Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR Advanced SL 1

Price Paid:  $6200.00 at LBS Woodinville Bike

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Vashon Island

Bike Setup:
SRAM RED everything, giant bars and stem (which are surprisingly light and comfortable. Cosmic Carbone SL clincher wheels, specialized Ronin saddle (I know, sacriligious but this is the most comfortable race saddle in the world!).

Summary:
I've been riding the 2010 TCR Advanced SL ISP for about a month now. Probably around 500 miles on it so far and one road race. I looked at so many different bikes in my search for a new road bike, I feel your pain if you can't decide. However, say what you want about Giant being a big conglomerate company that ships their bikes to Thailand to be built, this is one incredible bike. For one, out of the box with zipp cages, chromoly speedplay pedals and cosmic carbone wheels, this weighs in at 15.48lbs. Take and put your favorite pair of carbon tubulars on and you are right at 15lbs +/- depending on the brand and weight of those wheels. The Cosmics roll really nice and are very aero, but I wouldn't use these for a climbing course. But with Tubulars on this thing, it is very responsive and when you stand to sprint or climb it doesn't waste a watt. Plus, for a race bike this is very smooth over chip seal and rougher roads. I think the ISP has something to do with this as I've heard the regular seat post is stiffer and gives a harsher ride. If you are worried about getting an ISP, don't, with the two clamps that come with the bike you have from 20mm to 40mm of adjustment, but if you are spending this much on a bike, get a bike fit. I can't tell the different between this bike and a Cervelo R3...same ride quality, smoothness and stiffness. As with the R3, I felt if I could put a knobby tire on the Giant, I would also use it for cyclocross as it just feels so solid over the rough stuff. The Red group it comes with works seamlessly and is an easy switch from the harder shifting Dura ace and thumb shifting Campy. Overall, love this bike, can't wait to race on it more, plus...this thing looks way better in person than any pics I could find online.

Strengths:
Stiffness, but very compliant for a race bike. Looks even better in person.

Weaknesses:
Spendy, but with the components you get, this is ready for any racing right out of the box.

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed, Cervelo, Velovie, older Giant TCR's

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Looping around Loomis

Bike Setup:
Specialized Toupe seat, 50x34 crank, 11-28 cassette

Summary:
I replaced a 2004 ?Giant TCR with this new Giant. It is a remarkable upgrade. this bike is much stiffer and corners better and descends much better than the previous model. I have 500 miles on the bike and am very glad i made the cahnge. The ride is very comfortabel also, I'm fresh after a 3-4 hour ride.

Strengths:
Light weight, stiffness. components, comfortable ride, good looking bike.

Weaknesses:
Pricey but you get a lot for your money

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR, Waterford RS 12

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
DA7900
Mavic Ksyrium Premium
FSA alu bars, RaceFace stem

Summary:
In short, this bike is amazing. Having ridden Giant TCR's in previous years, I was always nervous about the harsh ride and twitch handling. This newest frame/setup, however, is nothing short of perfect in my mind.

Very stable and stiff in a sprint (both bb and fork/head tube), but not at all chattery. This bike rides as comfortably as my other "less racy" bikes, but is able to really perform when I want it to. I could put in 100mi. days on this frame very comfortably, but it is unparalleled for racing use as well.

Strengths:
Stable and stiff, yet forgiving in all the right ways
D-A 7900 is nice, but not the be-all-end-all

Weaknesses:
Price
Why price the Ultegra SL and DA versions so differently?