Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR C2

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at LBS.. University Cyc

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
hill country

Bike Setup:
full ultegra double
Aksiun race wheelset (a little heavy but have proven bombproof even for my larger than average size butt)

Summary:
This is for a 2008 Giant TCR C2. To understand the perspective of this review i am a 6'2" 215lb rider who often uses more strength than technique when riding, The bike is quite good looking and a great value for the dollar compared to a lot of the similarly equipped bikes I tested from competitors. The value allowed me to entertain purchasing carbon as compared to aluminum. The bike is fast and eficient and light enough for the level of riding I do (30 to 50 mile rides with moderate hills and some longer charity rides), set up with good componentry (Ultegra front to back), stiff and effecient through the drivetrain/bottom bracket, but is a little flexi in the cockpit. Overall it is a great bike for the $ and joy to ride.

Strengths:
-value for the dollar
-strong component group
-very comfortable bike
-Stiff and effecient drivetrain/bottom bracket
-easy on the eyes

Weaknesses:
-sloshy cockpit (do not know if it the fork or the whole front end)that leads to little less confidence on speedy descents. Does not track anywhere neer as securely as my old steel bike. I am sure my weight and riding style contribute greatly to the flexy front end I am experiencing.
-the paint job is actually just a sticker wrap that was not clear coated over.. slight peelback is annoying.

Similar Products Used:
I came of an old steel frame from the 80's and test road these models
Specialized roubaix
Scott
Jamis
Bianchi

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Price Paid:  $2050.00 at Bicycle Warehouse, T

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
One with climbs

Bike Setup:
Full Ultegra, including brakes and pedals
Mavic Aksium wheels
Race Face Cadence stem
Race Face Bar
Fizik Arione saddle

Summary:
This is a review of a 2008 Giant TCR C2, 56cm, full Ultegra including brakes and pedals. I have been riding a 1987 Dave Moulton Fuso steel bike with Campagnolo components up to this point, so please keep that in mind as you read this. I test rode an 2008 Orbea Orca, 2008 Madone 5.2, Cervelo RS, Pinarello FR5, and Scott Addict R4 prior to purchasing the C2. Although the Cervelo was a standout, it wasn't substantially better than the Giant, and was twice as much money (granted, with Dura-Ace). The Giant feels tight, well integrated as if all the components and frame work together to help the rider do the work as efficiently as possible. My Fuso is really stiff through the BB, but the Giant feels even more solid than the Fuso and every bit as stiff as Madone or Cervelo. Steering is quick, not nervous or twitchy, just race-bike quick. Descents are simply awesome, the C2 never giving any indications of putting a wrong wheel forward. I've been over 52 MPH so far, the fastest I've ever been on a bike, and it felt simply awesome. Also, the stock saddle, a Fizik Arione, was the most comfortable saddle of all the bikes I tried. In summary, although my point of reference with the Fuso is a bit low, the Giant TCR C2 is a tremendous bike regardless of cost. If you factor in the cost, well, it kinda seems like a steal. For a rec rider like me, this bike is damm near perfect.

Strengths:
Fantastic riding qualities
Stiff but compliant/well damped frame
Well integrated frame and component set
Great value for $$
Beautiful to look at, at least to my eyes

Weaknesses:
I've only been on it for 80 miles, but none so far.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo RS
Madone 5.2
Orbea Orca
Pinarello FR5
Scott Addict R4

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
mavic ksyrium elite, dura ace crank.

Summary:
bike is alright, frame flexes on fast descents and does not inspire confidence. fork steerer tube severely corroded after first summer, giant replaced it but still a problem after only 1800km on new fork ( can't even remove spacers )

Strengths:
great value for money.

Weaknesses:
do not sweat on it (steerer tube corrodes very easily).