Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR 2

Price Paid:  $950.00 at Olde Towne Bikes

Favorite Ride:
MCB Quantico

Bike Setup:
Stock-I have had no reason to swap anything out other than grip tape.

Summary:
More bang for the buck. Purchased when I decided to get back into cycling after a LONG hiatus, and the technology had left me behind. Smooth welds, insane lightness,and carbon fiber components all at a reasonable price. The 105 components suit the recreational rider well, but racing types will want more. Recently completed my first century, Maryland's Seagull, with this bike, and it did not disappoint-felt like I could do another 100! Giant did its homework. I will be enjoying this bike for a LONG time!

Strengths:
Construction of frame; stem, fork and seatpost are superb; Selle Italia Prolink saddle is comfy.

Weaknesses:
Shifting has been finicky and requires minor adjustment every so often.

Similar Products Used:
Old Serrotta

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Bike Tech, Olympia W

Favorite Ride:
Giant TCR2

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105. Will replace cranks with FSA carbon cranks (when I talk my wife into it).

Summary:
This bike is absolutely great. I've had it for almost two years and the more I ride it, the more I like it. I ride about 140 miles per week and it hasn't missed a beat yet. Its light, strong and fast. Great ascender and decender.

Strengths:
Frame and fork are beautiful and have great lines. Components are strong and reliable. Bike is light and fast.

Weaknesses:
Hutchinson Carbon comp tires wore out in 830 miles. Sidewalls had many cuts and tears.

Similar Products Used:
Canondale R600 (early 90's version).

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
this is it

Summary:
Solid, solid, solid. Biked across Canada with it and took it places no road bike should ever be. I've never had spoke problems, rim problems, or even wheels going out of true (well, one minor tightening in 15,000km). All the components have held up fantastically... I'm 165lbs...

Strengths:
The wheelset will last you your lifetime, the frame is fantastic, the carbon fork & seatpost are nice additions.

I just can't seem to hurt this bike.

Weaknesses:
Not the fastest wheels out there, but like I say... if they'll take that kind of punishment and not even blink, they'll be your training wheelset for a long time.

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Koslow Cycle,Lombard

Favorite Ride:
L.A.T.E. ride downtown, Chicago

Bike Setup:
Stock, new tires imminent.

Summary:
Got the medium frame, I am 6',240lb. With a longer stem, I am now fitted well.Love the bike, supple ride. Wheels (hutchinson carbon comps)stick well, but not durable.Rear hub had to be replaced, defective.Giant sent a whole new wheel. Giant stands behind their product, and I love how the bike handles and accelerates.The color is sweet, and the carbon accents(fork/seatpost)really dampen the ride.Stiff on climbs out of the saddle, compliant on the bumpy stuff. Likes to descend.Best bike I've ever owned.

Strengths:
Price. Noone compares. Spec. Full 105 should last awhile.Frame: among the lightest alum avail, and for the price? SWEET!Wheels? eh, not great,not bad. Good training set.Seat?(selle italia prolink) stiff, most will want to replace.Overall, the best deal out there, if one of the sizes fits you well.

Weaknesses:
The shimano 105 durability issue for me is important. Spent almost 3 weeks cuz my rear hub was defective.Hoping it was a fluke.Paint has several chips from gravel, etc.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SR900 (1991), Raleigh Technium(1989).

Price Paid:  $819.00 at Shop i work at

Favorite Ride:
Fast ones

Bike Setup:
stock, with Egg beater pedals and aero bars.

Summary:
this is my first road bike, i got it because it was a 2002 left over in the shop i work at, i was going to get the 2003 tcr2, but i the yellow grew on me.

Strengths:
pretty much everything. I love the carbon, it absorbs alot of the vibrations.

Weaknesses:
Seat and/or seat post. with the seat slid all the way forward the bike is still too long.

Similar Products Used:
giant ocr 3, ocr 2, ocr 1, tcr 1, tcr composite, marin argenta, marin verona