Cyclocross - Question(s) for The Giant TCX

Hey y'all;
I'm new to cx but I've decided to go with it ... the races look awesome!
After extensive research, I've decided on the Giant TCX 1 to start my kit with.
Unfortunately I live in a secluded area, where there aren't any to test in the LBSs. They can order one in but I need to pay up-front ... so I can't really test one before buying.

- Sizing?????
I'm 5'10'' and 150 lbs. I don't know how to measure my inseam, so if that would help I could do that if you can tell me how ... I figure I'm either a Medium or a M/L (kinda important to know which!)
- Don't hate me for asking but do the frames have room for discs? (I know it's unlikely) And do they have slots for racks or water bottles?
- On another note; how do they ride comfort wise? I'm using the bike for both races and as a more general commuter.
- And I'm also curious to know how much the tcx1 weighs?

The new geometry (09/10 models) and the SRAM really call to me for this one!
Thanks in advance for your help and reviews ...

others will answer the tech questions better than i can for sure...but you're getting the exact bike i want! well, budget version TCX2...

i've started similar inquiring threads about this bike and it seems to be a fine bike from most who own some version of it.

i'm almost 5'9" and around 150...i got a Medium Giant Defy a couple of months ago and i assume it's similar geometry-wise...fits very well. you could probably go with either...but if the adage of going the smaller size with regards to a cx frame (i've seen arguments for and against that), go for the M. it will be lighter. but since you're going to do some riding other than just racing, you might want the M/L for commuting, touring, whatever.

i love my Defy but sort of wish i had gotten the 'cross bug around that time....o well, i am getting one some day (soon).

hope this thread garners some good discussion and info:)

by the way, i was watching a tcx1 on evilbay.....i emailed the owner about he weight. he SAID it was 17 pounds...maybe less....(medium frame)...i wonder if that is right. if so, that's incredibly light (to me!...i am still bombing about on my 30+pound schwinn...)

It is NOT 17 pounds.

I have, for whatever reason, three TCX's. One for cross racing, one for touring and one that serves as a winter road bike.

Definitely not 17 pounds. I'm not about to weigh one of them, but I would guess that a 2010 medium-large might go in the 19.5-20.5 range.

At 5'10", if you're looking to use it for more than just cross, I would give the medium-large a look - if your shop doesn't have a TCX, try one of their other compact frame bikes and just see if the medium or medium-large frame suits you. Might ballpark the fit close enough for you. Still strongly suspect medium-large is where you're at - my brother is 5'8" and he's on a medium.

No disk tabs on the frame - no rack mounts either. Two water bottle mounts. I have one set up for touring - I use an Axiom Streamliner Road rack which mounts to the skewer and caliper brake mount. ($40). The front fork is carbon, so I just make due with a handlebar bag instead of clamping anything to the carbon - not perfect for loaded touring, but fine for commuting or the credit card tours I've used it for.

In terms of comfort - fine. No complaints there.

Very versatile bikes, as most cross bikes are.

Okay, I figured out the weight. A small TCX 1 is 20.3 pounds.

. . .aren't any to test in the LBSs. They can order one in but I need to pay up-front [!]. . .can't really test one before buying [!!]. . .I figure I'm either a Medium or a M/L (kinda important to know which!). . .

Does anyone else find Spider's LBS experience a mite odd? They want him to buy before testing! They have put the onus of determining the fit on him! I've never been treated that bad at some really awful LBSes. Something's fishy here.

Hey Spider, at least consider the possibility you should be dealing with another Giant dealer. Jes' sayin'.

Yup - good advice.

not uncommon for a dealer to want a non-refundable deposit, that way you are garanteed to buy, unfortunately they don't have the ability to size him. Where in AB are you? You should go to a shop that can size you properly or at least try some other giant road bikes for size... you are likely a medium or medium large... but it's hard to say without putting you on a bike or fitting machine and determining your reach requirements (that's all that really matters)....

As for the bike itself.. no discs... the 0 and 1 are race bikes with no braze ons, fender mountain on both sucks and no racks.

the TCX 2 is not a touring bike, it is a commuting bike/training/cyclocross bike with lower ends parts, an alloy fork and provisions for fenders... if it is in your price range I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you want something with better parts and want to commute I recommend something else like the 2010 cannondale caad 8... it's got braze-ons and comes with 105 parts, plus it is beautiful to look at. it's a good price too (around 1600-1700 CND).

notes on tcx are re:2009 models only.

The TCX 1 Has one set of bottle bosses on the downtube.

At 5'10" Go with a medium if you are going to race. If you are going to just use it to cruise around, get a M/L.

I'm 5'11", have a Medium with a 110mm stem (I think stock was a 90).

I just sold my 2007 TCX, size M. I'm 6'-0" with a 30" inseam and it was sized about right, although some days it seemed a bit on the small side. I guess it's just me. :rolleyes:
My LBS said they didn't stock it but "fitted me" on an ocr I believe. They too said I'd have to pay up front. After the fitting I bought the bike on ebay last December.
Just sold it last weekend after buying a 2009 Kona Jake 54cm.

Hey everyone, thanks for the great input, as it has helped me greatly.
The problem with my LBS is that is 1 of 2 in my home city, and the only one that will deal Giant. They're a fairly limited operation and don't ever carry more than 2-3 Giant bikes total. They seem to like Trek and others a lot more.
I've decided look elsewhere soooo ... road trip!!
Figure I might as well try one out before buying, really it makes a whole lot more sense.
I can't wait to snag one of these bad boys. Thanks again for the help.
See y'all in the mud!