Giant TCR Composite 2 Road Bike Reviews

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Silent Sports (LBS)

Model Year:
2011

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 components, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheelset.

Summary:
Got this bike not too long ago as an intro into road riding.
It's given me great rides so far and I really have no complaints.
I did switch the stock Giant wheelset to a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elite.

For those who care, the weight of the bike stock (with 2 cages, a computer and Shimano 105 pedals) was 19.5lbs.
After the wheelset swap, it was 18.3lbs.
Not that this matters to me in the slightest since I'm only beginning, but it was nice to know.

Strengths:
Responsiveness, great bike for me to start on.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
None... was a mountain biker.

Price Paid:  $850.00 at used

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Replacement components: WH-R500 rear wheel with Vittoria Rubino tire, 105 RD, Shimano PRO PLT Round Handlebars and PLT Stem, E3 Form Ti Saddle, Fizik Microtex tape.

Pedaled via. Crank Brothers Candy C's.

Summary:
Odds are, no one will care about a 2006 bike now, but anyhoo: I bought this bike used in case of a "rough" start with road bikes. It wasn't just used, but also involved in a crash beforehand which was claimed only to damage the RD and wheel. Previous owner replaced said components (WH-R500 rear wheel, 105 RD) as well RD hanger as well as drivetrain (Still Ultegra 6600) while he was at it. So while it was seemingly below original spec I took the owner's word in it being a perfectly working bike.

Since then, I've been abusing the bike down rough hills and despite it's age and crash, it's perfect. Maybe this is partly due to the owner being right about the frame being clear of damage, but regardless: wow.

The frame is a size larger than Giant recommends (oddly, the previous owner was no taller than I was), but it has always fit like a glove. Handling is a bit quick - perhaps because of it being my first road bike. I will note that after I did some component swaps (see setup), I can't ride no-handed with confidence.

Comfort is nothing to complain about even though this is a bit of a competition-focused bike.

I couldn't make out much regarding the pedaling response qualities since I'm about 140lb. I'd be baffled to notice flex - which there isn't. I can't even find faults with the unpopular wheel choice it's equipped with (Mavic Aksium and Shimano WH-R500).

Maybe it's due to their age, but the brake pads (just the pads) may leave something to be desired. They will slow down the bike well-enough, but not so much of give that "bite" for quick stops at low speed.

Overall I'm pleased with the bike, albiet the fact I have it a bit below it's original spec with a lot of usage. If anything, that just gives the frame a bit more credit. Great ride. 5 stars not because it's the best bike in the world, but there's not really anything substantial to complain about. Yes, this is partly due to the care taken by the previous owner, but it's 2010 as of now, and I don't have any desire replacing this 4 year old bike at all.

Strengths:
Comfort, fits well despite the sizing disrepancies, apparently lasting into it's second owner (me) after a crash and 4 years.

Weaknesses:
I've never tried 105 brakes out the box, so maybe this complaint about pads is due to their age. Aksium wheelset isn't the lightest thing around, if you're counting.

Price Paid:  $1350.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
giant tcr c2

Bike Setup:
2005 Giant TCR composite 2, Full Ultegra Group, Ksyrium equippe wheels

Summary:
Light and stiff, great power transfer. Handling is race inspired and could be a little twitchy if you're used to a touring bike, but is precise and enjoyable.

Strengths:
Weight, stiffness, good components. Great mix of forgiving ride feel due to the carbon frame, but stiff enough for great power transfer.

Weaknesses:
Not for those wanting a bike for loaded touring, or upright riding position.

Price Paid:  $1750.00 at Velocity, Edmonton

Favorite Ride:
Trossachs (Scotland)

Bike Setup:
Standard: Full Ultegra groupset, Mavic Aksium race wheels, Michelin Pro Race 2 tyres, Race Face bars and stem, Fi:zik Arione saddle.
Upgrades - I have a pair of Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels which will come out for special occasions.

Summary:
I bought this in the sale at the weekend - below cost! I've raced and trained on Giant compact frames since 2006 and haven't looked back since then. This was a chance to upgrade to a full carbon bike and this spec at this price is a steal!! The carbon frame is soooo comforatble, yet responsive and fast too. It feels like having a tailwind on the climbs, pity the legs don't!

Strengths:
Wonderful complete package with the Mavic wheels and full Ultegra Groupset. A real carbon seatpost and a decent saddle are nice and the Race Face bars and stem seem fine too, appearing identical to Giant's own branded ones?

Weaknesses:
Why don't they just supply pedals with it to complete the groupset?

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR Alliance with 105 gears, Ultegra chainset, Tiagra brakes(why?) and those Xero XSR wheels which is replaced by the C2, Giant TCR carbon with 9 speed Dura Ace and handbuilt wheels (in my pre-Canada life)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
1999 or older

Bike Setup:
all stated above all at just under 13lbs thanks giant giant bicycles your frames are perfect for me

Summary:
tcr c2 completly gutted except levers and deraileurs ultegra crank dura ace chain and cassett junked the factory mavic rims and replaced with dura ace wheelesthompson elite seat post and rs stinger saddle from serfas along with the serfas carbon bottle cages

Strengths:
bad to the bone ! bike climbs very fast nice comfortable rigid ride

Weaknesses:
quite nervous on fast descentsbut got used to it quickly