Does REI still make the Co-op Cycles ARD bike?

[jec0995]

Just wondering, I don't see any ARD version of the CO-OP bikes for sale on the REI website other than a couple of women's models.  Are they not being made anymore?  Only the ADV models now?

Thanks.

[REI-BryanV]

Hello @jec0995 

The ARD has been sunset and we have transitioned to the new ADV 2.1. 2.2. and 2.3. These bikes will ride very similar to the ARD and feature far more generous tire clearance if desired! 

The new ADV models are aluminum frames with a carbon fork. The ARD was a full carbon bike. If you are in search of a full carbon bike with larger than average tire clearance, you will be well served with the Salsa Warbird or the Salsa Warroad. 

What type of adventures do you have planned? We would be happy to help you narrow down a new ride for the summer! 

[jec0995]

@REI-BryanV 

What I want to do:

1. fitness rides ranging from 15-50 miles with occasional longer rides. Maybe a century someday!

2. Commute to work roughly 16 miles round trip (once COVID restrictions are over this will be the bulk of my riding)

3. Short fun rides with wife and son

What I have:

1. 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker with 26" wheels that has some thrown together, although nice components (mostly Deore XT stuff from some old touring bike that I had laying around).

2. It's a 3x7 setup but the two largest front rings are nearly identical in size so it's more like 2x7. This bike is heavy with the way it's built as it's kinda just thrown together.

3. Has rim brakes

What I'm considering:

1. New endurance bike (budget roughly $1200-1500: CO-OP, Trek Crosscheck, Cannondale Synapse, Specialized Diverge E5, Jamis Renegade, etc)

2. Upgrade my surly with an actual nice groupset like tiagra or 105. It seems like I could upgrade for roughly $600 or so.

Thoughts?

[REI-BryanV]

Alright @jec0995 now we're talking! 

First, let's talk about option 2, which is upgrading your Long Haul Trucker. If you are on a size 54 or larger, I believe you can swap over to 700c wheels. This will help you in your goals of riding centuries and having an efficient commuter. Upgrading wheels and parts will take all of your $600 or more to be honest. The LHT is a nice bike and if you love it, then I could help talk you through upgrades. If you are on a size where you can't swap in 700c wheels, I would look for a newer bike based on what you want to do. 

Now if we are looking at a new bike, here are my thoughts. 

• Co-op ADV 2.2 is on sale currently and fits your price range. It has rear rack mounts or a spacious frame to add a frame bag for commuting. The larger tire clearance and 40mm tires will make your commute a dream and allow you to venture off-road with your wife and son should the pavement end. You can always swap to 32mm tires and have a nimble century machine as well! The Shimano GRX group has been getting a lot of great feedback from folks since it came out last year and should really go the distance. 
• Cannondale Synapse - I linked to a specific model here because it is about the only one that will fit in your price range. We have limited sizing available, but if it lines up, you could snag a good deal! The big difference between the Synapse and ADV is going to be tire clearance and end use. The Synapse is an endurance road bike at heart that can hold a slightly wider tire. The ADV is true mixed terrain bike than can be do road duty with slimmer rubber should you want it. You still have rear rack mounts available to you as well. 
• Trek Checkpoint - One thing I will point out is the geometry on this model. It will be much more stretched out than the other bikes you are looking at. Just keep this in mind. For a similar size, you will have to reach further and be in a lower or more aggressive position comparatively speaking. 

Let's keep the conversation going based on how this info sounds to you! 

[MichiganPete]

@REI-BryanV 

I came here to ask the same question so the answers were helpful.  Not sure if it's preferred to to add on here or start a new thread.  It doesn't say if the poster made a decision.

I wondered thoughts on ADV 2.2 versus Salsa Journeyman Apex and Cannondale Topstone AL (Sora or maybe 105).  I would love the Topstone Carbon, but that's a lot more.  I have a carbon road bike with 25mm tires (max) and am looking for something more of endurance type for comfort.  Up to now have ridden pavement (Michigan, so can be bumpy) but thought gravel type bike could add versatility.