Fast, Durable, Fantastic Value

OEM wheels are a bit heavy

You can spend more but unless you ride competitively, I gotta wonder why? I've riden multiple bikes (road, mtn, and hybrid) for a number of years and have had this TCRC2 for a good percentage of my riding days. No other bike I've ever owned has provided such satisfaction and enjoyment as my Giant. In 2013 I thought I should upgrade simply because I figured a more modern and expensive bike had to be better but thankfully I didn't sell my Giant because after a couple weeks I came back. I did end up purchasing some lighter carbon wheels for when I wanted to be as fast as possible. The new wheels are faster and provide an more compliant ride but for normal training days the OEM wheels are fine.

Durability. This thing is a rock. No breakdowns ever. No rust anywhere. No need even to replace any cables and I have thousands of miles on this thing. I've had it tuned at the beginning of each season by a local bike shop but the wheels stay true and the components remain perfect. The only thing I've ever had an issue with was an aftermarket item that did not come on the bike orginally.

If you're looking for a lightweight carbon fiber bike, this thing is amazing. New wheels makes it better but it's built great and is fast!

Comfort
Component group
Solid at high speeds

Externally routed cables (not a bid deal though)

This review is for a 2008 Giant TCR C2. I have had this bike for roughly a month (bought it used), and loved every ride with it so far. Since this is my first "worthy" bike, I don't have enough experience with other solid bikes to judge it against others. Still, the lack of experience doesn't diminish how much I enjoy riding this bike. The Aksium wheelset is fast, and very durable. The Ultegra components are very smooth shifting, and work great. The geometry of the frame is confortable, yet aggressive. My only issue (if you could call it that) is that the cables are routed externally.

Similar Products Used:

Jamis Ventura Sport

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

-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.

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.

Similar Products Used:

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

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

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

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.

Similar Products Used:

Cervelo RS
Madone 5.2
Orbea Orca
Pinarello FR5
Scott Addict R4

great value for money.

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

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 )