion that I think has since improved. As part of the promotion, I took my bike to REI for a free tune-up, which was great because the bike needed some adjustments after being “broken in.” This was totally free. 

Plus, being an REI member gives me a discount on any bike shop services I might need. I can call the store, find out the timeline, bring in my bike, and they’ll call me when it’s ready. They’ll even hold it as long as I need.

For what type of riding do you use this bike the most?

I mostly ride on paved surfaces, although it’s usually some kind of chip-sealed pavement. But if there are any little features just off the paved path, I’ll almost always check them out. My rides are typically between 20 and 40 miles, with a stop at a turnaround point.

When I first got the bike, I used Bontrager flat pedals (with screws in them). But last year, I switched to Shimano hybrid pedals so I can ride flat or clipless, depending on how I feel that day.

How would you describe its riding characteristics?

The bike feels great to ride. Going from a mountain bike with front suspension to the ADV with no suspension was a bit of an adjustment for me, but I’ve noticed that without shocks, I can dig in a bit more and pick up speed.

How comfortable is it on a scale from 1 to 10?

The bike fits me perfectly. I’m 6 feet tall, and the size Large works great for me. However, the stock saddle wasn’t very comfortable, so I tried a few different ones before settling on the B-17 from Brooks. 

Overall, this bike is super comfortable, and I’d give it a 9/10.

What is your overall feeling from the ride?

The bike feels sturdy without being too heavy. And the combination of gears is great. I used to ride a 21-speed (3×7spd), but I worry less about cross-chaining with this bike because it has 2×10spd.

Is there something you don’t like about it?

The stock WTB saddle didn’t work well for me as I mentioned. However, I appreciate that the bike came with no pedals instead of cheap ones.

What do you like the most about it?

I love the sandy color of it. It’s nice to have something that looks a bit more natural, especially since many bikes have bright colors. The bike also has some orange accents as well as reflective white and grey accents, which I didn’t even notice until I shined a flashlight on it in my garage. It’s a small thing, but it’s a nice safety feature.

Co-op ADV 2.2 Alternatives

The Co-op ADV 2.2 alternatives include bikes like the State Bicycle 6061 or Salsa Journeyer. I recommend checking out my article on gravel bikes for under $2000 for more inspiration. Eventually, here are gravel bikes for under $1500 worth buying.

Summary

Would you recommend buying Co-op ADV 2.2? 

I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who wants to get more serious about riding. The price is very reasonable for the quality of the bike, and if you live near an REI store, you can get great service at a discounted price. I compared the ADV 2.2 to the 2.1 before buying it, and I think the 2.2 is worth the extra money.

So far, I’ve ridden my ADV 2.2 for about 2,500 miles, and I hope to get in another thousand before the end of this year.

Nick, thank you again for your time and for sharing your experience!

Co-op ADV FAQ