General Cycling Discussion - New Bike HELP! - Specialised or Giant?!

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oddbydefault
03-04-11, 05:28 PM
I am looking to buy a cyclocross bike for a speedy commute across rough country lanes and hilly roads to university and work and longer fitness rides at the weekend [all seasons cyclist]. It will be an upgrade from my hybrid which is too big for me and has suspension forks + lockout... I want more speed, less weight and the comfort of drops!

I have narrowed the choice to 2 bikes from either one of my LBSs:

GIANT TCX 3 2011 (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-TCX-3-2011_39467.htm) £695 - 10% = £625

SPECIALISED Tricross 2011 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-2011-road-bike-ec025019) £795 - 10% = £675

Bear in mind that I want to spend as little as possible as a student [I get 10% off as seen above]. I want to get a decent frame and keep upgrading componentry over the next months / years...

Is the only real difference between them the carbon forks on the Specialised? Is it even really worth it for the extra?

Thanks so much in advance.

wahoonc
03-04-11, 05:51 PM
I have had very good performance out of various Giant bikes over the years. They have always seemed to me to provide a bit extra for the price. I currently own 4 Giant bikes, two of them I have had since the late 80's and they are still chugging along.

From the looks of it the bikes are pretty much equipped the same. Ride them both and buy the one that you prefer.

Aaron :)
Northwestrider
03-04-11, 10:55 PM
Which ever one that seems to fit better is the one I'd go with. Both are good bikes.

fietsbob
03-05-11, 11:49 AM
Giant has manufactured lots of brands for other Importers,
as well as under their own logo.

So you may be comparing 2 Giant made bikes
with different brand names painted on them.

cross reference all the components,
at same price point, they will be largely the same value ..
Retro Grouch
03-05-11, 02:42 PM
Two questions:

1. Are they offered by the same dealer or different dealers? If different dealers, which one do you like best? Even if you do all of your own repairs and tuneing, if you ever have a warranty issue, you'll be working with the local dealer.

2. Which bike do you like best? If every time you look at your bike you think to yourself "I wish I had gotten the other one.", it's not a good deal.
RonH
03-05-11, 04:24 PM
This question is asked a lot in the cyclocross forum. Check there.
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/23-Cyclocross
531phile
03-05-11, 10:53 PM
Since the Giants won the world series, go for the Giant.