Description The identical frame and fork as the top of the line "0" model with it's own unique graphic package and a mix of Dura-Ace, Ultegra and other premium componentry.
Bike Setup: Stock, only thing is I changed the cassette from the stock 12-25T Ultegra to an 11-23T Ultegra (the bike is race-intended)
Summary: This is for the 2008 model. Keep in mind that 3500$ is in Canadian $ (bikes are more expensive in Canada although our dollar is almost the same as US), including the outrageous 12.66% sales tax that all good Quebeccers pay on everything they buy...
An amazing value for a racer looking for a more affordable bike. I don't think there is any other bike that comes equipped with the new Ultegra SL for that kind of price. The bike is EXTREMELY stiff and very good around corners. I used to ride an aluminum frame, so obviously, the feeling is very different. I don't feel the road as much, which is not necessarily a good thing. However, this means that there is a lot less impact on my core muscles, so it prevents core fatigue. I would stick to aluminum if I would build a criterium-specific bike, but carbon would be my choice for anything else.
Strengths: The RaceFace handlebar has a cool look and feels oh-so-good out of the saddle.
It descends like Alberto Tomba.
Very nice stiffness.
Quality-to-price rate is excellent.
Low-key graphics mean the paint job won't make me look retro in 5 years, but still looks VERY nice.
I got A1 customer service from Giant Canada.
Weaknesses: I have to make an effort to find one, but I would say that it is so stiff that you lose a bit of feeling for the road that you get from a more flexible frame.
Similar Products Used: Lemond Nevada City 2005
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Summary: This is a 2008 bike. I love the bike. I trialled a Scott and a Carerra but I love the Giant. I have gained so much confidence on this bike. It is smooth and light but rigid enough. Came with a Fizik Arione saddle which is a great saddle. Only thing i would say is why is the lower half of the bike white...arrrrgh, it shows all the dirt and road grease.
Strengths: Great bike and so comfortable on long rides and super up hills. Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels are nice and light. Ultegra components provide such a smooth change. So nice on some of the rougher roads around Melbourne.
Weaknesses: None that I have found. It took me a little time to get used to the carbon frame, it is a very different ride from my old Raceline frame but now I love it and I feel like
Similar Products Used: Scott CR1 Pro, Carerra Nitro
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Summary: well to be frank this bike is just simply amazing. Handles like a dream and is very responsive. Rides very well as a climbers bike once a compact chainring is added on. The bottom bracket allows one to transfer lots of power with each pedal stroke without expending a large amount of energy. Comfterable like a plush type bike but rides like true race bike. At times riding it felt more like riding something that was worth a bit more money.
Strengths: Very responsive and light. Excellent climbing bike as the geometry of the frame allowed more power to go down to the pedals. Cuts out so many vibrations in the road; had to be very rough road or hard packed dirt to feel. the bike had room to grow with. Handles like a dream in a fast moving pack. Can be used in everything from Crits and hillclimbs to Long distance centuries.
Weaknesses: has a slightly smaller frame than that of which im used to which is a result of the sloping geometry. The tyres that come with the bike were very prone to puncturing and needed to be replaced within the first 3 months. the Aliante Saddle was not as comfertable as others that would come with a bike of this caliber and price.
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Bike Setup: standard TCR-c1:- ultegra set (brakes, gears etc.), mavic rims etc. Added FSA compact carbon groupset 50 f/ring as I am getting older, and not racing anymore. carbon bottle grips, wireless cadence/clock
Summary: Amazing! Fitted with FSA S-10 carbon compact groupset (included in quoted $). Road in training and then the Hartley Ability Cycle Challenge (476kms Canberra to Charlotte Pass (Snowy Mtns) and back) twice now. Climbing easy, on road smooth (kept the teeth in my head), fabulous downhill. (got > 85km/h down from Perisher in a cross wind). Very stable, but small frame took some getting used to. Ultegra gear all round - love the action, brakes superb (but not as good as the XT on my MTB). This bike replaced my 25 yr old Vitus Tour-de-France crit bike (Galli, Campag etc). With full size gears, the Giant is faster than the Vitus and more comfortable to ride.
Strengths: Ultra light weight, absorbs all road vibrations - no sore hands/seat anymore!, turns in beautifully and very easy to control at all speeds. An absolute joy to ride. Ultegra full set fantastic. Doesn't need the DuraAce unless seeded top A class for racing.
Weaknesses: longer w/b means not quite as fast in turns as the Vitus, but much more controllable. expensive (AU$5600)
Similar Products Used: Vitus TdF crit bike (Galli brakes, campag/shimano duraAce gear 10/19 block - 58 f/ring, down tube shifters, 3T bars - classic road bike, now sits in garage looking good.
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