Road Cycling - LBS clueless?

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Coppi51
02-21-03, 06:00 PM
Spring is approaching and I'm more than overdue for a new machine to replace my aging Fausto Coppi steel frame. Being that it was a warm day, on my way home from work I stopped at an LBS in NJ to see about Giant TCR composite frames...

I had stopped at this same shop in August inquiring about one. They had no answers about release date, quantities, hell, if they'd even be getting one! They had talked to their Giant rep who couldn't tell them anything...

Sooooo, I figured 6 months later maybe a few TCR purchases have passed thru their shop. Nope, none...They said they would contact their rep again to see what the deal was. Apparently they said composite frames are only awarded to established Giant shops/dealers...

Is this true? On the roadbikereview forum it seems plenty of riders own one...and have been owning them since August. Is this shop pulling my leg or are these frames that hard to get?!?!

Thanks

Ti-Carbo
02-21-03, 06:17 PM
I don't know about the awarded part, but I have seen them in 2 different LBS's in my area. Very sweet frames!!! And they have had them for a while as well.
fubar5
02-21-03, 06:43 PM
mmmmmmmmm yummy.

RacerX
02-21-03, 06:52 PM
Yes, it is true that they are hard to get. I think things will get better later in the year as production catches up with demand.
WorldIRC
02-21-03, 07:16 PM
Originally posted by Ti-Carbo
I don't know about the awarded part, but I have seen them in 2 different LBS's in my area. Very sweet frames!!! And they have had them for a while as well.


Oooh I want her.
spexy
02-21-03, 07:34 PM
Hey Coppi,

I emailed someone below about a Giant composite frame. I was lucky enough to get mine from the 2nd largest dealer in the US. I will email you their info.
Barnaby
02-21-03, 07:39 PM
The picture shows a very tight clearance back wheel to seat tube, must be very short chain stays. The back of the seat looks directly above the rear axle.
spexy
02-21-03, 07:44 PM
Barnaby,

I've heard good things and bad things about that clearance. What's your opinion (or others).
Barnaby
02-21-03, 08:19 PM
I have no experience with this kind of clearance. I guess it must not have horizontal drop outs ( or you would have to deflate to remove the rear wheel.)
I prefer horizontal drop outs, which seem to make sense to me if chains get longer with wear. Would like to hear other comments. Would this make a very short wheel base since the rake is not much?
Ti-Carbo
02-21-03, 08:56 PM
The only negative I've heard about is the seat post and how much torque it takes to properly secure it. I'm not a Compact Geometry (CG) fan, but I've seen the bike in person and its beautiful and its very light. The way they paint part of the frame and then you see the carbon weave is really cool looking. I'm sure its an awesome climber!!!