Cyclocross - 2012 GT GTR Type CX2 or 2012 Giant TCX3

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TicTac
07-04-12, 03:16 PM
Hi guys,

I'm new in this hobby. I'm planning to get a cyclocross bike with tyre wide about 32~35mm, due to the bad road condition in my country. I'm planning to use it to commute to my work place daily. I have 2 choice in mind now, 2012 GT GTR Type CX2 or 2012 Giant TCX3, the specs are below:

2012 Giant TCX3:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tcx.3/9328/49857/

and

2012 GT GTR Type CX2
http://www.gtbicycles.com/2012/bikes/road/race/gtr-type-cx-2-0

I've read about people prefer Shimano Tiagra over 2300, I have no idea how it feels like. Both of these bikes are in my budget. Please advice me which is a better ride for daily ride. Thanks in advance.

Oil_LOL
07-05-12, 08:10 AM
I'd go with the GT. Tiagra is a much nicer, higher quality groupset than 2300, and the shift levers are especially more comfortable. Additionally, the Giant comes with a triple crankset, which, in my opinion, is unnecessary, and at this parts quality level, will only weigh you down and make self maintenance more complicated. I know several people with triple cranksets, and they hardly ever use the granny gear. The gearing on the GT is traditional cyclocross gearing, which is low enough to be comparable to triple gearing, without unnecessary complication.
fietsbob
07-05-12, 10:56 AM
Do you need a race style bike or will a dual sport hybrid do?
plan on fitting a rear rack and mudguards?

TicTac
07-05-12, 03:14 PM
Thanks for the advice Oil_LOL!

fietsbob, I would prefer a race style bike. Maybe will consider adding mudguard, as my country's road is really crappy.
Oil_LOL
07-05-12, 05:58 PM
Thanks for the advice Oil_LOL!

fietsbob, I would prefer a race style bike. Maybe will consider adding mudguard, as my country's road is really crappy.

It appears the GT has mounts for mudguards, but not racks. I'd take that into consideration.
TicTac
07-05-12, 11:07 PM
It appears the GT has mounts for mudguards, but not racks. I'd take that into consideration.

What about Giant's? Comes with mudguard and rear rack mounts?
Oil_LOL
07-06-12, 08:41 AM
What about Giant's? Comes with mudguard and rear rack mounts?

Yeah, it does. You could still fgure out a way to do both on the GT, imo.
TicTac
07-06-12, 09:11 AM
Yeah, it does. You could still fgure out a way to do both on the GT, imo.

I'm still thinking of fietsbob's reply. I'm actually getting the bike more for commuting to my work place, wonder is this cyclocross is a suitable choice. And also, what does he mean by 'dual sport hybrid'?