eyeclimb

Hello Friends,
I am looking to buy a new bike here soon and really like the Giant Advanced 1 or 2. Is there anyone who has one and give me their review on it? I have read a lot of them on line and in mags but, looking for something more real from someone who actually has and rides one.

CraigB

I don't own a Giant, but for the benefit of others who might, are you asking about the TCR Advanced or the Defy Advanced? I don't see one called simply "Advanced."

bikemanbob

As rightly noted, Giant makes an Advanced (carbon fiber) bike as either a TCR or Defy. The TCR is their performance bike and is primarily suited for serious cycling athletes. The geometry is more aggressive and less comfortable. The Defy is Giant's recreational or endurance bicycle and is well suited for fitness or training riding. I've rode both and both are excellent bikes, but for most people's purposes, the Defy is the better choice. If you are considering the TCR, I would encourage you to look at the Defy.

As far as components, any carbon fiber bike is going to have good components. As a Clyde and bike shop employee, I normally buy the next bike up from the entry one. When you go up in cost, you go down in weight. I would rather lose ten pounds and save myself several hundred dollars than buy a lighter bike. For me, I would buy the Defy Advanced 4 with the Tiagra components. Tiagra is great stuff and unfortunately underrated. Any of them would be good.

Also, have you considered the Giant TCX (cyclocross)? Cyclocross bikes are heavier, but stronger and durable on challenging road conditions. I ride one with my cabon fiber friends with great success. I have the TCX 2 and love it. When I ride one, I feel confident that it is going to hold up.

I hope this helps and good luck in your search.

eyeclimb

Thank you Bikemanbob! I am more of an endurance style rider (with nearly 800 mi since 12-22-10) and just looked again at the Defy Advanced 1, 2 and 3. I'm truly in the air as of right now. I def want a full carbon ride that is comfortable on the Seattle to Portland on day ride and the many others that are planned this season.

bianchi10

my recommendation would be to scrap the whole idea of getting a giant bike to begin with. Giant has come a long way in the past several years, but in my opinion you would be better off with a Ridley.....maybe a Ridley scandium. blue and silver would probably make you faster. LOL

Welcome to the site buddy.

Hope you can find the Giant bike you want before STP, cuz we gonna rock that!

eyeclimb

LOL....I'm not sure if a Ridley, esp blue and silver is what I'm looking for! haha Thanks Bianchi10.

bianchi10

That's fine, just trying to help ya out. No need to get all bent.

F'Arend height racing!!

Let's try to hit up sauvie island asap for that ride we were talking about. Andy says he is down.