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The ADV badge covers two different bikes. The ADV 1.1 is a steel touring bike, built to carry luggage at a steady pace. The 2.1 and 2.3 are aluminum gravel bikes, lighter and quicker, built to be ridden hard on dirt.
So the first question isn’t which number to pick. It’s whether you’re touring or riding gravel. If it’s touring, the 1.1 is the only one built for it, with a steel frame and a triple chainring. If it’s gravel, both the 2.1 and the 2.3 run a single-chainring setup now, and the 2.3 adds gravel-specific GRX gearing, hydraulic brakes, and a dropper post the 2.1 doesn’t have.
Below I lay out how the three compare, which differences you’ll feel in the saddle, and where the money goes furthest. Jump to the verdict if you want the short answer.
Co-op ADV 1.1 vs. 1.2 vs. 2.1
The following table summarizes the main differences between all Co-op ADV gravel bikes.
| Feature | ADV 1.1 | ADV 2.1 (159858) | ADV 2.1 (254161) | ADV 2.3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 | $1,299 | $1,499 | $2,499 |
| Available sizes | S-XXL | XS-XL | XS-XL | XS-XL |
| Frame | Steel | Aluminum | 6061 aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Steel | Carbon | Full carbon, tapered | Carbon, tapered steerer, 12mm thru axles |
| Wheels | WTB STP i23, 32h | WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 tubeless-ready | WTB double-wall, tubeless-ready | WTB ST i23 TCS, tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Tires | Schwalbe Marathon, puncture-resistant | Kenda Flintridge 700c x 35mm | 700c x 45mm | WTB Nano 700c x 40mm, tubeless-ready |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 3×10spd | Shimano Claris 2×8spd | microSHIFT Sword 1×10spd | Shimano GRX 1×11spd |
| Pedals | not included | not included | not included | not included |
| Saddle | WTB Pure V Sport | WTB Silverado Comp | WTB Silverado Comp | WTB Silverado Comp |
| Brakes | Tektro Hylex RS hydraulic disc | Promax DSK-718R mechanical disc | Mechanical disc | Shimano GRX ST-RX810 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | ~35 lbs (size L) ~15.88 kg | 10.66 kg 23.5 lbs | n/a | n/a |
| More info | n/a | ADV 2.1 review | ADV 2.1 review | ADV 2.3 review |
| Buy | Buy ADV 1.1 | Buy ADV 2.1 | Buy ADV 2.1 | Buy ADV 2.3 |
Specifications source: rei.com, updated July 30, 2026
ADV Pros & Cons Summary
I summarized the pros & cons of the ADV series below.
ADV Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of terrains
- Affordability
- Availability in multiple sizes
- Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
- Disc brakes
- Some models have tubeless-ready wheels and carbon forks
- REI Membership perks and benefits
ADV Cons
- Aluminum or steel frames only
- Only partially integrated cable routing
- Relatively heavy
- Pedals are not included
ADV Main Features
Let me explain the most important features of the Co-op ADV and compare the individual models.
Frame and Geometry
All ADV bikes are available in (X)S-(X)XL sizes and have either an aluminum or steel frame.
Some models, especially those starting with ‘2’, come with a lighter carbon fork that can better absorb road vibrations than aluminum or steel forks.
The geometry varies between models. ADV 1.1 is more upright, while those starting with ‘2’ are more aggressive.
The upright models are popular among bike packers and long-distance riders because they put less strain on the lower back and neck.
The aggressive geometry is better suited to performance-oriented riders because the riding position is more aerodynamic and faster.
Wheels and Tires
Most ADV bikes come with 700c wheels, but the ADV 3.1 has 650b wheels with wider tires. The wider the tires, the better they are suited to demanding terrain, such as trails and rough gravel. So again, consider where you ride most often to make the most of the tires and maximize tire clearance.
Keep in mind that only more expensive ADV bikes have tubeless-ready wheels and tires. Some models come with tubeless-ready wheels but standard, clincher tires.
Groupset
ADV bikes are available with 1X, 2X, or 3X drivetrains. However, the trend on gravel bikes is toward 2X or 1X drivetrains since 3X drivetrains are too complicated for maintenance and shifting.
They also pose a lower risk of cross-chaining, where the lightest gear is at the front and the heaviest at the back (or vice versa).
Generally, 2X gravel bikes are better for flats due to their wider gear range, while 1X drivetrains are better for rolling and hilly terrain with sudden changes in pace.
Brakes
Depending on the bike’s price, the ADV family uses mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Disc brakes are more effective than rim brakes, especially in the rain, as they do not lose their braking power.
The difference between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes is that hydraulic disc brakes require less force on the brake lever and distribute braking power more evenly. On the other hand, they are slightly more expensive and more difficult to maintain.
Mounting Points
Most ADV frames have additional mounting points for kickstands, fenders, and racks. They make it easy to install these accessories, which you will appreciate, especially for long-distance trips.
The most extreme in this aspect is the ADV 1.1, which already has front and rear racks for panniers and bags, increasing your overall storage capacity.
Extras
Some Co-op ADV bikes have external cable routing, which makes their overall appearance worse. However, they’re easier to service.
The ADV 1.1 has shifters at the ends of the drop bars for easier access when riding on drops. These bikes are popular among bike packers but may not suit everyone.
TIP: Learn more about the pros and cons of flat vs. drop bars.
Lastly, REI offers many perks, such as one year of free adjustments at REI stores, free flat-tire repairs, and 20% off shop services if you’re a Co-op Member. This pays off, considering the lifetime membership price of 30 USD.
My Verdict
So, which Co-op ADV gravel bike is the best?
Co-op ADV 2.1 offers the best price-value ratio. It’s one of the most affordable gravel bikes on the market. It has an endurance-bike-like geometry, a good aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and decent components. It’s competitive with its alternatives in the same price range (gravel bikes under $1500). Its downside is the limited gear range (2×8spd) and higher weight. However, I am sure you will have a lot of fun with it.
