remotelocal

hi all, almost narrowed it down to the bike i'm going to buy...

within 100 dollars of each other are the 2010 TCR advanced 2 and the 2010 TCR alliance 0.

They're specced as below... it's a tough call. anyone care to weigh in?

TCR advanced: full carbon frame, 105 groupset (last year's one, silver w/ exposed cables), mavic aksiums.

TCR alliance: carbon/alum mixed frame, ultegra 6700 groupset, mavic aksiums.

i'm going to go back in and ride the alliance proper this week, but both have their pros... i'm finding this tricky! is the full carbon really a 'better' frame, or is it just more expensive to produce? i think there's a bit of weight to be saved from going full carbon upgrade, but thats probably lost in the 105 downgrade. and vice-versa. so...

what the hell would you do?

cwk132

I'd get the Alliance personally. That being said, I ride an aluminum frame so I can't attest to whether a full carbon bike would be way better or anything. With ultegra 6700 I've gotta believe you'd be set for the life of the bike as far as components go. If you're fine with how the alliance feels on your test ride, I'd definitely get it.

sw686blue

I was at the exact same crossroad back in September. I chose the TCR Advanced because I loved the feel of the carbon fiber frame.

You can't go wrong either way.

giantdefy

I had a Giant Defy Alliance (same concept), even with half carbon frame, it was way too buzzy on rough roads. Hands went numb frequently. Full carbon is the way to go, more comfy, lighter, and better bling factor! My Tarmac is supposed to be one of their stiffer frames, it still is way way more plush than the Defy Alliance. TCR Advanced is the way to go even if the components are a downgrade.

kayakdiver

Tcr

remotelocal

thanks kayakdiver! i'll take your advice and go with the... TCR?

i think i've made my peace with this decision after talking to a mate today, who pointed out that i ride my bike every day, and maybe i should give a set of aksiums and the 105 the brunt of my miles, and see how they hold up, that way if i need to replace anything, it'll be cheaper. And then if in a year's time i haven't killed those components and i feel justified, i can update/upgrade and have the best of both worlds.

that to me makes some kind of sense! and i'm spending a few K, so i think i deserve carbon! righto, now to tell my wife all about how it's cheaper than that other bike i was looking at!

awesomejack

Good choice, I'd go with the Advanced too. In a year or two when you upgrade, you'll have spare parts and a higher level frame

FLvector

Go with the TCR Advanced. Great frame, bottom bracket, etc. The frame is much more important than the minor difference between 105 and ultegra. You might not notice the subtle difference between the two on a quick test ride, but after a 60+ mile ride you will. Don't worry about upgrading the 105 until you wear it out. I have the Advanced 1 and love it.

kayakdiver

yes

kensuf

advanced.