Dorachagi

Picked up a 2002 (I think) Giant TCR Aero. It is definitely used but in mostly good shape. Decals are peeling but other than one ding the frame is great, not even really scratched anywhere. It is a very lightweight aluminum aero frame with a triangular cross-sectioned seat-tube and extra material at the seatstays for a bit more aero advantage (in theory anyways). It has carbon seatpost, carbon aero fork, carbon headset and shimano R535 wheels with very low spoke count and bladed aero spokes. Cinelli handlebars and Selle Italia saddle. Full Shimano 105 group and Shimano SPD clipless pedals. All is in great shape except the shifters, one just has a few scratches but the other is missing the top cover from an impact. They both work fine but feel a bit rough, but that could very well just be the stiff gunky chain.

I think I'm just going to sell the bike, it's too small for me to ride and I don't really need the components, my sora bits are in much newer condition so I don't think I really want to swap parts. The wheels are kind of tempting, but again mine are in like-new shape and there is almost no weight difference, the shimanos are just more aero.

So what is this thing worth? I've found MSRP from back when new was $1200-1600, but I can't find many used TCR Aeros for sale now so not sure at all what it should be worth.

Thanks for any help and advice Bike Forum!

seejohnbike

heh? If it doesn't fit you and you're not going to swap parts... why'd you buy it?

Whatever... anyway, the point is that the frame really doesn't make it anything special. Even if it's an aero frame, it's an aero frame from about 10 years ago, manufactured by a big-name brand. I'd imagine it's aerodynamic characteristics are nothing special by today's standards, and it's not like there's a huge market for 'vintage' Giant frames.

Price it accordingly with any other used (circa 2002), full 105, aluminum frame bike from a big manufacturer, for whatever your local market dictates. Don't forget to drop the price a bit for the missing top cover.

Also, if the chain is gunky, either clean it or replace it. If the shifters feel clunky, then re-cable them.

Also also, fix your bars angle/shifter placement.

Dorachagi

Thanks for the info.

I intend to clean the chain, I picked this up yesterday and have no intention of riding it so it hasn't been very urgent but I'd like it riding smooth for selling it. Cables I have not done before, but I like learning new things so if the clean chain doesn't smooth things out I'll give it a try.

I bought it because I went to pick up a barely used Motobecane Mirage Pro for my wife's first road bike and they said I could have both bikes for $300 total. Also, I thought I might want the wheels or some of the components but have since changed my mind.

As for the handlebar angle/shifter position, I'm not sure what you mean. Do you just mean it needs to be as low as possible for looks?

And for the price, I know it's not worth a ton, it seems like even new back in 2002 Giant was asking too much for these. It's really not a serious TT bike or anything, just a more aero TCR. It does feel pretty light though, sub-20lbs by a tiny bit I would guess (comparing it to my Allez which is right at 20). But considering I paid about $150 I think I should be able to recoup some money on the other bike.

Would it be fair to ask $400obo and be flexible or is that just crazy talk?

Thanks again for the advice Bike Forums!

fly:yes/land:no

you should be able to turn a profit.

here is a link to a comp sold on ebay.uk less than a year ago. i think that is a very optimistic price, but it is the only one i could find in the last year. if you live in a large cycling market, you could craigslist it. if you are not, you could try ebay.

rat fink

$300-$400

Hida Yanra

yep - 400 is a decent target for that bike

dtrain

Very wise of you to grab both bikes IMO. I've made a few grand the last couple of summers doing this kind of thing. You likely can grab a new shifter cover on ebay for a few bucks (search 'shifter nameplate'). That would certainly be worth the increased resale. You might also be able to lube the cables in a few spots (in/out of housing) and improve the feel. As to the 'placement' - just rotate the bars down a little. Lower the saddle for your ad pic's as well.

I'd ask a little more than $400 in Portland, but this is a pretty strong market for used bikes.

Dorachagi

Thanks folks, that's exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate the advice!