biz1
05-09-04, 06:06 PM
Any input on the Giant TCR Composite compared to other carbon bikes?
Road Cycling - Giant TCR Composite 2
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velocipedio
05-09-04, 06:08 PM
nice bike. good value. crummy wheels. four sizes.
BigFloppyLlama
05-09-04, 06:36 PM
I heart my TCR2. Wheels could use some work definitely (heavy, poor design, etc.) but it's a steal for the price. The only other carbon bike I tried was the Trek 5000 (OCLV 120) and I didn't find it to my liking quite as much.
SteveE
05-09-04, 06:43 PM
"heavy, poor design, etc." Not that it seems to slow you down too much! :-P
ShinyBaldy
05-09-04, 07:02 PM
Any input on the Giant TCR Composite compared to other carbon bikes?
I'm presuming you're just talking about the frame.
For the price - it is probably the lightest and cheapest top of the line frame. Giant uses the same frame for TCR2 Comp, TCR1 Comp and TCR 0 Composite. Which is the same frame ONCE and T-mobile is riding this year.
The components are Ultegra, the wheels like others said aren't that great (made by Shimano).
But compared to other bikes at the similar price range - it is highly competitive. A frame you can throw better wheels on and upgrade components later if you think Ultegra isn't good enough.
I'm presuming you're just talking about the frame.
For the price - it is probably the lightest and cheapest top of the line frame. Giant uses the same frame for TCR2 Comp, TCR1 Comp and TCR 0 Composite. Which is the same frame ONCE and T-mobile is riding this year.
The components are Ultegra, the wheels like others said aren't that great (made by Shimano).
But compared to other bikes at the similar price range - it is highly competitive. A frame you can throw better wheels on and upgrade components later if you think Ultegra isn't good enough.
BigFloppyLlama
05-09-04, 07:34 PM
Not that it seems to slow you down too much! :-P
We'll attribute that to my youth:p
We'll attribute that to my youth:p
Scoz
05-09-04, 09:20 PM
If buying the complete bike I'd go for the TCR 1. Its has much better bits for not much more cash over the TCR 2.(In Australian spec anyway) Mavic Kysrium Elite over TCR2's Shimano R540, FSA carbon crank, carbon stem. Only an extra 600 australian dollars.
I'd buy a TCR Comp, whats not to like? Frame weighs less than a kilo, and the quality of the finish is superb and Ulrich, Evans, Zabel and Vino ride one.
On another note I was going to buy a TCR alloy but I heard that the new Ultegra 10 speed is coming soon and maybe I should wait for it. Anyone know when it will arrive?
I'd buy a TCR Comp, whats not to like? Frame weighs less than a kilo, and the quality of the finish is superb and Ulrich, Evans, Zabel and Vino ride one.
On another note I was going to buy a TCR alloy but I heard that the new Ultegra 10 speed is coming soon and maybe I should wait for it. Anyone know when it will arrive?
gumball
05-09-04, 10:17 PM
If buying the complete bike I'd go for the TCR 1. Its has much better bits for not much more cash over the TCR 2.(In Australian spec anyway) Mavic Kysrium Elite over TCR2's Shimano R540, FSA carbon crank, carbon stem. Only an extra 600 australian dollars.
The problem in Australia is that the TCR 1's are all sold out (except for the small size). The TCR 2 is still avaliable so I am getting that with Kyserium SL wheels - had the choice of Kyserium SL or getting the 2 upgraded to 1 specs (elites, carbon stem and FSA crank) and I chose the standard TCR 2 with the SL wheels - any comments on this decision? My bike should be ready this week or the next so I could go either way.
In Australia the TCR Composite series value is awesome. The TCR 1 is 4399 rec retail (3999 at competitive stores) where as the Trek 5200 is $5499!!! The Trek 2200 recomended retail is $3999!!!!
The problem in Australia is that the TCR 1's are all sold out (except for the small size). The TCR 2 is still avaliable so I am getting that with Kyserium SL wheels - had the choice of Kyserium SL or getting the 2 upgraded to 1 specs (elites, carbon stem and FSA crank) and I chose the standard TCR 2 with the SL wheels - any comments on this decision? My bike should be ready this week or the next so I could go either way.
In Australia the TCR Composite series value is awesome. The TCR 1 is 4399 rec retail (3999 at competitive stores) where as the Trek 5200 is $5499!!! The Trek 2200 recomended retail is $3999!!!!
Scoz
05-09-04, 10:34 PM
Yeah the Treks arent great value. At $5499 for the Ultegra equiped 5200, that price is almost into Dura-Ace territory for Giant. TCR 0 RRP $5999 (AUD)
BigFloppyLlama
05-09-04, 10:35 PM
If buying the complete bike I'd go for the TCR 1. Its has much better bits for not much more cash over the TCR 2.(In Australian spec anyway) Mavic Kysrium Elite over TCR2's Shimano R540, FSA carbon crank, carbon stem. Only an extra 600 australian dollars.
I'd buy a TCR Comp, whats not to like? Frame weighs less than a kilo, and the quality of the finish is superb and Ulrich, Evans, Zabel and Vino ride one.
On another note I was going to buy a TCR alloy but I heard that the new Ultegra 10 speed is coming soon and maybe I should wait for it. Anyone know when it will arrive?
Carbon steerer on the fork as well. I like this years gloss finish on the frame a lot better than the matte finish on the previous ones. As for 10 speed ultegra, I'd imagine it'll be released in 2005 with an increased cost (hence the reason I didn't wait) Hopefully it'll see some of 10 speed dura ace's advantages, like in the cranks.
I'd buy a TCR Comp, whats not to like? Frame weighs less than a kilo, and the quality of the finish is superb and Ulrich, Evans, Zabel and Vino ride one.
On another note I was going to buy a TCR alloy but I heard that the new Ultegra 10 speed is coming soon and maybe I should wait for it. Anyone know when it will arrive?
Carbon steerer on the fork as well. I like this years gloss finish on the frame a lot better than the matte finish on the previous ones. As for 10 speed ultegra, I'd imagine it'll be released in 2005 with an increased cost (hence the reason I didn't wait) Hopefully it'll see some of 10 speed dura ace's advantages, like in the cranks.
Dutchy
05-09-04, 11:06 PM
I actually like the matt finish more then the gloss. I wonder how scratch resistant the gloss is. If it's anything like my Shimano carbon soled shoes, it will get scratched very easily.
CHEERS.
Mark
CHEERS.
Mark
Scoz
05-10-04, 08:55 PM
Anyone have any photos of the Giant 2004 TCR composite range? Besides the official pics Giant have released.
On a different topic, I think this year Ullrich may just win the TDF on his Giant. The T-Mobile team has so many strong riders.
On a different topic, I think this year Ullrich may just win the TDF on his Giant. The T-Mobile team has so many strong riders.