giant tcr composite vs. specialized e5 sworks
12-30-04, 11:51 PM
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giant tcr composite vs. specialized e5 sworks
I know these types of threads putting one bike versus another gets kinda old, but I need some opinions on those who've ridden both. From reading threads and old searches, I think both bikes are in the same league, ie. they're both fast, crit-type bikes.
So here's my dilemma. I was offered a good deal on an Sworks E5 frameset and lately have been daydreaming about how quick and responsive it would be (from all the positive reviews I've seen). But then I came across a great deal on the TCR composite, and I jumped at it. I've always loved how they looked, so I couldnt pass it up. But now I've got the visions of a super, all-out race frame in the E5 in the back of my head.
I know the all aluminum E5 frame would be "harsh," but I wouldn't care as long as the harshness was repaid with pure performance. So what I'm hoping for from the TCR is that same performance, but without some of the buzz. Is that asking too much? Can I honestly have the performance of the E5 with the smoothness of carbon? Thanks in advance for your input.
So here's my dilemma. I was offered a good deal on an Sworks E5 frameset and lately have been daydreaming about how quick and responsive it would be (from all the positive reviews I've seen). But then I came across a great deal on the TCR composite, and I jumped at it. I've always loved how they looked, so I couldnt pass it up. But now I've got the visions of a super, all-out race frame in the E5 in the back of my head.
I know the all aluminum E5 frame would be "harsh," but I wouldn't care as long as the harshness was repaid with pure performance. So what I'm hoping for from the TCR is that same performance, but without some of the buzz. Is that asking too much? Can I honestly have the performance of the E5 with the smoothness of carbon? Thanks in advance for your input.
12-31-04, 12:50 AM
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Well, I know you'v heard this before but I would have to say....
test ride them both
(old line, I know)
To answer your question, yes IMO you can have the race performance of the E5 without the buzz with a carbon frame. I don't know if the TCR is the frame though.
test ride them both
(old line, I know)To answer your question, yes IMO you can have the race performance of the E5 without the buzz with a carbon frame. I don't know if the TCR is the frame though.
12-31-04, 05:14 AM
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Did you try the TCR aluminum frame? Man is it stiff...if I was going to ride crits again, for about $1,100 with Ultegra, it's a great racing bike and not too pricey...that's like OCR1 pricing...
Giant's carbon program this year will absolutely drive other bike companies nuts...one frame (the Formula One which is the TMobile frame) with various groupsets and Ultegra on Ullrich's frame will be around $1,600...compare that to Trek's Madone series (or even the 5000 which with Ultegra/105/Bontrager mix is about two grand on the old 120 frame) and if you like compact rides, Giant kills them. I could sell 10 today if I could get them...
Giant's carbon program this year will absolutely drive other bike companies nuts...one frame (the Formula One which is the TMobile frame) with various groupsets and Ultegra on Ullrich's frame will be around $1,600...compare that to Trek's Madone series (or even the 5000 which with Ultegra/105/Bontrager mix is about two grand on the old 120 frame) and if you like compact rides, Giant kills them. I could sell 10 today if I could get them...
12-31-04, 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Did you try the TCR aluminum frame? Man is it stiff...if I was going to ride crits again, for about $1,100 with Ultegra, it's a great racing bike and not too pricey...that's like OCR1 pricing...
Giant's carbon program this year will absolutely drive other bike companies nuts...one frame (the Formula One which is the TMobile frame) with various groupsets and Ultegra on Ullrich's frame will be around $1,600...compare that to Trek's Madone series (or even the 5000 which with Ultegra/105/Bontrager mix is about two grand on the old 120 frame) and if you like compact rides, Giant kills them. I could sell 10 today if I could get them...
Giant's carbon program this year will absolutely drive other bike companies nuts...one frame (the Formula One which is the TMobile frame) with various groupsets and Ultegra on Ullrich's frame will be around $1,600...compare that to Trek's Madone series (or even the 5000 which with Ultegra/105/Bontrager mix is about two grand on the old 120 frame) and if you like compact rides, Giant kills them. I could sell 10 today if I could get them...
12-31-04, 09:00 AM
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I rode the TCR comp 3 yesterday, and at $1600 is a real bargain. Don't they want something like 1400 for the frame alone? They also pulled out of the box a new T-mobile painted TCR comp. Beautiful, if you like logos, and feather light. My store had them in stock.
My prediction is that by next year (2006, not 2005) there will be sub $1000US CF frames by the name brand companies, not just generic Taiwanese. They (Giant, Felt, Specialized, maybe Trek and Cdale) will be willing to put their names on these. These will obliterate the aluminum frame market. Imagine a Trek 3000 series of sub $1000 retail complete bikes with CF frames. CF isn't exotic anymore. The only thing that may stop this is the USD exchange rate, although maybe Giant kept the price constant this year by producing them cheaper to counter the exchange variance. (I'm sure they did.)
I'm looking at CF bikes now, and nobody I've spoken to has even suggested looking at the aluminum/CF stay bikes.
My prediction is that by next year (2006, not 2005) there will be sub $1000US CF frames by the name brand companies, not just generic Taiwanese. They (Giant, Felt, Specialized, maybe Trek and Cdale) will be willing to put their names on these. These will obliterate the aluminum frame market. Imagine a Trek 3000 series of sub $1000 retail complete bikes with CF frames. CF isn't exotic anymore. The only thing that may stop this is the USD exchange rate, although maybe Giant kept the price constant this year by producing them cheaper to counter the exchange variance. (I'm sure they did.)
I'm looking at CF bikes now, and nobody I've spoken to has even suggested looking at the aluminum/CF stay bikes.
