Cannondale CAAD 7 vs. Giant TCR Composite 1
 

I am deciding between two bikes. One is a Cannondale CAAD 7 frame built up with Campy Chorus and proton wheels, the other is the stock Giant TRC composite 1. I am 6’2” and weigh 195 lbs. I have ridden both bikes but the shops here only have limited stock on hand. I rode a 58cm Cannondale that seemed to fit me quite well. I have also ridden a medium Giant that was too small. I rode a large aluminum giant that seemed large and sluggish after the carbon. The carbon large no doubt will ride much better but I won’t have that choice before I buy. Both bikes will cost me roughly the same amount. The cannondale shop will allow me to swap out parts at very reasonable prices, where the Giant dealer stocks very little in the way of longer or shorter stems, etc.

What are all of your experiences with each of these bikes? The Cdale felt very stiff to me, but not overly harsh. The Giant felt nearly as stiff in a medium with a lively and cushy feel. Is the large Giant similarly stiff, or do you lose some stiffness with the larger size? Any comments welcome.

Was the Large Giant aluminum frame the TCR or the OCR?

The difference in geometry between the TCR and OCR is very significant.

Yea, it was an OCR so it will be difficult to compare with the TCR. How different are they?

Very, the TCR has steeper angles and a much shorter wheelbase.

It, the OCR, is intended for touring.

FWIW I also considered the CAAD 7 and the TCR. I ended up with the TCR composite. My final decision was based on the way that they climbed, I need all the help that I can get, and I preferred the TCR. Also, the compact geometry worked for me.

If you are worried about which stem size to go with I had no problems when my bike shopped notified Giant that I needed a different stem size. They ordered the new size from Giant a week or two after I took delivery and swapped it out when the new stem arrived. Giant took the original back. If you think that you know what length you want specify it when you order.

Thanks for the info. I too need all the help I can get going uphill. Did you find the TCR to be stiffer than the Cdale when climbing, or just lighter? How tall are you, and what do you weigh? When I tried the OCR I was more concerned about top tube length. From the specs the dealer had it appears that the OCR and the TRC share the same TT length. How long have you had your TCR? Are you happy with your choice?

I am 5' 10'' and weigh 175 - 185.

I rode the TCR alloy for the last one and a half seasons. In november I upgraded the frame to the TCR Composite and just swapped all the parts (Ultegra, Cosmos, SLR).

I live in Toronto so I've only been out on the road since mid Feb. That being said I have logged enogh miles to say that I really enjoy the bike. Less punishing than the Alloy and a little stiffer through the bottom bracket, which is why I think it climbs so well, great power transfer. As far as sizing since the old bike had the exact same specs it wasn;t an issue. Fits great, I know that everyone says that with the limited sizes offered that you have to compromise on fit. I have not found this to be the case, if you get the seat setback right and the right stem you will find that it can fit anyone.

Thanks for the info. Are you on a medium or large?

Medium.

both are good bikes - if both can fit you and both look good to ya, decide by which has the better components for the price you're paying.