Road Cycling - Giant TCRs vs Trek 5200, etc?

My Dad is looking to get off of his hybrid and getting a road bike. The price range is from 1-2 thousand. . I know that's a wide range. But, he really liked the Giant TCR w/ Ultegra components, however, he hasn't looked at anything else yet. We're going to look at Treks today.

Does anyone have any experience comparing say a Trek 5200 and a the Giant? Are there any other bikes you would recommend? He won't put on a whole lot of miles, meaning less than 100 per week, but he just wants something nice to ride for when he does get out. Also, he wants something very light.

I think he'd be fine with 105s, but if he's willing to spend more may as well get Ultegras.

Any advice is appreciated!

Giant TCRs (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?lYear=2004&bikesection=8834&range=151&mode=rangelist)

Trek 5000 and 5200 (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/index.jsp)

lots of folks are gona give you different opinions - but they're just that... your father should just buy whcihever bike rides better for him personally (with consideration of looks, lbs, etc).

on paper the TCR is a better economic deal - Ultegra and CF at 2k. While the Trek 5200 is a tad bit more expensive and the 5000 has some downgrades as an attempt to reduce cost and compete with the TCR Composite 2.

*I own a Trek 5200 - but I still have to give the TCR Comp 2 better montary value*

Thanks for the info. . that's kinda what I figured, but wasn't sure. Maybe I can swap my 105s for his Ultegras when he's not looking, though. :D

The TCR is a harder fit due to the S,M,L,XL sizing config. The Trek is a more easier increments of 2cm. I had a composite TCR it was a decent bike but I have test ridden the Trek. I would put the TCR in a class by itself. The ride is a little squirrly until you get used to it. I'm not knocking the bike it just takes some time to get used to how it responds and feels. I had put on over 6000 miles in under a year on the TCR. The Trek feels more like how carbon should feel like. You might be able to work with the LBS on the Giant pricing the Trek pricing is pretty firm.

Thanks Sherpa. . I did think the way Giant sizes their bikes was a bit odd.

If you haven't already gotten your dad's bike...

The Giant TCR1 and the Trek 5200 (along with the Litespeed Tuscany) were exactly the road bikes I was considering this winter. Ultimately, I think it will come down to the one your dad feels most comfortable on. The geometries are different, and that effects the feel and handling of each bike.

One thing that your dad may like is the feel of the carbon fiber frame - I know I did. As I am getting up in years, I noticed I was less fatigued on the CF framed bikes than on aluminum or steel. I'm guessing because carbon fiber does such a good job of soaking up road vibration. Anyway, some people dislike the 'dead' road feel, but it doesn't bother me.

One thing of note: apparently there is somewhat of a shortage of Shimano high-end components (I read that some Campy manufacturers in Europe switched to Shimano, and along with a surge in demand for bikes, Shimano experienced a shortage, esp. in Dura-Ace parts, but also in Ultegra). Along with that, carbon fiber feedstock has become higher priced and not quite as readily available to the frame mfrs. Because of these shortages, Giant was non-committal on giving dealers delivery dates this spring, and ultimately the uncertainty swung me towards getting the Trek 5200. But, I still look longingly at the Giant TCR, which I prefer from an aesthetic sense.

Anyway, my 2¢, FWIW.