C8H18Rider

I'm about to buy my first carbon road bike and have it narrowed down to the Giant TCR.
I have an option for a new 2014 Advanced 1 with Force 22 that is on sale for $2400 and marked down from $3450. The other option is a 2016 Advanced 1 with full ultegra that is $2350 brand new. Here are the links below:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...e/14797/66271/
TCR Advanced 1 (2016) | Giant Bicycles | United States

Does anybody have any idea why the 2014 Advanced 1 was so much more expensive than the 2016? I feel like I would be losing something by getting the 2016. Are the 2016 frames going to be stiffer and lighter than the 2014? And what are your opinions on Force or Ultegra as a newb? I'll be riding anywhere between 60-100 miles a week over the next 4 years on this thing.

I'm basically just trying to choose the better bike of the two. Which one do I get more for my money? Any input is helpful and appreciated because I am completely new to this. Thanks guys

Xherion

I believe the difference you see in pricing was due to the fact that in 2014, Giant produced 3 different carbon frame layups, Advanced SL, Advanced and the base composite grade. So in 2014, the TCR Advanced used the mid grade weave (Advanced) while the entry level TCR Composite used the base composite weave. In 2015, Giant eliminated the base composite grade and just used the Advanced weave for all carbon TCRs, except the TCR Advanced SL, which still used the top Advanced SL weave. So in 2015 and newer, the three lines are Advanced SL, Advanced Pro and Advanced. The 2014 Advanced would compare more along to the lines of the modern Advanced Pro in terms of the TCR tiering.

Anyways, long story short, don't look at the MSRP to make your decision and don't put too much weight into what model year the TCR fell into in terms of the three spec lines. Both models you are looking at are pretty comparable and your choice should be based upon mainly if you like SRAM vs Shimano. But you're comparing what was the mid tier TCR in 2014 to what is now the base model TCR in 2015-2016. I believe in 2016, the TCR also has thinner seat stays, which is supposed to make it more comfortable.

lsberrios1 

2016 all the way. I have both SL models and i think the new frame is quite a bit better. Plus brand new ultegra i would think is a more relaible group than 2 year old force.

exime

Carbon is always improving so imo you always go for the newer frame. Could say the same about aluminum now too with the more invisible welded super light frames.

macca33

Yep - carbon lay-ups changed and the 2016 IS a better rig than the 2014 version.

cheers