Road Cycling - Giant TCR 1 vs Trek 5200

I'm torn between these two bikes.

I know I want a composite bike with Ultegra. I've ridden both and they're a great ride AND fit. Prices are very similar (approx 2500).

Any opinions on which one to go with?

If you like the way both fit and feel, then get the one that looks the best. :) Thats the way i do it with running shoes, of course I've never bought 2000 dollar running shoes...;)

The color that matches your eyes.

get a FONDRIEST!!!

Which is lighter, which has a better set of wheels, a better steam, lighter seatpost, lighter...

So my suggestion would be, look for the details, which bike offers better components for the price...

Tell us which you bought!!!:beer:

GIANT!

Wow - I don't think that you can do wrong with either steed. Are they both for sale from the same bike shop?? If not, you may want to consider the bike from the LBS that you consider the better of the two. Also, do you prefer a compact or a traditional geometry? The Trek is traditional and (I think) the Giant is compact.

I don't have any experience with the Giant, but I bought a 5200 this year and absolutely love it. Trek has been the in carbon business for many years - I not sure about the Giant. Perhaps others know???

Anywho - good luck with your choice, and post a pic when you get it!!! :)

Hey spexy,

I am currently shopping around for a new bike and these are two of the few that I have narrowed it down to. Let me know what you choose. I am also looking at the Marinoni, Orbea and Colnago lines but not in composite.

great advice given above. patronize the bike shop you feel offers the best service and/or treats you best. if both bikes are on sale in the same shop ... flip a coin.

To all:

It's looking like the Giant because of a deal I can work out.

I really like the Trek's proven performance and American heritage but the Giant ran just as sweet, it's lighter and the component group seems better.

Ah well, I guess I'll just have to buy a Fuel when I upgrade my MTB...

Thanks for all opinions--save the "pick the color of your eyes" one, as there are few brown bikes out there.

:D

I don't have any experience with the Giant, but I bought a 5200 this year and absolutely love it. Trek has been the in carbon business for many years - I not sure about the Giant. Perhaps others know???




Giant have making bikes and frames since the early '70s. Way longer than Trek, including in the carbon dept. Delve deep into the Giant site for this info. Anyone have any more info about the new T800 Giant frames due for 2006? I like the idea of the getting rid of the traditional seatpost by extending the seat tube up to the saddle, saving an average of 175g!!!

Forgot to say, Giant since the '70s have also been making frames for other bicycle companies, including most American manufacturers, including Trek and Specialized. That is what the "Made in Taiwan" sticker on the frames refers to.

Chances are your Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher (et al) was made in a Giant factory!!!